Cutting Cast Iron Stack Pipe questions ???

[Rocky]

Our house has the bathroom on the second floor. I get real tired of
running the steps, so I I am adding an extra bathroom in a closet on
the first floor. The only problem is that I have to cut into the 4
inch cast iron stack pipe and install a TEE. I plan to use PVC for
the Tee and the new toilet drain, using those rubber sleeves with
metal around them to place the tee into the original cast iron stack.
I am hopeful that this will support the weight of the stack, since
this is an old and tall house. When I cut into the pipe, I plan to
support the stack pipes above the cutting area.

I have two problems though.
First: What do I use to cut the cast iron pipe? (will a sawsall with a
metal blade cut it, or would a angle grinder with a metal wheel be
better? (I have both tools).

Second: What is the best way to support the pipe? In other words,
what can I clamp around it, where it meets the top of the floor. I
dont have any tools (like a vice grip), large enough to clamp on it.

Thanks in advance for all replies.

Rocky

I am SPAMBLOCKED. REMOVE all the ###'s to send a private reply.

[Robert Hancock]

I believe there is a tool which is basically a chain with blades on it that
you tighten around the pipe and then rotate to cut through the pipe.

--
Robert Hancock Saskatoon, SK, Canada
To email, remove "nospam" from hanc...@nospamhome.com
Home Page: http://members.home.net/hancockr

Rocky <rockyroads###@ina###me.c###om> wrote in message
news:374da610...@news.alpha.net...

[S.J or T.C. Musial]

Get the supports mentioned to hold the pipe up. Be sure your local code
allows doing what you are planning. Do you have a basement.? It will be
easier (and up to current code) to put the Y in below the lowest drain
(first floor toilet). I put in a bathroom upstairs and had to cut into the
existing 4" cast iron pipe for a vent. I got by with the sawzall and 2
carbide blades. I ran the waste to the basement, and put the Y in down
there. I used two sets of pipe braces -- one upstairs and one in the
basement. Then used no-hub connectors to mate the pvc and cast.

Good Luck,

Steve

--
Steve & Tawnya's Home Page http://musial.server101.com

[Bennet K. Langlotz]

My advice comes from an amateur who has studied "Plumbing a House" by
Peter Hemp (Taunton Press), and "Advanced Plumbing from Black and
Decker. I recommend both.

rockyroads###@ina###me.c###om (Rocky) wrote:

>I plan to use PVC for

>the Tee...
>I am hopeful that this will support the weight of the stack...

It will not. You need to support the iron above with a clamp that
rests on house framing. This will be the same clamp, left in place,
that you use to support the pipe while cutting it.

>First: What do I use to cut the cast iron pipe? (will a sawsall with a
>metal blade cut it, or would a angle grinder with a metal wheel be
>better? (I have both tools).

The snap cutter mentioned by another respondent is good, but be aware
that some old iron pipes can be brittle, and you may have a crushed
mess on your hands, instead of two neat cuts. You will go through
many sawzall blades, even if you pick the right ones, but they can be
a good choice.

Another option is to replace the whole stack with PVC, which might
make sense only if you will be into the upper areas. Consider
replacing as much of the accessible iron with PVC now, so that when
the rest craps out in 10 years you can be less invasive in your new
bathroom. (But don't replace iron is water draining noise is an
issue.

Prepare for the worst: a pipe that breaks, and which you are not able
to fix. Have the number of a plumber ready, and don't start the day
before houseguests arrive for the holidays (obvious advice).

Not that I've ever been there, but my reading offered the above tips.

>
>Second: What is the best way to support the pipe? In other words,
>what can I clamp around it, where it meets the top of the floor. I
>dont have any tools (like a vice grip), large enough to clamp on it.

You can buy the needed clamps at any plumbing store. They will know
what you need.
--
Bennet K. Langlotz
ne...@langlotz.com

[Chicago Ralph]

On Thu, 27 May 1999 20:59:30 GMT, rockyroads###@ina###me.c###om
(Rocky) wrote:

>Our house has the bathroom on the second floor. I get real tired of
>running the steps, so I I am adding an extra bathroom in a closet on
>the first floor. The only problem is that I have to cut into the 4
>inch cast iron stack pipe and install a TEE. I plan to use PVC for
>the Tee and the new toilet drain, using those rubber sleeves with
>metal around them to place the tee into the original cast iron stack.
>I am hopeful that this will support the weight of the stack, since
>this is an old and tall house. When I cut into the pipe, I plan to
>support the stack pipes above the cutting area.
>
>I have two problems though.

>First: What do I use to cut the cast iron pipe? (will a sawsall with a
>metal blade cut it, or would a angle grinder with a metal wheel be
>better? (I have both tools).

Hi Rocky, A easy way to cut cast iron pipe is carbide blades
(for a sawsal). They are a little on the high side in price but will
make the job very easy. I had to replace a section of bad iron pipe.

>Second: What is the best way to support the pipe? In other words,
>what can I clamp around it, where it meets the top of the floor. I
>dont have any tools (like a vice grip), large enough to clamp on it.
>

>Thanks in advance for all replies.

As for your second question, I used two pieces of angle iron to form a
clamp. Then used bolts to squeeze the pieces of iron together.
1 piece on each side of the pipe about a foot long. Then with that in
place, you can support the vent stack/drain pipe in what ever manor
you see fit. But beware, that is a lot of very heavy pipe. Be
Careful!

And as a side note to prevent a future leak(s): use pipe fittings
that fit INSIDE each other as the water flows down. This way the only
thing that you are using the rubber gasket for is vapor. Its a little
extra work, but it will never leak water.

Good luck!

Chicago Ralph

[John Welch]

Rocky wrote:
>
> Our house has the bathroom on the second floor. I get real tired of
> running the steps, so I I am adding an extra bathroom in a closet on
> the first floor. The only problem is that I have to cut into the 4
> inch cast iron stack pipe and install a TEE. I plan to use PVC for
> the Tee and the new toilet drain, using those rubber sleeves with
> metal around them to place the tee into the original cast iron stack.
> I am hopeful that this will support the weight of the stack, since
> this is an old and tall house. When I cut into the pipe, I plan to
> support the stack pipes above the cutting area.
>
> I have two problems though.
> First: What do I use to cut the cast iron pipe? (will a sawsall with a
> metal blade cut it, or would a angle grinder with a metal wheel be
> better? (I have both tools).
>

Rocky,
If you notice on Cast Iron sewer pipe there are hubs that slide over
the next piece or spigot. If you break one of these with a pair of
hammers you can then remove that length of pipe [the one that you have
broke the hub from] from the next hub downstream by carefully wigiling
around till you can pull it out.

> Second: What is the best way to support the pipe? In other words,
> what can I clamp around it, where it meets the top of the floor. I
> dont have any tools (like a vice grip), large enough to clamp on it.
>

If you want to support the pipe above a floor just ask the lpumbing
supply house for 4" cast iron riser clamps. Below the floor where the
pipe is horizontal, ask for a clevis hanger, then get a lag bolt and all
thread rod, nuts and washers and support where you need to.

> Thanks in advance for all replies.
>