Rust Spot on Water Pipe (Cast Iron or Black Iron maybe?)

markmaclean80 · 07-22-2007, 02:34 PM

I am a relatively new home owner and have a problem with a rusting and leaking pipe. I am not sure what kind of pipe this is but I'm afraid that it will rust through and cause a major problem. What do you think I should do in order to stop the leak and rust. Not sure what kind of pipe it is but my house was built in the 1920's. Its a water pipe. Here are a couple pictures of my problem:

Any help will be appreciated and thanks in advance.

Mike Swearingen · 07-22-2007, 03:50 PM

Mark,
That is an old cast iron or galvanized drain pipe. (If it were any type of water supply line, there would be a gusher of water coming out of it at all times.)
Your best bet is to cut out all of the rusty weak pipe that you can reach with a reciprocating saw with metal-cutting blades, use no-hub couplings to transition from the old pipe to white plastic PVC of the same size pipe, and replace it.
Good luck!
Mike

redline · 07-22-2007, 05:15 PM

I would check to see where it originates and where it ends.

I would hope that it is not a gas pipe.

Ron The Plumber · 07-22-2007, 05:37 PM

It looks more like a water line to me, best fix it before it's too late. Looks to be embedded in the ceiling, fixing will require you to expose the pipe, removing some of the ceiling.

markmaclean80 · 07-22-2007, 10:55 PM

Well, you guys have pretty much confirmed what I thought. I think it is a water line. I assume I'll have to call the town to shut my water in order to fix it? I don't think I see a valve before it enters the house. I would like to fix this myself but I'm not sure how difficult a job it is. For an amateur like me, would you recommend a professional and how much do you assume it would cost?

Again, thanks for the help. I'm impressed how fast you guys responded to me.

redline · 07-23-2007, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markmaclean80

I don't think I see a valve before it enters the house. I would like to fix this myself but I'm not sure how difficult a job it is. For an amateur like me, would you recommend a professional and how much do you assume it would cost?

Do you just want to repair this one bad section or the whole piece?

It may be wise to install a shut off as this water line enters the house for future situtations.

justdon · 08-22-2007, 09:20 PM

My guess is if you have a water meter their is a valve just before it. IF not when you shut off the water put one in same time,,,better yet,put one on both sides of the meter. If you take the meter out you dont have water back thru the pipes. Do you have a curb stop?? Thats out in the lawn or sidewalk area in front of the house,,,maybe,,depending which way your water comes in. No plumber friends?? They all have curb stop keys. OR call and see how much they charge for a turn off,,,and on?? Otherwise if you cant afford that,,stop by your local grocery and see if they have dry ice,,,pack the line where it comes in and it stops the flow. Best to have all leaks and faucets off, a contiuous trickle will drive you up the wall!!

But as has been said,,,if that pipe is rusted thru and leaking,just a matter of time for more,,,best to replace as much as possibble but a short repair will work for temp too. Is it leaking much?? Can wrap it with couple wraps of inner tube and put a hose clamp over it for temp fix,,,live!!