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I agree with what kevink1955 posted. You can replace a section with PVC if the other sections are properly supported. Also, if you plumber told you it was required by code, ask him to quote you the code reference. I have caught contractors saying such and such is required by code when it was not, or they misinterpreted the code. Even your local building inspectors are not always up on the latest codes.
I wouldn't be so worried about "code" as about "common sense". Does it make sense to support 20 or 30 feet of 4" cast iron pipe on a section of PVC (and you have no idea how the iron stack is supported inside the walls)? Nope.
I wouldn't be so worried about "code" as about "common sense". Does it make sense to support 20 or 30 feet of 4" cast iron pipe on a section of PVC (and you have no idea how the iron stack is supported inside the walls)? Nope.
Very good observation the OP must take into consideration. In my view a PVC insert would crack under pressure of the weight of the existing cast iron. Replace it all with PVC. The house is old, the iron is old.
But OP should read code and find out what it says about making changes to plumbing. I know that when you are renovating a home and you run into an electrical problem you cannot just replace one circuit of knob and tube for example, you have to install a completely new electrical system up to code.
Take note that if your house is not up to code, your home insurance may be invalid for some things. Check this out too.
Horizontal drain pipe should all be PVC. Vertical drops are better Cast iron. Far less noise and for vertical drop cast iron should last 100 years or more, it is the horizontal runs that rot out. of course in the basement, you may not be concerned about noise at all, so you could switch to PVC a few feet below the floor. PVC is a lot cheaper.
But OP should read code and find out what it says about making changes to plumbing. I know that when you are renovating a home and you run into an electrical problem you cannot just replace one circuit of knob and tube for example, you have to install a completely new electrical system up to code.
This is not true anywhere i have lived. I have replaced a single circuit, added a circuit or even replaceable parts of circuits of K & T without any issues from inspectors. Sometimes K & T wiring will get brittle and if oy try to tie into it, you may have to cut back a long way to find viable wiring to connect to.
And yes, you can blend old and new plumbing as well. You can connect pex to copper and PVC to cast. It is not a big deal.
Maybe there are places with more restrictive rules, I have not encountered them.
Horizontal drain pipe should all be PVC. Vertical drops are better Cast iron. Far less noise and for vertical drop cast iron should last 100 years or more, it is the horizontal runs that rot out. of course in the basement, you may not be concerned about noise at all, so you could switch to PVC a few feet below the floor. PVC is a lot cheaper.
True, however it’s the vertical section that failed and if walls are opened to replace it with pvc it could easily be insulated for sound.
Let's consider the OP's stack-
How much insulation do you think you'd get around that pipe (assuming a traditional 3-1/2" stud wall?
I've never seen a PVC stack that could be insulated well enough to mitigate all noise- unless it AND the insulation was about 12" in diameter.
Understood, but if it’s an interior wall, which it probably is, then most likely no insulation between studs.
What’s usually loudest, toilet flushing, sink water running or waste pipe flow?
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