Cast iron waste pipe in foundation rusted out - need repair options

[shultman]

The cast iron waste pipe from the kitchen sink has rusted out in the foundation. The only option I have been given is to jackhammer the foundation open and replace the pipe. This includes replacing kitchen counters destoyed when they are removed for access. Any suggestions will be appreciated. We are located in the Waco, Texas area.

[Speedy Jim]

Might you be able to get a concrete saw under there without removing counters? (Use a wet saw) Are there supply pipes (Hot/Cold) in the slab in the same area? If so, that will complicate it greatly.

It may be possible to make a very small excavation around the pipe (swiss-cheese the slab with drilled holes) and break out enough concrete to access the pipe and determine whether there is a salvageable stub in/below the slab.

Thinking outside the box: could the drain be run *outside* the slab and tied in elsewhere?

Jim

[dpb]

Speedy's got the right idea(s)..

Not clear what you mean by "foundation"--floor slab or through exterior wall? As he pointed out, where it's headed and what it's tied into could make a big difference. One potential issue could be that if the house is old enough that you've reached the point of cast iron having rusted out, it may be the whole line really will need replacing or you will simply be resolving one problem to have another not far down the road.

My other suggestion would be to find another plumber whose toolset includes a brain rather than only brawn... :) Waco is large enough you should have a fair choice...

And, of course, unless the cabinets are builtins, you should be able to get a counter out of the way if absolutely necessary w/o destroying it. Of course, it will take you much longer to do a removal/salvage than the hired assassin is going to want to take (or your going to want to pay an hourly rate for). Then again, unless it's a real expensive counter top, you might well be able to just replace it fairly inexpensively if you do it yourself and have a small upgrade to boot...