cast iron questions (well not the questions)

petros151 · 07-31-2012, 01:43 AM

I have to cut into Cast Iron and insert a PVC sanitary tee connection for a sink drain to go into.

what do I need to do b4 I cut to minimize sewage coming out (should have have a big bucket ready? ) and then what about the gas if any gas leaks out. It may take me several hours to complete the task of getting a PVC sanitary tee fit into the cut area hate to have any explosions or pass out from gas

can I also use this time to clean out the rest of the cast pipe? if so what should I do ? chimney sweeps brush and water ?

finally I assume I get the 4" S-tee put stubby 4" PVC pieces on the ends and then cut cast so it butts up to the stubs and firnco those joints ... yea?

**oh'mike** · 07-31-2012, 07:02 AM

Water coming out? --Don't let anyone flush toilets or use sinks while you work---

Gas? Cloths pin on the nose?

Don't try cleaning out the pipe like you described---you could clog the lateral line with the crud you dislodge---for cleaning--use a power rodder--(and a pro to operate it?)

Rent a chain breaker to cut the iron----neat,five minute job---

Be sure the iron is properly secured before cutting---Falling iron drains can change your life forever.

petros151 · 07-31-2012, 09:52 AM

the local rent place has a manual chain cutter u were saying a 5 min job I assume with the newer hydrolic one?

The guy said "it's a real pain to use this thing"

so am I getting into trouble if I try this manual one? Don't want to pay for it and then find out I will not be able to do it. He said no one in the area rents a hydrolic. I should mention I have about 3" of clearance in back of the pipe.

as far a support I see I need to strap it right near the cut site, what's the best way to strap to a floor joist these are above it maybe 24" ?

thanks!

**TheEplumber** · 07-31-2012, 10:09 AM

I use what we call ratchet cutters. Same as what Mike refers too. They are not hydraulic and are not a pain to use-- well, maybe for a newbie

Two other options are sallzall or cut off blade in a grinder.
As for supporting the pipe. get a 4" IP riser clamp, attach it about a foot above your work and support it to the ceiling or post up from the floor.

petros151 · 07-31-2012, 10:23 AM

can you post a pic of the ratchet cutter? I have a 4" pipe and a search on that showed up the small pipe cutters I have for copper 1" pipe

is it the same as those copper cutters but bigger?

no one has one for rent here how much are they to buy ? and where ?

thanks!

Alan · 07-31-2012, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petros151

can you post a pic of the ratchet cutter? I have a 4" pipe and a search on that showed up the small pipe cutters I have for copper 1" pipe

is it the same as those copper cutters but bigger?

no one has one for rent here how much are they to buy ? and where ?

thanks!

They are expensive, and nothing like a copper cutter.

http://www.ridgid.com/ASSETS/7F2D1C9..._Cutter_3C.jpg

petros151 · 07-31-2012, 10:35 AM

ok this rental guy said it was a "chain cutter with cutting disks inbetween each link" so that l;ooks like what you guys are talking about

if it's not that hard to use I"ll try it -- any advice? my pipe has 3" of clearance behind it looks like that is enuf

petros151 · 07-31-2012, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan

They are expensive, and nothing like a copper cutter.

http://www.ridgid.com/ASSETS/7F2D1C9..._Cutter_3C.jpg

I got this chain cutter he said it shatters the pipe I thought you spin it around like a copper pipe cutter but no it's stationary --- first time doing this it sounds like the pipe could crack and you could get all kinds of uneven breaking

does this thing really work?

**TheEplumber** · 07-31-2012, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petros151

I got this chain cutter he said it shatters the pipe I thought you spin it around like a copper pipe cutter but no it's stationary --- first time doing this it sounds like the pipe could crack and you could get all kinds of uneven breaking

does this thing really work?

Search YouTube. They show it in action.
Vertical pipe is a little tougher to get positioned but if you have good pipe it's a snap

Sent from my iPhone using DIY Forum

petros151 · 07-31-2012, 01:43 PM

ok I got horizintal pipe and I got two *very clean* cuts!

BUT the piece is still sitting in there!!! How do I get it out without damaging the rest of the pipe ? I hammered a it but it really rattled the rest of the pipe alot...

thanks!

petros151 · 07-31-2012, 03:06 PM

I'll answer my own question what I did was to crack the pipe again inside the cut points and then took a chisel and carefully chipped out some pieces until the center came loose. That process was 100% harder than using the ratchet cutter! The snap cutter (ratchet cutter) is easy as pie one cut took 30"

07-31-2012, 01:43 AM	#1
petros151 Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: PA Posts: 143	cast iron questions (well not the questions) I have to cut into Cast Iron and insert a PVC sanitary tee connection for a sink drain to go into. what do I need to do b4 I cut to minimize sewage coming out (should have have a big bucket ready? ) and then what about the gas if any gas leaks out. It may take me several hours to complete the task of getting a PVC sanitary tee fit into the cut area hate to have any explosions or pass out from gas can I also use this time to clean out the rest of the cast pipe? if so what should I do ? chimney sweeps brush and water ? finally I assume I get the 4" S-tee put stubby 4" PVC pieces on the ends and then cut cast so it butts up to the stubs and firnco those joints ... yea?

07-31-2012, 07:02 AM	#2
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,762	cast iron questions (well not the questions) Water coming out? --Don't let anyone flush toilets or use sinks while you work--- Gas? Cloths pin on the nose? Don't try cleaning out the pipe like you described---you could clog the lateral line with the crud you dislodge---for cleaning--use a power rodder--(and a pro to operate it?) Rent a chain breaker to cut the iron----neat,five minute job--- Be sure the iron is properly secured before cutting---Falling iron drains can change your life forever. __________________ New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

07-31-2012, 09:52 AM	#3
petros151 Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: PA Posts: 143	cast iron questions (well not the questions) the local rent place has a manual chain cutter u were saying a 5 min job I assume with the newer hydrolic one? The guy said "it's a real pain to use this thing" so am I getting into trouble if I try this manual one? Don't want to pay for it and then find out I will not be able to do it. He said no one in the area rents a hydrolic. I should mention I have about 3" of clearance in back of the pipe. as far a support I see I need to strap it right near the cut site, what's the best way to strap to a floor joist these are above it maybe 24" ? thanks!

07-31-2012, 10:09 AM	#4
TheEplumber call me E Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Idaho Posts: 4,144	cast iron questions (well not the questions) I use what we call ratchet cutters. Same as what Mike refers too. They are not hydraulic and are not a pain to use-- well, maybe for a newbie Two other options are sallzall or cut off blade in a grinder. As for supporting the pipe. get a 4" IP riser clamp, attach it about a foot above your work and support it to the ceiling or post up from the floor. __________________ When posting in forums, letting us know your location will help others give better feedback/advice/solutions to your questions

07-31-2012, 10:23 AM	#5
petros151 Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: PA Posts: 143	cast iron questions (well not the questions) can you post a pic of the ratchet cutter? I have a 4" pipe and a search on that showed up the small pipe cutters I have for copper 1" pipe is it the same as those copper cutters but bigger? no one has one for rent here how much are they to buy ? and where ? thanks!

cast iron questions (well not the questions)