I have a pinhole leak coming from a joint in my cast iron pipe. I got quoted $4,000 for a full pipe replacement, as they told me it couldn't be saved. I've tried patching the leak with plumber's putty and some Flex Seal. I'm wondering if I should go ahead with a complete pipe replacement or if this can be patched successfully. Ideally, if I do need to replace it, I'm hoping I only have to replace a small section rather than the entire pipe.
3 Answers
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It's tough to say without seeing the pipes, really. Your patch could hold for a few days or could last 20 years. Often, cast iron pipes rust from the inside out, so once you get a pinhole, there might be more issues down the road. I recommend getting a few different plumbers to take a look and give you quotes; that way, you’ll have a better idea of your options and costs.
Sorry to hear you’re having plumbing trouble! If money is tight, you might want to try fixing it yourself. I had a similar issue, and I just cut out the damaged part of the cast iron pipe with a reciprocating saw and replaced it with a PVC or ABS pipe. Use Fernco couplings to connect the new pipe to the old one—just tighten those steel straps really well so they don’t leak. The hardest part might be cleaning up the mess from removing the ceiling and patching the wall after. Alternatively, any handyman can do this for much less than a plumbing company! I've found it’s often cheaper to hire someone who isn’t part of a big company.
Thank you! This gave me the reassurance I needed.
Could I file a claim with my home insurance if the patch fails? A full replacement is looking like it could cost around $10,000!