How to Remove Old Cast Iron Drain Pipes
- 1). Spray the fittings of the cast iron drain pipe with a penetrating catalyst. Soak the fittings with the catalyst and let it sit for 20 minutes. A penetrating catalyst can be purchased from any hardware or home improvement store. It is a petroleum-based product that is used to loosen stuck fittings.
- 2). Place one pipe wrench on the fitting and another pipe wrench below it. Turn the fitting counterclockwise while holding the other wrench stable. If the fitting will not turn, spray it again with the penetrating catalyst and try again. Sometimes you can work the fitting loose using this procedure.
- 3). Cut out the section of cast iron drain using a reciprocating saw if you could not disconnect it using the pipe wrenches. Cut the pipe straight across and include the fittings in the cut. Make the cut as square as possible to make it easier to attach a new drain pipe.