Our house is 100 years old, and the lead/cast iron waste/drain plumbing likely is original. We are in the middle of remodeling that exposed the upstairs plumbing, and see that there is a leak where the tub drain joins the 90 degree bend below the toilet. Here is a photo: [drive.google.com]Can this be repaired reliably by an amateur? I do welding and hobby electronics soldering but have not attempted a repair such as this. I am hoping the solder/lead can be (carefully) softened and resealed, perhaps with some added solder for good measure. Is this feasible? I would really like to avoid replacing all the cast/lead with PVC if possible. Thanks in advance.



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NO, it can NOT be repaired by an amateur.

It is a 'lead wiped' joint which is an almost lost art.

It would cost you MORE to repair properly, if it can be done at all, than biting the bullet and repiping.



You are remodelling ...... so, go ahead and remodel ....... the stuff IN the walls is way more impotant than the visible 'trim'.



Time for a licensed, insured, bonded plumber AND a building permit.

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"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

If it’s 100 yrs old you should replace it now with pvc or bare the even bigger expense later if your remodeling you might as well do it right the first time

will it require a 100+ year old plumber to have the skills to do a wipe lead joint?

there are no 100 year old plumbers

==============================================

"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638



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unfortunatly it is time to open it all up and start replacing.


the only repair for that joint is to clean it up and wipe some space age epoxy
on it.
not really recommended.

ditto packy


@ OP:

do not even attempt to solder over it

the 'wiped' joint was made with a 'specialty' solder having a very low (comparatively speaking) liquidus point

==============================================

"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

There is nothing worse than having to rip out newly remodeled walls and floors a month or a year or even 10 years after the remodel to fix something you knew might fail...

AMEN

==============================================

"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

I believe the response is unanimous! Called our plumber yesterday.



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ps. for the OP,



old lead joints 'crystallize' with age and may not simply be 'rewiped' nor soldered over



pps. good decision to simply replace all while the wall is open

==============================================

"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638