How should i repair this cast irn drain leak?

[markcal02]

The house i own is 80 years old and has a cast iron drain with a leak. I'm not working at the moment, so i was hoping this is something i could repair myself. Could you tell what is the best way to repair this leak and is this something i could do myself?

I appreciate any help you can offer me and i will post photos too.

 

[Otahyoni]

Well, i'll tell you what i would do it if were my house. You can make your own decision then.

I would wire brush the pipe and try to get it very clean. That way you can see where exactly its leaking. Then maybe try to cover the hole with JB Weld or something similar.

That may not be the correct way to repair it, but that looks like it would be a huge headache to replace.... something i wouldn't even try to attempt myself...

 

[johnjh2o]

Can you see were the leak is coming from? Is it from one of the fittings that has failed or is it from the clean out? If it's from a failed fitting or the pipe itself I would advise you to get a plumber. It will not be a easy repair. The old pipe and fittings would have to be removed. But before doing it the piping above the leak needs to be supported. If not done correctly some one can get seriously injured.

John

 

[markcal02]

The leak is show in the second photo i posted and the Tee on the right in the first picture.
The leak is coming from the fitting.

Would i be able to buy perforated pipe strap and screws to secure the stacks ( there are 3 floors of piping)?

Would there be any chance i could do this myself?

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my question.
Mark

 

[johnjh2o]

Mark, three stories of cast iron is a tremendous amount of weight. I wouldn't even consider trusting band iron to hold it. If I was doing it I would place riser clamps under the hubs near the floor and support them from the basement floor. You would also need to prevent the line from lateral movement before the lines a cut. There is no way I would advise you to do this job. Hire a qualified plumber.

John

 

[KULTULZ]

If the leaks are coming from the fittings (hubs), you can repair/repack the fitting with molten lead. GOOGLE cast iron pipe hub and spigot.

If you need to open the concrete floor, you will have to fabricate a temporary brace(s) and use a riser clamp(s) to support the cast iron overhead. It will come down, especially if not already supported on the 2nd story with a riser clamp(s).

 

[markcal02]

Thank you for your advice and the safety warning, which i will heed.

I hope someday if i get enough experience to help people as you have helped me.

Mark

 

[KULTULZ]

Just heed Johns warnings. He is a professional and I am not. It is a dangerous job but if thought out can be done.

 

[Fansplumbing]

I'm with these guys. That is a BIG job for a do it-yourself-er. I think I just made up a word. Anyway, you can clean the pipe as mentioned above and apply some JB Weld or something similar. I have always liked Aqua-Nu-Doh, it holds up really well.

 

[KULTULZ]

This product may help you reseal the hubs without going to lead-

-HARVEYS SOIL SEAL-