Does anyone know what this urn-like thing is - sewer pipe in closet

steam2pipe

The sewer pipe located in a basement hallway closet has a large hole (covered with black tarp right now) that needs repair. See attached photo. However, plumbers can't get under this slab of cement and a cast iron pipe covered with cement and connected to this urn-like thing/cement attached. I've attached a photo if anyone has clue. I wondered if it was an old 'pit latrine' serving residents that lived here in 1860 when the building was built. The pipe is very old and plumbers do not know how to remove the cement without breaking the cast iron pipe. Any and all suggestions are welcome because right now the broken pipe needs to be repaired asap.
photo:

steam2pipe

PS Here is a photo of the other end of that sewer pipe covered with a tarp for now. The plumbers need to get at that end to replace with PVC.

pedmec

looks to me like it might be a closet bend with some sort of plug in the opening. the vent for it is to the right.

Jamie Hall

master trap? With a cleanout opening on top.

HomerJSmith

Wild guess...a running drum trap or cleanout.

mattmia2

I"m pretty sure some care with a chisel and hammer will take the concrete/mortar off without breaking the cast iron. Clay could be a a different story.

steam2pipe

Thanks, everyone, for your comments.

Intplm.

Might as well plan for the worst of it. It will probably break. It is also repairable so no need to be too concerned. It looks like an old cleanout exiting the building, or a clean-out serving a house trap.

mattmia2

Perhaps it is a drain for something in the attic that comes out the eave and that is a trap.