Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Nov 17, 1999 08:44pm | #1

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   Try "recaulking" the joint. When these joints are made, a caulking iron is used to hammer the lead seal down tight against the oakum and to expand the lead that is poured in. Using a thin chisel, drive the lead out against the hub and in against the pipe.

   If this doesn't work, try making a plaster cast. Wrap cotton cloth dipped in plaster of paris around the joint until you have a cast about three inches thick. This used to be a real common way to repair drain pipe 50 years ago.

2. 
   Gordon_Hom | Nov 24, 1999 10:55am | #2

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   Ryan & Guy
   Let me try to explain "rechaulking of lead joints" The tool or iron that you use has one end like a chisel that you hammer. The other end has a slight curve almost equal in radius to the diameter if the pipe. When the iron hits the lead it pounds a groove about 1/8" wide. So the plumber will pound two grooves, one against the pipe and the other against the bell on the same piece of lead. Its suppose to force the lead water tight. So try pounding the lead in tighter and it may stop the leak.

3. 
   ictus_guy | Jan 04, 2000 11:41pm | #3

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   Anyone up on how to repair leaking joint in hub and spigot lead/oakum cast iron joint without replacing the fitting?