How to Seal Cast Iron Waste Line Joints

Unlike PVC piping, cast iron waste lines are not sealed with cleaner and glues. Instead, a specially designed rubber coupling is installed on each connection to keep wastewater from leaking into the area surrounding the pipe. Any debris resting between the exterior surface of the pipe and interior surface of the coupling will allow water to leak past the connection and contaminate surrounding areas. But even if the connection is perfectly clear of dirt and debris, an improperly installed fitting can leak.

Clean rag
Hubless rubber coupling
5/16-inch inch-pound torque wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Wipe the exterior surface of both cast iron pipes entering the joint with a clean rag. Use multiple rags if the pipes are excessively dirty.
- 2
  Turn the hex head screw of each stainless steel band surrounding a hubless rubber coupling with a 5/16-inch inch-pound torque wrench set to its counterclockwise position. Stop loosening the screws when they move easily in their recessed grooves.
- 3
  Push the hubless coupling over the cleaned end of a cast iron pipe. Stop pushing when you feel the interior coupling flange meet the end of the pipe. Push the cleaned end of the second cast iron pipe into the open end of the coupling. Stop pushing when you feel the second pipe meet the coupling flange.
- 4
  Set the direction of the inch-pound torque wrench to tighten -- clockwise. Tighten each hex head screw until the wrench “clicks," signifying the screw is torqued correctly.

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