Main sewage line small drip (iron)
#1
05-12-18, 09:26 PM
Main sewage line small drip (iron)
I noticed a small dried rusty spot on the basement floor. It looks like the main is rusted at a joint. How screwed am I? I'm sure it's obvious, but it is coming from the rust where it joins.
#2
05-13-18, 04:26 AM
Group Moderator
It is very possible that you have a leak. It will not fix itself and will only get worse over time so it will need to be repaired. Can you post a picture from further back so we can see what's going on and tell how much will need replacing.
#3
05-13-18, 05:33 AM
That's up in the ceiling in the basement on the back of the bouse, so it transitions to the black pipe you see ,which then connects in to a vertical iron pipe that runs down to the floor and under the foundation. I assume that rusted joint on the silver where it meets the black is the issue. I assume in the joint of the pipe that is leaking runs vertical up through the walls of the house. That rusted part has a single droplet of water hanging, and has been for days. It hasn't fallen yet, but obviously it builds enough to fall to the floor periodically.
Last edited by Frentic; 05-13-18 at 06:37 AM.
#4
05-13-18, 12:25 PM
That's a very old joint. There's a brass ferrule caulked (oakum & poured lead) into the cast-iron hub. The lead drain piping is 'wiped' (more molten lead) onto the brass ferrule. I can't see where it goes, but typically it will drain one toilet. An older plumber might be able to repair it, but more likely you're looking at replacing the lead drain and vent.
#5
05-13-18, 12:41 PM
There is a toilet above there on the first floor. There is also a toilet on the other floor above that one, both on the back side of the house sharing the same wall. It looks like that silver section with the rust, leading to the black pipe goes to a toilet. That black pipe then goes to vertical down, and up. I also see another small pipe (that leads into that section with the rust) going to what appears the 2nd floor, and the other smaller pipe attached to it appears to go towards the kitchen. So I assume sinks and dishwashers from both levels are attached to that one silver part where the toilet goes and then over to the main line
Any idea what kind of quote would be reasonable? I'm trying to educate myself before I get the quotes on Tuesday from a couple of places
Any idea what kind of quote would be reasonable? I'm trying to educate myself before I get the quotes on Tuesday from a couple of places
#6
05-13-18, 03:34 PM
I suspect that the lead (that you're referring to as silver) picks up just one toilet. The small lead pipe is most likely a vent.
I doubt that any younger plumber would know how to fix it, and would replace it all. Not the end of the world as the lead is very old. Prices vary from place to place, but if you found someone willing to try a repair, it would take a couple/three hours (plus any travel time). If I were fixing it, it would be with the caveat that success is not guaranteed and it may have to be replaced. It's an iffy repair to a very old fitting.
I can't hazard a guess about replacement without putting an actual eyeball to it. The toilet would have to come up, a new flange installed. The vent would have to be tied in somewhere. Several hours at least, maybe a day. Note that this is sheer speculation from a guy looking at a monitor. Perhaps replacement is the better option for a long-term fix.
I doubt that any younger plumber would know how to fix it, and would replace it all. Not the end of the world as the lead is very old. Prices vary from place to place, but if you found someone willing to try a repair, it would take a couple/three hours (plus any travel time). If I were fixing it, it would be with the caveat that success is not guaranteed and it may have to be replaced. It's an iffy repair to a very old fitting.
I can't hazard a guess about replacement without putting an actual eyeball to it. The toilet would have to come up, a new flange installed. The vent would have to be tied in somewhere. Several hours at least, maybe a day. Note that this is sheer speculation from a guy looking at a monitor. Perhaps replacement is the better option for a long-term fix.
#7
05-13-18, 03:36 PM
Group Moderator
That section of cast iron can be replaced with PVC. It's not as bad as it sounds as no-hub couplings make it easy to connect cast iron and PVC. How much it costs depends a lot on where you are located and whether or not you hire a handyman (with risks) or a professional plumber (less risk but possibly more expensive).
#9
05-14-18, 02:14 AM
If money's tight and it's a tiny drip -- I think you said earlier that only one drop had formed -- then you might try cleaning the area as well as you can with a wire brush then apply something like JB Weld for a temporary repair. Mix the two-part JB Weld until it's thoroughly mixed, then mix it some more.
Note that this is just a temporary fix to buy a little time.
Note that this is just a temporary fix to buy a little time.
#10
05-14-18, 07:33 AM
Member
I was going to suggest JBWeld.....(or maybe 2 part pool patch putty).....but #9 beat me to it. JB may not be just a temp fix, it may hold for years.
#11
05-14-18, 07:41 AM
For such a small leak I would definitely just patch it. Clean the pipe up with an abrasive and use some good epoxy or silicone caulking. Drain lines don't hold any pressure it just needs to be good enough to barely hold the water in the pipe as the flush goes by.
#12
05-14-18, 10:14 AM
I would agree with the others on this. It will need to be replaced eventually, but there's no harm in trying to patch it and see what happens. You'll get at least another year or two, and maybe 5-10 out of a patch. Don't forget about it, but it sounds like there are more pressing issues/repairs to get to now 
