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Mastered in a Minute

Tie in to Cast-Iron Pipe with PVC

No-hub couplings make it easy to tie in to cast-iron drain or vent lines with new PVC, but there's a trick to getting them installed in the middle of an existing run.

By Matthew Millham

Tying in to cast iron with PVC is a great way to add new waste lines.

First, fabricate your PVC wye fitting. Using a regular wye, cut two lengths of PVC that will slip into the ends of the wye fitting and hold the no-hub fittings that attach the PVC to the cast iron.

Measure the length of the assembly, and add 1/4 in. Then mark that length on the cast iron with pencil lines, and use zip ties to mark the cut on the pipe.

Use a reciprocating saw with a metal-cutting blade rated for cast iron to make the cut. Seat the saw’s shoe against the pipe, line the blade up with the mark, and begin sawing. Keeping the saw’s shoe in contact with the pipe helps keep the blade square to the cut, and reduces vibration and the chance of kickback. Don’t force the cut; let the tool do the work.

Once cut, wipe the pipe with a rag to remove debris, and use a file to remove any burrs.

To make the connection, use no-hub couplings rated for your type of pipe. The ones used here are designed to transition from regular cast iron to PVC or extra-heavy cast iron.

Remove the stainless-steel outer banding from the coupling’s neoprene gaskets, slide the gaskets onto each end of the PVC fitting assembly (making sure that the gasket is oriented properly; each end has a slightly different diameter), and fold it back on itself. Then align the fitting assembly with the cast iron, unfold the gaskets over onto the cast iron, and slip the bands over the gaskets.

Finally, tighten down the nuts using a ratcheting torque wrench, and the transition is complete.

More on plumbing:

Drain-Waste-Vent Systems — Although hidden behind walls and in floors and ceilings, the pipes that make up the drain-waste-vent system are essential to a smoothly functioning plumbing system.

How to Hang Drain Line — Chuck Miller presents this reader tip on hanging drain lines in a basement so they are straight, secure, and at the proper pitch.

Cutting and Joining Plastic Pipe — Most drain-waste-vent systems these days are made from plastic pipe as cast iron is displaced in all but high-end construction. Here’s how to work with PVC and ABS plastic.

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Previous: The Right Way to Join Plastic Pipe Next: How to Hang Drain Lines so They Stay Straight and Secure

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View Comments

  1. jrrjrr | Mar 15, 2018 04:54pm | #1

    60 pounds on band bolts needed i think jrrjrr

  2. 2morweeks | Mar 19, 2018 01:47pm | #2

    Had he slid the bands on to the pipe, prior to rubber couplings; then when he installed the wye fitting, and folded the couplings back onto the wye...all he would have had to do was slide the bands over the couplings and tighten them down, instead of taking them apart, and putting back together. Not a big deal, just saves a lot of time ($).

  3. pgray317 | Apr 04, 2018 03:28pm | #3

    I've yet to come across a decent blade for cutting cast iron. A ratchet cutter is the only thing i've used for thirty years. If there is a proven blade, please specify.

  4. user-6875229 | Apr 09, 2018 12:28pm | #4

    The Diablo Carbide tipped metal cutting blades are fantastic others may be as well but I only have experience with Diablo.
    John

  5. User avater
    HernandezzPMary | Apr 10, 2018 03:12am | #5

    Nice post. Thank for sharing this.

  6. remodel53 | Jan 07, 2019 02:36pm | #6

    I cut as much as possible with a grinder.

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