Soil Stack Change BUT Is It Asbestos?

Introduction

Welcome back to the channel, beautiful people! Today, we're tackling an essential plumbing project: swapping out a soil pipe that may possibly contain asbestos. The situation is a bit tricky because the customer wants to proceed without getting the pipe tested for asbestos, due to the high costs associated. While it would have been easy to walk away from this job, we're committed to ensuring safety and quality work.

The Plan

Given the potential for asbestos, we decide to take extra precautions while removing the pipe. We're equipped with gloves and masks, and luckily, we expect to extract the pipe in pieces to minimize airborne dust. It appears that the bottom half of the pipe is likely cast, while the upper sections could possibly be lead or more cast iron. Regardless, we proceed with caution.

As we dive into the project, we realize that we'll need to enlarge the hole in the floor to access a collar just below the surface. We’re greeted with an elbow joint made of lead, which raises questions for the seasoned pros out there: did you purchase these elbows, or did you craft them yourself? A good lead elbow represents fine craftsmanship.

Next, we discover a problematic setup for the basin. An inch and a quarter pipe leads to an awkward half elbow that diverts water incorrectly, causing it to wash down the wall and erode the surrounding cement. It's critical for us to fix this misconfiguration.

Installation Steps

After removing the old pipe and preparing the area, it's time to install a cast plastic adapter into the new swept elbow. With precise measurements, we determine that we need 296mm from the bottom of the collar to the branch. We cut the new pipe accordingly and refine its edges with a chamfering tool to ensure a snug fit.

Once the pipe is in place, we work on connecting it while ensuring proper levels and brackets. The goal is to make the installation as sturdy and reliable as possible, especially considering this is a load-bearing pipe.

Next, we focus on sealing everything well, so everything fits tight without leaks. We're using glued and push-fit connections strategically to protect against any potential twisting under pressure in the future.

Wrapping Up

Now that the installation is complete, we take a moment to admire the improved setup compared to the hazardous old asbestos pipe. The next step in the project is to clean up and patch any excavated areas in the floor. We've got a solid setup that looks aesthetically pleasing and is far safer than before.

In the second half of the day, we turn our attention to an upstairs apartment where we're assisting with a bathroom refurbishment. We'll be removing the basin, towel rail, and toilet. As we prepare the second job, our focus remains on meticulously isolating and draining water from the fixtures while minimizing disruption.

Soon, we'll be back to install new equipment after the walls are plastered. For now, it has been a busy but rewarding day!

Keyword

• Soil stack
• Asbestos
• Plumbing
• Installation
• Safety precautions
• Pipe connection
• Bathroom refurbishment

FAQ

Q: What should I do if I suspect my pipe contains asbestos?
A: It’s advisable to have the pipe tested by professionals before handling or removing it.

Q: Why are safety precautions important when dealing with potential asbestos?
A: Asbestos can cause serious health issues if disturbed and released into the air, so it’s crucial to wear protective gear and follow proper removal protocols.

Q: What type of connections are best for plumbing installations?
A: A combination of glued and push-fit connections can offer both durability and flexibility, preventing leaks and ensuring stability under pressure.

Q: What steps are involved in changing a soil stack?
A: Typical steps include assessing the situation, removing the old pipe, preparing the new setup, installing pipes and fixtures, and ensuring all connections are secure and properly sealed.

Q: Will the project impact existing plumbing in the property?
A: Careful isolation and draining of systems should be performed to mitigate any disruption to other plumbing fixtures during installation.