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How to Remove a Cast Iron Pipe Joint in a Septic Tank

Cast iron pipe was widely used for drainage, waste and venting of plumbing systems in the early to mid-20th century. Although still used today, cast iron's popularity has waned because it is prone to rust over time, causing the internal metal walls to thin and eventually leak. Tree roots have been known to entangle themselves in the crevices of rusted metal, resulting in serious plumbing blockage. Rather than replace the entire plumbing system, you can replace a single rusted section with a material such as PVC. A cast iron pipe joint refers to an entire length of pipe between fittings.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel
  • Reciprocating saw with a carbide blade
  • Hand sledgehammer
  • Hammer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Excavate the soil from the top of the septic tank and the side of the tank that contains the sewer pipe inlet. Clear away all soil from around the cast iron pipe starting at the septic tank and extending the entire length of the damaged pipe section; this could simply be to the nearest pipe joint or may extend all the way to the house.

    • 2

      Pump the septic tank to remove all waste before removing the pipe. Hiring a professional septic cleaning service may be the best option because it has the equipment necessary to contain the waste material.

    • 3

      Cut through the cast iron pipe on the outer edges of the damaged section of pipe. Cut with a reciprocating saw with a carbide blade to achieve a clean cut. Leave approximately 1 foot of pipe stubbed out when cutting out the pipe at the septic tank or house foundation; this ensures sufficient space to install a coupling if you wish to replace the cast iron pipe.

    • 4

      Pound the deteriorated pipe with a hand sledgehammer to break it up and dislodge it from the septic tank. Alternatively, hold a scrap 2-by-4-inch board against the open end of the pipe and pound the board with the hammer to slowly back the pipe out of position; you may access the pipe from within the septic tank or from the exterior.

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Plumbing
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  2. How to Remove Pipe Joint Compound
  3. How to Tell Ductile Pipe From Cast Iron Pipe
  4. How to Drill a Hole in a Cast Iron Pipe
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  9. How to Install Septic Holding Tanks
  10. How to Remove a Cast Iron Insert From a Fireplace
  11. How to Safely Remove a Cast Iron Vent Pipe
  12. How to Move a Cast Iron Toilet Drain

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