What is to be aware of when cutting the soil stack and plumbing the bath and sink into it? Its cast metal

Question

Im told that this is normal practice to do this and that i may crack the soil stack if im not carefull all the way to the underground. I want to minimise the pipes on the back of my house. What should i be aware of?

Answer 1

You need to make sure you are supporting all of the line above where you are cutting out for the new fitting. If not, the whole piping above will fall downwards, breaking the connections above where you are working. Using a cast iron snapper is the best way to cut it.

Answer 2

Support, Support, Support, Support,,,it cannot be emphasized enough that the pipe above the cut / tie in point MUST be supported.

Most rental houses have the proper tools for cutting cast iron or galvanized pipe.  I have recently seen two older homes with galvanized pipe as the stacks rather than PVC or CIP,,, strange,,, but it happens.