[Lauren]

Question: Our iron waste pipe from the upstairs bathroom looks very shabby. Can it be repainted or replaced with a plastic one?

[Sean]

If it’s just a case of it looking tired and faded and the paint is flacking off and it’s solid then I would clean it down ,prime any bare metal then use a good quality exterior paint. I like using dulux metalshield and it can be mixed to a colour to suit.

[Lauren]

Hey @Sean

Thank you so much for you answer -😊😊😊​​​​​​​

[PetersHandyManServic]

Yes if is flaking just clean and repaint. You can used deferent ways to do that from heat to sanding, iron pipes will handle it. But if is damaged then its only 2 ways
1 more expensive what involve putting rubber infill only advice when its original and you unable to get maching old look
​​​​​​​2 if look is no isue cheep plastic replacement

[ToolTalk1]

@Lauren
cast Iron waste pipes (soil pipes)
have a history of lasting for years often hundreds of years!
a few key points to consider.

1. is it leaking
2. is it rusty
3. is the paint faded & dull

if its leaking a good plumber …. Plenty available on Checkatrade can repair the leak

if its Rusty & or the paint is faded & weathered
then lots of preparation to the rust & treat it to prevent future rusting

if the paint is dull, flat or faded by the eliments
Then a wash down with sugar soap wipes & rinse with clean water, allow to fully dry
then lightly sand with very fine Abranet abrasives dust off & paint with your chosen finish.
gloss paint was the go to finish, however Satin & Matt are now also available
my recommendation is choose a trade quality paint.
if your not comfortable doing it yourself (DIY)
choose a Checkatrade member that does exterior painting

[Georgia]

Hey @Sean @PetersHandyManServic @ToolTalk1

Thanks for your replies, your comments have been added to the blog! 😊

[ToolTalk1]

@Georgia
​​​​​​​fab 🙌

[Sean]

Excellent 👍