Rusty Boils on Cast Iron Pipe

House ca. 1958

I noticed some rusty boils appearing on the outside of my cast iron pipe which is the main waste leaving the house. Now, I know relatively nothing about this stuff, and for all I know, it could have been there for some time, but I just now noticed it, and there was some rusty residue running down the pipe from the boils. I attached four pictures. I have been living in this house for just over four years.

I did some research and see some people say it's better when it's a vertical pipe and not to worry, while others are saying start stock piling money as this will be an issue in the future. These were from other websites and forums I have read, not about my own issue.

Any thoughts? Should I do anything myself, call a plumber to change it out, or just let it go until something potentially happens.....which is scary in of itself. Thank you!

 

https://static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/..._AW01?$mdmain$


There are various wrap around products that should do the trick.

 

Careful wrapping with clamp products. The pipe is probably thin and you will cause further cracking/damage possibly..

IMO I would snap the line overhead. and remove it all to that black Y...

Then lead in an adapter to PVC and replace back to the snapped area with PVC and a no hub coupling..

Cost in NJ would be about 2300 if I were doing it...

 

Thank you. I'll do some more research into the clamps and start to get some estimates around my way.

 

The good news is that you don't have to worry about a catastrophic failure. Keep an eye on it. It will get worse, but it may take months or years. It's highly unlikely that you'll go downstairs one day and it will be completely rusted/broken.

The bad news is of course that it will need to be replaced at some point. Though could last a few years if you want/need it to.