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How to Repair a Cast Iron Pipe

Signs of Leaking or Damaged Cast Iron Pipes

Pipes are typically kept out of sight behind walls, under floors, and in ceilings, so it’s not always easy to see problem areas. Once a month, it’s recommended to inspect any exposed parts of a cast iron pipe for any signs of damage. Common signs include leaks, sewer odors, backups, mold growth, isolated areas of lush lawn growth, and cracks in the foundation.

Leaks in any exposed parts of the cast iron pipe are relatively easy to spot, but if the damaged area of the pipe is in the wall or floor, you may see signs of damaged drywall or water-damaged floor before realizing the cause is an active leak.

Sewer odor can indicate that there is a problem with the drain lines for the home. Check the cast iron pipe in the vicinity where you smelled the odor to track down the damaged area of the pipe before the problem can get worse.

Backups, like slow-draining sinks, clogged shower drains, and toilet backups can be a sign your pipes are failing.

Mold growth often occurs in damp, dark locations. Given that cast iron pipes tend to be installed in walls, ceilings, floors, and basements, it only makes sense that mold would start to grow in these dark areas if there are leaking or damaged drain lines.

Isolated areas of lush lawn growth can act as an indicator of leaking or damaged cast iron pipes. If there is a crack or break in the line running under the lawn, the wastewater from the cast iron pipe can increase the nutrients in the soil, leading to small patches of excessive lawn growth.

Cracks in the foundation of the home are a serious indicator that there may be a problem with the plumbing. Leaking pipes can gradually eat away at the soil around the home and foundation walls, leading to structural problems with the walls, floors, and ceilings.

Instructions

Repairing a cast iron pipe isn’t a significantly dangerous job, but it’s still a good idea to keep your hands and lungs protected by wearing a mask and a pair of work gloves. Consider using closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeve shirt to keep your arms, legs, and feet properly protected while you work.

Locate the damaged area.

Start by identifying the damaged section of the pipe. If the damage is hidden behind walls, ceilings, floors, or underground, consider hiring a professional plumber to prevent any further harm to your home.

For repairs you can manage yourself, focus on exposed sections of the pipe. To find a minor leak, clean the pipe's surface and then wrap a paper towel around the area you believe is leaking. If the towel gets wet, you've found your leak.

Prepare the cast iron pipe.

For a water line, shut off your home's water supply and open the nearest faucet to drain water. For wastewater pipes, avoid using sinks and flushing toilets until you're finished to make sure water isn't being used. After you find the damage, clean the area with a grit cloth and a wire brush to remove rust and dirt. Wipe the cleaned spot with a rag to remove debris, ensuring the epoxy adheres well to the bare cast iron.

Spread epoxy over damaged area.

Review the epoxy manufacturer's instructions carefully. Some epoxies require kneading, while others are ready to apply.

Once prepared, use a putty knife to generously spread epoxy over the damaged area. Make sure that the layer is thick enough to prevent leaks. Be sure to act quickly since epoxy hardens in five to ten minutes.

Apply waterproof tape to large holes.

If the hole in the cast iron pipe is too big for a simple epoxy patch, you'll need to invest in waterproof pipe repair tape or liner specifically made for this purpose. Apply epoxy over the damaged area, then wrap the layer of pipe repair tape over the epoxy. This will help create a strong seal on the outside of the pipe.

Let the epoxy dry and set.

Epoxy putty will typically dry and harden within about five to 10 minutes, but it can take up to an hour to properly set. Similarly, it’s a good idea to clamp, hold, or otherwise secure the waterproof tape in position for about an hour to ensure that it bonds and sets properly before running water through the pipes.

Check for leaks.

After the repair is complete, check the leak by turning on the faucet at the nearest sink. Once the water is running, inspect the damaged areas for any signs of leaks. If you want further confirmation, consider wrapping the pipe with paper towel to check if any water is coming through the new patch.

When to Call a Professional

Cast iron pipes are not always easy to access. In many cases, the damaged areas may be buried inside a wall, ceiling, floor, or even under the ground. While you can spend time cutting open holes in the drywall, opening up the ceiling and floors, and digging in the yard to try to track down the damaged cast iron pipe, it's likely better to call in a professional plumber to find and repair the problem.

Professional plumbers have access to a wide range of tools and devices, as well as years of experience and hands-on training. This combination of skill and the appropriate equipment for the job allows them to locate the issue, diagnose the situation, and come up with a solution. Just keep in mind that if the damage seems like it is beyond a simple patch job, they will suggest the replacement of the pipe, which can be costly. Unfortunately, if the current pipe cannot be fixed, replacing it is the only option.