Cast iron soil pipe looking very bad, replace or paint? Plus roof issue.

[Klang180]

Hello

I have a Victorian with cast iron soil pipe that is badly in need of some TLC. I contacted a local tradesmen and he quoted me about £160 all in for the job, which is fair enough. The issue is that the roof to the kitchen where it goes over does not neatly adjoin my roof and so the trades person doesn't see an easy way to access the horizontal section. Does anyone have any ideas about this? I am trying to avoid scaffolding and wonder if it might be possible to just put weight on the roof directly?

Secondly, is it worth doing or do you reckon it might be completely rusted through? The water does seem to be coming out at the drain and I can't see any leaks when 'in use' but as it looks so knackered I thought I would ask.

Keen to hear the thoughts of people on here as to what I should do?

 

[Klang180]

 

[HERTS P&D]

What has he quoted you to do?

Andy

 

[Klang180]

Hello Andy, here is his quote:

 

[HERTS P&D]

Looks like the branch is leaking.

Andy

 

[Nige F]

That looks like asbestos/cement pipe to me - judging by the joints. Check it with a (fridge) magnet. A fair price for the decorating of it BUT it's not good abrading as/cem.

 

[HERTS P&D]

No point painting a leaking pipe.

Andy

 

[Klang180]

Ah bugger, so I went out there with a magnet and I don't think it was magnetic at all, although it wasn't a very strong magnet. I am now very worried it is asbestos as you say. I also take your point that if it is leaking then what is the point. Oh dear, it seems it could be a more expensive fix in that case. Anyone know how much it would cost to replace AND if it is more if it is Asbestos?

 

[Klang180]

Just an update. Went outside and got my partner to flush the toilet. I heard the water rushing through but no obvious signs of leaking. I also tried a magnet and it didn't seem to stick but then it was such a weak magnet I am not sure it would. I also tapped it gently with a spoon and it gave a higher pitched noise more akin to metal BUT it was far from conclusive. Will a competent tradesmen be able to tell?

 

[Nozzle]

There's no sign of rust at all, it's not iron or steel.

Nozzle

 

[Klang180]

Yes that is what I fear. Wow this is frustrating. Seems strange it has so many coats of paint on it then. Someone in the past must have sanded it down and painted it multiple times even though it was likely asbestos cement! I guess some people just don't know. Where to go from here I don't know.

 

[johnny2007]

We replaced ours with plastic a few years ago because the built up coating inside the pipe had made it more like a 40mm than a 110mm.
Get that checked before wasting money on exterior decoration.

 

[Nige F]

Just an update. Went outside and got my partner to flush the toilet. I heard the water rushing through but no obvious signs of leaking. I also tried a magnet and it didn't seem to stick but then it was such a weak magnet I am not sure it would. I also tapped it gently with a spoon and it gave a higher pitched noise more akin to metal BUT it was far from conclusive. Will a competent tradesmen be able to tell?

Tell him to bring a magnet - Those joints are for cement/rope caulking , not lead/gaskin. caulking on cast iron . It is asbestos, without doubt.

 

[Nige F]

the built up coating inside the pipe had made it more like a 40mm than a 110mm.
.

That coating is uric salts. I've seen a 4 inch drain blocked solid with it - from a factory urinal !

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

You wouldn't need to sand AC down, just numerous coats of paint been put on it, and now peeling off like a skin on custard. Not a particularly difficult job to replace it, may be more difficult to get rid of the old stuff once it's down! Use a roofing ladder to access the lean to roof. Make sure whoever removes it from your property is a Licenced Waste Carrier and you must get a Transfer note to say where its been taken and by whom.

Wont hurt to paint a new stack either, gloss paint helps protect the plastic from the UV in sunlight.