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player ready...Q. In our basement, we have a metal or iron pole that is leaking rust. The rust already has stained the tile floor. We painted it several times, but nothing helps. We heard that tar might be one solution. What do you suggest?
Mr. and Mrs. Morris Gzesh, Skokie
A. If it’s the cast iron waste stack, which carries waste water and sewage away from the home, the best answer is to replace the pipe, said Terry Constantino, of TFC & Co. in Chicago.
“Cast iron stacks usually last 60 or 70 years. But when they start to wear out, they wear out. They actually start bleeding,” he said.
This leaking indicates the condition of the whole 4-inch pipe is worn thin throughout. It can’t be welded.
Most plumbers will not recommend using black tar to patch the pipe, because this is only a temporary fix. However, replacing the cast iron pipe isn’t inexpensive; it may run more than $1,000, Constantino said.
If you decide to patch the leaks, black tar can be found in the paint department of most hardware stores.
It would be better, though, to call several licensed plumbers to get estimates to replace the pipe.
Also, check with your municipal codes for plumbing guidelines. Some municipalities allow cast iron stacks to be replaced with a less expensive PVC pipe.
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Have a question about home repair or maintenance? Send a brief note to Home Remedies, Your Place, baiduhai, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago IL 60611, or e-mail [email protected]. Be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number. Questions of general interest will be answered in future columns. Unpublished letters cannot be answered individually.