Attaching PVC into cast iron

[asihi]

I have a quick question. I did a vacant house today where a section of 3" cast iron sewer pipe was replaced with PVC. Instead of using any kind of connector, the plumber leaded the PVC into the cast iron hub. I've never seen this before. I would think with the expansion and contraction of the PVC, the lead wouldn't hold very well. Is this allowed and will this work? Thanks for your help.

Tony

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[Jim Katen]

I have a quick question. I did a vacant house today where a section of 3" cast iron sewer pipe was replaced with PVC. Instead of using any kind of connector, the plumber leaded the PVC into the cast iron hub. I've never seen this before. I would think with the expansion and contraction of the PVC, the lead wouldn't hold very well. Is this allowed and will this work? Thanks for your help.

Tony

I've seen it before and it seems to work fine.

However, there's a much easier way. Fernco makes a special rubber donut just for that purpose.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[Tom Raymond]

If I had those parts on hand, but would have to stop working and go chase after a Fernco, the lead would be easier.

[Jim Katen]

If I had those parts on hand, but would have to stop working and go chase after a Fernco, the lead would be easier.

My version of easier is sending a gofer to get one while I have a sandwich & contemplate the finer points of the project.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[Les]

I have never seen the connection done with lead. Interesting and does not seem to be a practical solution in the day and age.

[kurt]

There's not many good arguments for lead, unless you're a member of Local 130........

[Scottpat]

Another thing to ponder is that the PVC manufacturer most likely does not approve the use of lead to join PVC to anything. I would think that the heat that would be required to melt the lead would make the PVC under the lead brittle. I know that PVC does become brittle when it is exposed to heat, like when folks heat it to make a bend in the pipe.

[kurt]

I've done it, and surprisingly, it doesn't do anything apparent to the PVC.

It's just a pain in the butt getting the pot cooking, getting out the caulking irons, and all the other crap, when a little Fernco hub jammed in there takes about 1 minute.

[Tom Raymond]

Another thing to ponder is that the PVC manufacturer most likely does not approve the use of lead to join PVC to anything. I would think that the heat that would be required to melt the lead would make the PVC under the lead brittle. I know that PVC does become brittle when it is exposed to heat, like when folks heat it to make a bend in the pipe.

Why? Odds are that lead is a significant component in the PVC.

[resqman]

I recommend you contact the PVC pipe manufacturer and get their offical statement regarding the connection. Most of PVC in my area is made by Charlotte Pipe. Stamped all over the pipe.

My guess is they would not approve of the connection. Only way to know for sure is ask the pipe manuf.

[Les]

near as I can figger, using lead is not approved anywhere for anything. Well, maybe salmon snag hooks.

[Jim Katen]

near as I can figger, using lead is not approved anywhere for anything. Well, maybe salmon snag hooks.

Roof flashing.

[Scottpat]

near as I can figger, using lead is not approved anywhere for anything. Well, maybe salmon snag hooks.

Squirrel chew toys!

[Scottpat]

This is what the IRC has to say about it...

P2904.17.2 Plastic pipe or tubing to other piping material.

Joints between different grades of plastic pipe or

between plastic pipe and other piping material shall be made

with an approved adapter fitting. Joints between plastic pipe

and cast-iron hub pipe shall be made by a caulked joint or a

mechanical compression joint.

[Bill Kibbel]

As far as I can remember, caulking has been a code approved method for transitioning from plastic to a cast iron hub. ("caulking" is the term used for the traditional oakum and lead joint). I see it far more often than the "Fernco donut".

[Jim Katen]

This is what the IRC has to say about it...

P2904.17.2 Plastic pipe or tubing to other piping material.

Joints between different grades of plastic pipe or

between plastic pipe and other piping material shall be made

with an approved adapter fitting. Joints between plastic pipe

and cast-iron hub pipe shall be made by a caulked joint or a

mechanical compression joint.

In the world of plumbing, "Caulked joint" means lead.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[Nolan Kienitz]

In the world of plumbing, "Caulked joint" means lead.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

"Caulked joint" Must be so ... it contains the "letters". [^]

[Marc]

In the world of plumbing, "Caulked joint" means lead.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

What is a CI/PVC joint sealed with plumbers epoxy called?

Marc

[Jim Katen]

In the world of plumbing, "Caulked joint" means lead.

- Jim Katen, Oregon

What is a CI/PVC joint sealed with plumbers epoxy called?

Marc

I don't know. I've never seen it done. In my area, people use plumbers epoxy for everthing except plumbing.

I don't see any reason why it wouldn't be called a caulked joint as well, though.

-Jim Katen, Oregon

[kurt]

I've also used epoxy, the powder in the blue can you mix with water, and bentonite oakum and the same goo out of the blue can.

It all works just fine.

[Plumber26]

In that situation I would use either a compression gasket (rubber gasket that acts as the "caulked joint") or if it's horizontal, I would rather cut the cast iron and use a no hub adapter and no hub band.