how to cut cast iron pipe DIY do it yourself 

Hey, I split my cast iron main when trying to remove the cleanout cover. I questioned whether I wanted to tackle the replacement with Schedule 40 because the pipe was within a wall and wasn't confident I could cut it well. However, I tried your sawzall technique with the carbide blade and it made an even and smooth cut. I replaced 6' of cast iron with 4" pvc sch 40, with a two-way cleanout. Total cost was $120 in parts. Probably a $1500 plumber's job. Thanks for the video.

Very informative and excellent video. I've been a Master Plumber for over 30 years and I couldn't have demonstrated any better and accurate as you have. Well done.

diy-er here. grinder sparks always scare me off from picking up that tool. reciprocating saw is the answer :)

Thank you very much that was very informative I've got some old cast iron pipe in my basement I want to cut out. Thanks a lot for the info I look forward to other videos that you put out

Thank you now onto cutting and fixing my drain pipe that erupted .

Once you breach have way through with your cut wedge a chisel or big flat blade screwdriver in the cut. This will keep the cut from closing up and pinching the blade.

Some great tips. Good explanations too!

Your videos are very helpful. Thank you.

I prefer the grinder to quickly cut cast iron most of the way through, then switch to sawzall to finish the cut, especially if you can't access the back side of the pipe.

Just had to do some pipe cutting using the same type of saw. We were able to get many cuts done with an old blade by maintaining a coat of oil on the hacksaw blade and the pipe. Hope others see this comment and remember to oil their blades for longer life!

Update i went to lowe’s and got a diamond blade that cost 15$ it was a cast iron blade , and did my job very quickly and did 5 cuts and still good for future cuts

I almost gave up after spending a day renting a snap tool, buying the supposed correct sawsaw blade trying to make 3 cuts on a 4 inch pipe. Followed the link, and project was done in 2 hours including installing the new line. Thank you!!

Those diablo blades are the only way to go.

Excellent !!!!! Thank-you !!!

BRAVO I appreciate your care for safety measures. VERY IMPORTANT. Thank you

The pipes have to be supported from in the attic. There are special clamps made for that. 2x4 braces do well also. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing for some people.

Hey man, I followed this video and my cast iron project went perfectly. Great tips, thank you!

Spray the blade and cutting surface with WD 40. Helps save the blade and cutting time.

Thank you so much

That cat litter box though, reminds me what a turd job cutting cast iron can be like.

Chris, you always provide a pragmatic approach to things in your videos; this is a great way to remove cast iron. Two thumbs up!!! I've been through at lot of your Chevelle restoration videos which have helped me incredibly (I have a '70 Cutlass) and when I saw this, I knew I was in for some actual good advice on RU-vid! Thanks for posting.

Good luck with the large C.I. pieces that dropped down the stack when you hit it with the sledge - you will have blockages

How’s the Chevelle project going? Looking forward to seeing it run! Best of luck on the remodeling project.

Do you have to worry about making sparks that could ignite gas? (if cutting pipe that's still connected to the sewer system)?

or rent a ridgid soil pipe cutter from HD. Had a lot of cast iron to remove. Worked ok. Hard part is getting the chain around the pipe in tight spaces.

Dude, impressive video! Super impressed and thinking I may be able to cut the pipe in my bathroom after watching this.

I paid 21 for a steel demon, and it was well worth it.

Hey Bud, you should make a career in teaching these skills, because you obviously got it right on all counts. Very informative video with multi-disciplinary technical & applied skills. Good job, you probably saved some DIY guy a trip to the emergency room.

idk why you cut it under the house. Seems to me you should have removed the sht up top then cut under the iron tee's* and replaced them too

If there is a rusted spot on the pipe which is leaky, any way to patch it up instead of replacement?

It's hard to see everything, but since you were dropping it down, why didn't you just cut the PVC under the house instead of the cast iron?

I like your emphasis on safety. So many RU-vidrs take chances.

The composite disc shatters use a diamond blade

Good speaker/teacher. Good person.

Thanks just what I was looking for!

wrap a rag around the pipe to contain splinters when hammering

Thanks. I'm fighting with an old iron, leaking radiator pipe. I'm going to go buy a good blade like yours.

Just removed 45ft of 4" cast iron drain pipe from my basement and I used a snap cutter. It is heavy and a bit awkward to connect around the pipe but sure beats sawing. I did a dozen cuts and the rental cost was $30.

Using a tough saw-zall blade you van wedge it between wood sill and pipe to ream the hole out larger. It will vibrate rough at times but the bottom wood plate (sill) will cut larger to pull the pipe clear.

Yo Chris, I've seen some use wd40 to lengthen the life of they blade supposedly, your thoughts on this. BTW my last name is Craft too. Wonder if we're related

My trap is rusted and leaking and needs to be replaced. Problem is that it runs through my cement foundation so I’d like to cut it and leave a about 6 inches and use a pvc trap. Is that ok to do ? Excellent video. Angle grinder is a badass tool but probably the most dangerous tool if used like a jackass. I think I’m going to try a sawzall first.

Thanks bro. Straight and to the point

tie pipe up with length of rope

Dude I'm remodeling the garage. And literally just came in from the garage looking at an old cast iron pipe drain. Wondering what to cut it with. I have a 56 Belair and enjoy your Chevelle videos as well. 👍

W0ould have been easier to cut the pipe upstairs first to remove the weight.

That cat has some knowdlege by know😄

Great information! I have a pipe in the ground from an old satellite dish. I've hidden it under a flower pot for years. Now I'm going to try using this method.

Great video

They sell a cast iron saw blade for about $18.00 and remember go slow with the sawing.

Nice video 👌👌👌

well done.

They sell stuff that will break it .

Exactly what i needed

Chris, I bought a 170 year old house. At some point plumbing was added and has been updated over the years but needs to be done again. There is an OLD cast iron sewer pipe that runs from the second floor bathroom down through the first floor ceiling, exposed down the wall of the first floor bathroom, and down into the cellar, across the cellar ceiling to outside. I am restoring the house and the plumber with whom I contracted acts like that pipe is a major obstacle. Is cast iron heavier the older it is? You made cutting the pipe look easy so I don't understand why mine is such a problem. Any suggestions?

1:44 - Yep, that's the best,

good video

My first one of your videos I’ve seen. I really appreciate that your taking safety first. Keep up the good work.

Cutting oil??????

With a fucking saw saw with a carbid tip