On average, cast iron pipes can last around 80 to 100 years. If you live in a house built in the 1970s or older, your pipes are most likely made of cast iron. While your pipes are hidden underground, taking preventative measures can save you a lot of stress in the future. You don’t want to wait until things blow out to take action because that could be costly.
Residential pipe systems are subject to wear and tear. It is normal if your cast iron pipes start to deteriorate after several years of operation. It makes sense to conduct regular inspections on your cast iron pipes to check for any issues that could cause major inconveniences.
If an issue is detected during the home inspection, get it repaired right away before it escalates to a costly problem. You may also want to consider relining your cast iron pipes if the issue can’t be fixed.
How Can I Tell If My Cast Iron Pipes Are Bad?
Several issues can be signs of troubled cast iron pipes.
Common signs that indicate your pipes are in bad condition include:
- leaks
- water discoloration
- poor water pressure
In some cases, cast iron pipes are used in sewage systems that extend from the house to the main sewer line. You can tell something is wrong if you notice:
- slow drainage
- ground sagging
- wastewater pooling
In addition, if you experience rusty pipes, you should call a plumber to inspect your piping system to determine if it needs to be relined. Rusty pipes can also cause water discoloration due to the blockage or rough surface created by the rust inside the cast iron pipes. The rough surface attracts tiny particles, which causes a build-up.
Sewage leaks are also a concern because they can cause bad smells in your house and encourage the growth of mold and mildew, reducing the quality of your home. Moreover, when there is a rupture, wastewater tends to pool, causing small patches in the yard to be wet when other parts are dry.
The best way to protect your home from such inconveniences is to hire the qualified plumbing experts at Haller to inspect your cast iron pipes. They’ll use video to assess the condition of your pipes and identify problem areas where the cast iron piping can be relined underground.
Is a PVC Connection with an Underground Cast Iron Sewer Pipe Necessary?
Many homeowners are interested in connecting their worn-out cast iron sewer pipes, but don’t really know how and do not know the alternatives that can save you time and headaches. Not every situation requires replacing cast iron under the first floor from the basement level.
The older, traditional way of replacing cast iron pipes was to dig up the ground and break concrete slabs or pull walls away to remove the cast iron pipes. Then they could be replaced with new PVC pipes.
Connecting cast iron to PVC is possible, but is it a permanent solution?
Will you feel confident that the connections between the two materials will not leak after remodeling your kitchen? There is a newer and better way!
The newer way is through pipelining. This solution, offered by the pros at Haller, can save your property from unnecessary and major demolition. This alternative way of repairing broken, cracked, or offset cast iron pipe involves inserting a sleeve inside the existing pipe. Once the sleeve is positioned, we inflate it, allowing the epoxy coating inside to adhere to the walls of your existing pipes. As the epoxy hardens and cures, it forms a durable seal. Once cured, we remove the liner, leaving your newly lined pipes ready to function efficiently. This method is both minimally invasive and highly effective in repairing damaged pipes.
Trenchless pipe lining safeguards your home without the need for extensive excavation. Instead of digging a large trench in your yard to reach the sewer line, our team can reline the entire pipe using just two small access points. This efficient process saves you time and money while ensuring your plumbing remains fully functional.
When you notice something isn’t quite right with your sewer line, whether it’s frequent clogging, foul odors coming from your drains, or, more severely, sewage backup, call the professionals at Haller Enterprises.
All our technicians are licensed, insured, and background-checked, so you know your sewer line is in highly capable hands. We offer same-day services, monthly deals, and financing options to make getting the sewer line services you need even easier. Click here to contact Haller today!
