View Full Version : Uncapped Sewer Clean-outs pop up in Renos
Nyaid
11-19-2008, 04:26 PM
We found a 4-inch uncapped cast iron clean-out behind wallpanelling in our basement (surprise!) - it is almost flush with the cement floor - and within a couple inches from the foundation wall leaving no room to install a screw plug. We don't want to leave the clean-out open when we repair the wall nor do we want to work with oakum/lead needed for cast iron fittings. Any suggestions on how to cap it? Can you use a low-expansion foam caulking/sealant?
Redwood
11-19-2008, 04:30 PM
There are a few ways to cap it but the last thing you want to do is hide that in a wall. If your sewer ever clogs the drain cleaner will want access to it or the job could that longer and get expensive... Very expensive!
Nyaid
11-19-2008, 04:51 PM
Thanks for the advice - I agree - no hiding of cleanouts or shut-off valves. We also found a water shut-off valve in the same wall - so we will be framing around them and putting a removable panel.
Any suggestions for capping?
Redwood
11-19-2008, 06:32 PM
It depends on what you have to cap.
Is it threaded? Can you post a picture?
Jay Mpls
11-20-2008, 03:50 PM
Measure the opening and go to your local hardware or home dumpster and they will point you to a nice expanding rubber and plastic type plug.
Redwood
11-20-2008, 03:53 PM
If threads are available I would use a threaded one as a matter of preference.
SewerRatz
11-20-2008, 05:15 PM
If there is a bell on this cast iron pipe they make a rubber gasket you can use instead of lead and oakum. The brand name of the rubber gasket here is a TY Seal (http://www.tylerpipe.com/submittals/soilpipe/ty-seal.pdf) and then you can insert a cast iron clean out ferrule (http://www.hicogroup.com/hicocat/11-5.pdf)with a clean out plug. Now if the cast iron pipe was cut flush with the floor with out a hub, then your only option is a expansion plug also known as Test Plugs (http://www.ipscorp.com/watertite/metalwingnut.html) or even dollar plugs (http://www.lspproducts.com/SpecSheets2/SpecialtyProducts/TestingDevices/ExpansionDollarPlug(s2006).pdf). Well good luck with your project. I hope this helps.
Redwood
11-20-2008, 05:34 PM
See there ya go a whole bunch of different ways of doing it but we still don't know what you have...
How about that pic?