What can I cut cast iron DWV pipe with besides the cutting wrench?

Question

I want to set a new PVC closet ring for a toilet and go from cast iron to PVC DWV for a 1915 house.

Answer 1

If you have access to the iron pipe below the floor, I would pick a convienient spot & hacksaw if off, so you have smooth edges..You can use a neoprene "Fernco" fitting to join the pvc to the cast iron.

Answer 2

If I read your letter right you are taking off the old cast iron closet collar and want to put on a new closet collar.

On one of the "This old house " episodes  the plumbing guy took off the old C.I. flange and put on a flange that fit over the C.I. pipe it was a p.v.c. flange he put on and , it was of the compression type so that as he tightened it , it compressed around the C.I. pipe and fit really snug so that when he was done I don't believe he even screwed it to the floor although I recommend that all closet flanges be anchored to the floor. I am sorry that they never did say where you could buy this closet flange the best bet would be to call a plumbing supply house and see if they can get this or check on it.

The other way to cut this cast iron pipe is with bimetal blades for a sawzall it should say on the blade "for cast iron" bear in mind if this cast iron was put in, in 1915 it is the old extra heavy cast iron and is probably about an 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick and you will have a real job ahead of yourself cutting it, best to look at trying to replace the flange.

Good luck on this job.

Answer 3

I know of two good ways to cut cast iron pipe. I guess the cutting wrench you refer to is the ratcheting tool with wheels that score and snap the pipe.

Other wise, get a carbide sawzall blade and it will work. Using the so called hubless connectors to go from cast iron to ABS doesn't have to be highly accurate. You probable have a good 1" or 2" or tolerance.  And the ABS can easily be trimmed as needed.

Good luck!

Answer 4

A Saw-zall with a metal cutting blade or angle grinder with a cut-off wheel.

Answer 5

Angle grinders cut just about anything including cast iron