Cast Iron joint question...

[doc5md]

How easy/hard is it to remove a lead joint in order to facilitate removal of the coupling; then connect to PVC with a banded fernco, etc?
Thanks,
Quinn

 

[Tjbaudio]

I have drilled out the lead and cleaned up the hub with a side grinder with wire brush. The other option if it is vertical is to melt the lead out. Tho I have drilled and then used the torch. Then use a fernco hub to PVC bushing. It is rubber and goes in with a hammer! Very good seal.

If you are connecting to the non hub side of the pipe you need a banded coupler unless you are out side and burying it.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Kordts]

You can break the pipe down to the hub and use a sawzall to cut a slice of the old pipe out, then chisel it out. If I transition to PVC, I use soil adapters instead of pvc pipe or fittings. The o.d. is different.

 

[NHmaster]

I use a lead pick, specialty tool for removing lead. www.mephestotool.com

 

[hj]

lead

There are many ways to disassemble a lead joint. Each case is different depending on the size, the accessibility, and the tools you have available. The easiest way is usually to cut the cast iron off and use a No-Hub coupling.

 

[doc5md]

Thanks for the answers so far, I'll try to post a picture of what I am planning later tonight.
But essentially, I have a CI wye in the basement on the main stack going out. It is connected to PVC and leaking. Below that is a cleanout, also seeping. I am redoing some of the plumbing and would like to put PVC back in. Ordinarily, I'd just cut the pipe above and below, but there isn't easy access above. So, it would be easiest to cut below and remove the joint above.
Thanks, Quinn

 

[doc5md]

I use a lead pick, specialty tool for removing lead. www.mephestotool.com

That link didn't work for me?

 

[FloridaOrange]

That link didn't work for me?

Try this: http://www.mephistotool.com/

 

[doc5md]

Pictures...

Here are some pictures. Please, keep in mind that no plumbing you see here is my doing!
I'd like to disconnect the wye and go with pvc.
Access to the straight portion of the stack above that weird S fitting is too tight, so disconnecting it would be the best option I think.

end view of the S fitting

The PVC fitting spectacular!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/3549810332_ab8324e062_b.jpg
Thanks, Quinn

 

[Kordts]

NHmaster, I didn't see a lead pick in that site. I just unpacked a lead joint today, I could have used one.

 

[hj]

lead

Cut beneath the Y, then apply one heavy hammer to the side of the hub, while holding a second one against the other side for backup. Repeat as necessary until the hub becomes two pieces. You will have a bead on the end of that offset fitting, (haven't seen one of those in decades), so you will have to cut that off. What you use to do that will depend on the tools you have available.

 

[doc5md]

Thanks HJ,
That offset fitting is wild. The house was built in 1896.
A grinder should be able to remove the bead, right?
Quinn

 

[hj]

bead

Yes. The offsets were made in 2" increments up to 12". The modern ones, if you could find one, are more like 45's rather than 90's.