stuck sewer line cleanout plug
#1
11-14-00, 08:07 AM
I need to remove a 4 inch caste iron main line waste plug. It is very old and quite rusty. I tried a large pipe wrench. No way.The pipe is embedded in a concrete block wall.
#2
11-16-00, 09:05 AM
I have heard that sometimes you need to break these plugs to get them out, then replace with a new plug. I am not sure how I would go about breaking it, probably use a masonary to drill some relief holes and see if I could break a litle piece to get going. In any case, you will probably not be able to salvage it.
#3
11-16-00, 10:26 AM
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I have seen a plumber free one of these things by giving it a few good sharp raps with a large ball-peen hammer.
He struck it on the side of the piece, not on the plug.
I would be prepared for it to break though. Cast iron is pretty brittle.
He struck it on the side of the piece, not on the plug.
I would be prepared for it to break though. Cast iron is pretty brittle.
#4
11-16-00, 07:05 PM
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Hi. I had the same type of problem . I ended up breaking the cast iron pipe at the slab. I was lucky an expanding plug sealed the pipe. With that in mind I woud drill a series of holes into the cap. Start with 1/8" steel bit and work your way up to about 3/8" and gently break the cap out. Peel the old cap threads out with a chisle then replace the cap with plastic cap or an expanding plug.Good Luck Woodbutcher
#5
11-16-00, 07:07 PM
I think I'd heat that plug & flange with a torch a little. I'd do it as carefully and evenly around the piece as I could then when it smoked a little , I'd shut down the flame and squirt a good dose WD40 on or as close to the threads as I could. Sometimes "nudges" of push on the pipe wrench can accomplash what steady pressure doesn't.
I'd also be prepared to break the plug out by, as others have said, drilling well and hammering very gingerly. Good Luck.
I'd also be prepared to break the plug out by, as others have said, drilling well and hammering very gingerly. Good Luck.
