Asbestos Soilpipe Connector?

[DIYIdoit]

Hi all, is this asbestos?
I attempted to replace my toilet some months ago but needed to move the soil pipe back towards the wall. As it didn't rotate\swivel as I expected, I decided to cut what I thought was a cast iron connector in order to insert plastic. However, using a reciprocating saw it went through like butter, I initially thought it was rubber but now I'm worried it night be asbestos. Luckily I was wearing a proper mask when I cut it and nobody else was home for 24hrs afterwards but that's the only precautions taken. My questions are, firstly is it asbestos and secondly can it be left like it is with plastic pipe inserted using MCALPINE PUSH-FIT SINGLE SOCKET DRAIN CONNECTOR BLACK 110MM (4255V), will that be safe going forward?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Deleted member 292770]

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[Nige F]

Definitely asbestos/cement you need to measure the internal diameter to make sure the fins of the connector will fit.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

You haven't left much of a spigot to get a connector into, I'd also be concerned, it it does fit, the tail end will be in the line of falling waste from above, which could cause an issue going forward. You haven't let yourself much to work with, where does the stack go from there?

I'd also mop up as much of that residue from cutting with wet cloths, (under no circumstances use a Vacuum Cleaner!), bag it up and look for appropriate disposal. For future reference, tap the pipe with a hammer before doing anything, cast will have a metallic ring, AC wont!

 

[DIYIdoit]

Thank you Nige and Hugh. Currently there is a standard 90 degree pan connector in there which was indeed pushed too far in at first and caused a block. I (very very carefully) pulled it out bit by bit until the blockage was released and it's been OK since. There's only the vent above and below goes down through the kitchen (properly boxed in with plater board panels) then into the ground. The 90 degree goes into another 90 degree, then a flexi connector, then to to the pan. I need to make this permanent with proper 4", I've contacted 4 local plumbers so far who have all let me down in one way or another, looks like I have to do it myself, I've never worked with 4" before, should I use solventweld?
I'll clean it up with wet cloths as you suggested, thanks for the advise.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

If working with 110mm pipe for the first timer, use the Ring Seal (Push Fit) stuff, it'll give you some room for manoeuvre and as much time to adjust things as you need.

Critical though is the connection to the stack, you've not left yourself much to work with. For what its worth, and given it's only a vent above now, I'd be tempted to look at cutting it, (with proper precautions) below the junction, (and just above the collar), fit a DC-1 into the top of the remaining vertical section and replacing everything above with plastic. (Ideally I'd say remove the look down to the drain, and start again, but this may be wore work than you feel confident tackling.

If working with Bonded Asbestos, I'd be wearing a suitable dust mask/respirator, disposable overalls, avoid breaking it if at all possible and keep it wetted down at all times to minimise dust. If you do need to cut it, then a suitable hand saw and again, a spray bottle to keep it wet and eliminate dust.

Alternatively, bite the bullet and get a Professional Company in to remove it, and have all the bits ready to get a new stack fitted ASAP if there isn't another WC available!

 

[DIYIdoit]

Thanks again Hugh.

For connection to the stack, I was thinking of using a 92.5d bend and cutting the outlet at an angle so when I push it into the stack (with some fins added) the top of the outlet will hit the back of the stack while the bottom will be short to allow the flow. Perhaps drill some large holes in the top for ventilation.

I know this is a messed up way of doing it but I've got little options open to me. If I could get a professional to do it I would but no ones interested. The last (4th) plumber to look at it recommended replacing every thing from the kitchen floor to the roof vent with new plastic. Great, lets do it, send me a quote! After a few weeks not hearing from him, I contacted him and he'd changed his mind because of the asbestos. Fair enough, but just let me know!
From the experience I've had there's no way I'm going to have it removed relying on a plumber to put new stuff in. It's the only loo we've got.

I've contacted an asbestos company, waiting to hear back from them.

Anyone in the West Midlands that fancies this job, give me a shout!

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Might be worth looking at a Two Pronged approach here. Get a Specialist in to remove the Asbestos, and then tie them in with a Plumber to install a new plastic stack. Would be nice though if your Plumber had actually let you know he had an issue with the asbestos, an arrnagement could possibly have been reached sooner.

Given what you're currently left with, in my humble opinion, your only option is going to be a bodgejob, and the problem with bodgejobs is, they come back to bite you. If it starts leaking, you may not be aware until the smell gets your attention, then with however much leaked waste you've got having gone down inside the boxing, and possibly into the substrate below, cleaning it up would be a bigger mission that sorting it properly in the first place.

 

[DIYIdoit]

Thanks Hugh, maybe I could install a little viewing window at the bottom of the boxing to keep an eye on it!

I think I'll bodge it as best I can, I'll update when it's done, probably next week. Thanks for your advise.

 

[DIYIdoit]

How it stands today, I just need to attach the hot water supply (currently no isolator form the boiler), then box in the pipes and the ruined wall at the back. I did buy the proper 90deg bends but would have needed the joist to be 5" to the right, just not enough room to work with. We will be getting a downstairs loo in the not too distant future, when that's in I think I'll revisit it and replace the whole stack with plastic.

 

[HERTS P&D]

I've just seen this thread, I would of thought you could of fitted a new soil stack on the exterior of your property and connected it into the manhole below, then capped off the original one at ground level.

Andy

 

[DIYIdoit]

My Trouble Andy is getting a plumber, it seems nobody near me wants the work. I gave up after 4 no shows. I might do as you suggested after we have the 2nd loo installed.

 

[Nige F]

Definitely go with what Andy says - no one wants a soilpipe or boxing going up in that small WC