Connecting Cast Iron to PVC drain-pipe.

[Kingshakabobo]

I'm adding a bathroom in my condo... I domo'd the floor to gain access to the main waste-pipe and, much to my chagrin, found cast-iron pipe instead of the PVC I was expecting. I expected PVC because the basement is finished off in PVC but, apparently, the developer didn't change out this portion when he flipped the units 10 years ago. The cast-iron goes in to the brick wall and exits in the basement...

Question: I've seen, in plumbing books, cast-iron connected to PVC with a banded neoprene coupling.....Has anyone had any experience doing this? I'm nervous about not getting a good "seat" or water-tight connection. I guess I can clean the cast-iron up with sand-paper to ensure a good "seat"?

The plan is to snap the cast-iron, tie in with the neoprene and incorporate a "Y" sweep fitting to extend the waste pipe across the hallway while keeping my toilet about in the same spot(maybe a few inches forward)..

Everything else is working as planned... the joists are running the right way.....I have room for pitch....AND I don't even have to tear up my hardwood hally floor as there is a clear shot under the floor.

[Stinky The Clown]

1. The coupling you describe is the right way to connect them

The neoprene has enough 'give' to ensure a tight seal. Further, since there's no pressure in a waste pipe, it will make a watertight joint in almost any cicumstance I can imagine. Once installed, this sort of joint will last virtually as long as the pipe.

[Kingshakabobo]

2. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

That makes sense - not under pressure... I have another question(s)..if I may.

Now, how to cut that bad-boy?

I suppose I have two choices.

1.sawz-all.....which will take all day.

or...

2. the chain snapper

I think I can get in there with a chain snapper - I've never used one but the old-timer neighbor(he's helping me) has had a little experience.

My only fear with the snapper is if I crank on it too much I might loosen the joint at the wall. If something goes wrong in/beyond that brick I'm screwed. I'm thinking the sawz-all won't put too much pressure on the joint.......maybe some vibration but not a lot of pressure. I would THINK the vibration would be absorbed/minimized in that 50 pounds of iron.

Any thoughts?

[Stinky The Clown]

3. I have zero experience cutting cast iron

I've used the neoprene collars to join it to PVC, but never had to cut it. I'm told the chain snapper's are pretty accurate in their cutting, but can't give you any more info than that.

[Jersey Devil]

4. I hate to bring this up but that sure looks like asbestos to me

on the main waste pipe, wrapped in canvas. I know what it looks like because my Dad was a pipe coverer and I've seen many like it. If it is you better be careful not to disturb it.

[Kingshakabobo]

5. It's gone! It turns out it was only cast-iron - no wrapping....

I think the dust makes it appear as if it's wrapped...

I ended up using an angle grinder with a diamond blade....It went through the cast-iron like a hot knife through butter. I had to deal with a few sparks but it went pretty fast once I got the hang of it. I kept a fire extinguisher handy just in case.

Thanks for your concern, BTW. :)

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