Cracked CI stack

CI can last a very long time, but like most things, may eventually need replacing. Sounds like between the house settling and age, you may need some major repairs. If it wasn't for the weight, it wouldn't be too bad to replace or at least remove to prepare for a plumber to replace. Note, though, that when replacing, it has to generally meet current codes and what you have may not (likely doesn't) meet current codes. This may mean more vents, and changes in sizes of pipes.

jadnashua said:

CI can last a very long time, but like most things, may eventually need replacing. Sounds like between the house settling and age, you may need some major repairs. If it wasn't for the weight, it wouldn't be too bad to replace or at least remove to prepare for a plumber to replace. Note, though, that when replacing, it has to generally meet current codes and what you have may not (likely doesn't) meet current codes. This may mean more vents, and changes in sizes of pipes.

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Hmmm... You mean the size of the CI wouldn't meet code? What size is it supposed to be? I'd estimate it's 4" but I'm not sure.

Plumber #2 actually said that replacing the cracked CI segment was easy and wouldn't be too much time/money. It's all the rest of the stuff that's the issue. He did ask if we planned on getting permits for it all, and we said that we'd like to. Most plumbers we've had have asked us that question, saying it will be cheaper if we don't require them to pull permits. Is that common? Seems to be around here.

Our reason for wanting the permits is that for rentals in our city, you have to have a special permit. And the city comes and inspects the whole unit. We've already started the ball rolling by asking the city for an exception due to our low ceiling height (80") in the basement. And they've given us an exemption in writing due to a State (not City) regulation that will grandfather us in. We want to stay on their good side and we don't want them to notice a bunch of new work and wonder why there were no permits pulled for that work. Make sense? It also seems that a city inspection would act as another opinion that it was done correctly. For example, Plumber #2 noted that the folks who added a 2nd sump in our basement - for the waterproofing system - used a T instead of a WYE connector when connecting it to the main drain where the other sump meets up with it. It's just nice to have someone else go over things. Make sense?

Thanks for any advice, especially about the permits.

Get the permits. The inspector can be a good source of advice about what works in your area. You also have to make him or her happy at some point, now or later. Getting the inspector now gives him or her some say before you do some thing and they are more likely to work with you if some compromise has to be made.

I have also found the inspector to be a good person to put pressure on a contractor that wants to skimp corners where you don't want them skimped.

Ron,
I did a plumbing job at Seneca Petroleum last year. They take byproduct from the Citgo refinery and make asphalt, so it shouldn't affect gas prices. Citgo used to give it to them, just to get rid of it. They realized Seneca was making money, so they started charging.

The way drains were designed a long time ago often won't meet current codes. So, if you start replacing bits, you have to bring them up to code. If you find that the CI in the bathroom is shot and needs to be replaced, you probably couldn't just replace exactly as it is now. Without seeing it, you won't know. It was not uncommon to use S-traps on sinks and minimize the vents. So some or all of the room may not be vented, either. So, the layout may have to change to meet current codes when replacing.

It can get complicated.

As to costing more for a permit, first, you have to pay for it, the plumber has to fill out the application, then wait around for maybe a rough-in inspection where he can't continue to do work and is at the mercy of the inspector arriving, then again at the end. All this adds time into the project, and time is money. In theory, anyways, it should meet code when done if inspected. There are lots of ways that will work most of the time, but don't meet code. Some of these shortcuts may be made if it isn't going to be permitted and inspected if it can make the job faster and easier. Depends on the plumber, his pride, and local codes.