Common Cast Iron Pipe Issues

Before the rise of pipe lining companies and the many other pipe materials we use today, cast iron pipes were first used as plumbing pipes in 1664 at Versailles. It wasn’t until the 1810s that cast iron became the primary sewer pipe material first in Philadelphia and then for the rest of the United States. Cast iron pipes come with benefits, including soundproofing, durability, resistance to high water pressures, and longevity (cast iron pipes are known to have a life expectancy of around 80 to 100 years). However, cast iron as a sewer pipe material is not without issues.

SD Lining Solutions, the expert in trenchless pipe lining in Sioux Falls, SD, explores the most common issues that arise when cast iron pipes are used in sewer or plumbing systems.

Corrosion and Rust

Cast iron pipes have been around for a while, and within that span of time, the waste that passes through them produces significant amounts of toxic gas that facilitate corrosion. Corrosion occurs on the inside of the pipe where you can’t see, and it’s one of the issues that necessitate cast iron pipe lining today. Corrosion leads to holes, cracks, and other types of structural damage. A pipe system that’s severely corroded is more prone to issues such as sewer backups and even complete collapse. 

Clogs

We’ve mentioned that corroded pipes have an increased vulnerability to clogs and sewer backups. When these happen, we typically recommend cleaning the pipes first before utilizing sewer pipe lining to ensure optimal wastewater flow and minimize future clogging issues.

Expensive and Challenging Repairs

The traditional method to fix a pipe underground is to excavate the pipe and repair the hole. This involves digging in your backyard, which is a messy and expensive process where you’d have to find a place to stay until it’s fixed. The process becomes more complicated when you factor in that cast iron pipes are heavy. Luckily, with pipe restoration methods available like CIPP pipe lining, there’s no excavation required, which makes the repairs easier.

Trust the Pros

Let SD Lining Solutions address your most pressing cast iron pipe concerns. Contact us today for a service appointment.