Down pipe

[Beansbaked]

Good afternoon, I have some cast iron downpipe thats leaking, I’m having it replaced but it goes into what looks like cement pipe what’s cracked and breaking away. Has anyone come across this pipe being asbestos before please?

 

[denso13]

You do come across asbestos pipework above ground but that is just normal, old, fireclay. Nothing to worry about.

 

[Beansbaked]

You do come across asbestos pipework above ground but that is just normal, old, fireclay. Nothing to worry about.

Thanks for replying, this was under some slabs with a bush next to it, I think the roots from the bush grew and cracked the slabs and cement so I’ve removed them (and the bush!) but was worried the pipe/bend the downpipe is cemented into could be asbestos which fell away while I was tidying up

 

[Madrab]

That looks like it could be salt glazed clay with a cement filler around the cast. Water's got in, frozen and split the clay away from the cement

Could be something like this - a rest/socket bend



Need to dig down a bit to see what's below it.

 

[Beansbaked]

Thank you for the replies. Daft question but would I need a plumber or builder to fix this? I’m wary of poking around it too much incase it’s really weak and I’ve no one on hand if it causes any other issues

 

[denso13]

If the water is going in to the drain ok then just leave it alone. If not then a plumber can fix it.

 

[Beansbaked]

If the water is going in to the drain ok then just leave it alone. If not then a plumber can fix it.

Thanks for the reply the downpipe definitely needs replacing as it’s leaving a huge damp patch on my brickwork with all of this wonderful weather we are having. It looks a little damp around this broken pipe so I’ve asked a builder to have a look and see what he thinks the best thing to do is.

It’s so difficult to know who to ask, originally I was going to ask a roofer because of the guttering/ downpipe then thought a plumber for the pipe work and now because this pipe might need digging out a builder? Hubby suggested calling all 3 for options but I’m now worrying this could be a bigger job than first thought.

 

[Madrab]

Certainly get a plumber, experienced in soil stack work, in first. They should be able to assess what all may be needed and suggest if other resources may also be needed to do any groundworks etc

 

[ree]

OP,
You appear to have a Salt Glazed socket'ed pipe.
There are indications that leaks or spill from the downpipe or the salt glaze is leaking or splashing on the wall, & maybe soaking the ground. Repairs are needed. Any signs of internal water stains?

Why not remove the rockery & debris around the socket, and dig down a little to look for a possible bend then show a pic at cleared up ground level - a pic showing the CI downpipe would also help.

 

[ree]

OP,
You asked for help - & I offered help. But since Saturday you have disappeared?

 

[denso13]

OP,
You asked for help - & I offered help. But since Saturday you have disappeared?

Pretty sure the OP doesn't want to DIY it. You could visit and give them a quote.

 

[ree]

Poster #11,
I'm not suggesting that they DIY it - I was asking for more info, & a few clear field of view pics, to enable better, more accurate, advice to be given.
What the OP does with the advice is up to them.

 

[Beansbaked]

Hi really sorry, had a family emergency so haven’t been home in the day light the last couple of days. I appreciate your help and advice I’ll try and get some better photos tomorrow if it’s still light when I get home. Thank you

 

[Madrab]

Hi really sorry, had a family emergency so haven’t been home in the day light the last couple of days.

Absolutely no need to apologise, things happen. This is a public DIY forum and most are here to help, the fact that you aren't on here every minute to check for answers to your post/question and reply to them within hours usually wouldn't be an issue worth chasing. If no reply within a week then fair enough to ask.

So no sweat, sort it out when you can.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Thank you for the replies. Daft question but would I need a plumber or builder to fix this? I’m wary of poking around it too much incase it’s really weak and I’ve no one on hand if it causes any other issues

Decent Plumber or Builder could probably repair it, although until you expose a bit more, it's impossible to say what work is involved. Common problem with older properties, you've a cast iron pipe going into a Clayware drain, any slight ground movement and there's no give in the joint so it just cracks.

Would need to dig back a bit, expose the underground bend and see what condition that's in, may need the clay bend replacing if its beyond repair, but that would give the advantage of allowing the new joint to be flexible to prevent a reoccurrence.

As Madrab says, don't worry unduly in the short term, there may be a slight leakage when the WC is flushed, but that shouldn't cause major issues, joint looks intact enough, along with gravity to allow the majority of flow to go in the right direction, until you have more time to deal with it.