Man clearing a clogged cast iron drainpipe
Man clearing a clogged cast iron drainpipe

Replacing a basement cast iron drainpipe can be a complex project. Depending on the circumstances, it can require part of your foundation, walls, and basement floor to be removed, and you’ll be unable to stay in your home while the project takes place.

But luckily, full-scale replacement isn’t the only choice when it comes to cast iron drainpipes. Pipelining repair is usually an option, too. In this blog, we’ll look at the basics of cast iron basement drainpipes, discuss signs that you may need a repair or replacement, and go over your options for repairs, such as trenchless pipe relining. Haller is here to help!

Do I Have a Cast Iron Drainpipe?

If your house was built before the 1970s, you probably have a cast iron drainpipe. Cast iron was widely used for drainpipes and water mains before the 1970s, when plastic materials like PVC became more popular.

Cast iron pipes can easily last up to 80 or 100 years, but they do tend to corrode and rust over time and will eventually wear out and fail.

Not sure if your pipe is made of cast iron? It can be hard to tell on your own. We recommend contacting Haller to check your pipes and determine what material they are,

Signs Your Cast Iron Drainpipe Needs to Be Replaced

If you suspect you need to replace your basement drainpipe, there are a few signs you should look out for.

  • Nasty smells in your home – Sewer gas or other foul odors can indicate damage in your basement cast iron drainpipe.
  • Sluggish drains – If more than one or two of your plumbing appliances is draining slowly, this usually indicates a crack, damage, or other issues with your sewer drainpipe.
  • Lush patches of grass – Very lush, green patches of grass over the drainpipe usually indicate that sewage is leaking from your pipe.
  • Cracks in walls or foundation – This may indicate prolonged basement drainpipe issues. Over time, leaking sewage and/or water can cause damage to the foundation of your home.

Is Trenchless Pipe Relining the Solution?

So, what should you do if you think your cast iron drainpipe needs to be replaced?

The first step is to contact the expert plumbers at Haller to come out and look at your basement slab and pipes.

In many cases, there are only a few problematic areas that are damaged and need replacement. If this is the case, trenchless pipe relining is the best option to repair your cast iron drainpipe.

In the pipelining repair method, a plumber uses a flexible camera to identify damage to your pipe. Then, they will use special tools to place a fiberglass felt liner in the damaged area and inject it with resin.

This essentially creates a “pipe-within-a-pipe,” sealing the leak and damage without requiring you to dig up and replace the entire pipe. The only reason to dig would be if the pipe is offset so much so that it can’t be leveled out before lining.

If the pipe is completely cracked and one part of the pipe is substantially lower than the other part, we would put a leveling agent in that area to make up for the difference, but that can only be done when it’s minor. Otherwise, we would have to dig.

Fully Replacing a Basement Cast Iron Drainpipe

In some cases, it may not be possible to reline the cast iron drainpipe.

Significant damage may require one or several sections of the pipe to be removed. If this is the case, it’s usually a good idea to completely tear up the pipe and replace it with a modern PVC sewer pipe.

This is a long, complex, and difficult process, which often requires the removal of walls, flooring, and even digging up your front yard. Usually, you and your family will need to stay at a hotel or somewhere else since the plumbing will be inoperable throughout the process.

Replacing your drainpipe is worth it if there are serious problems with your cast iron drainpipe – but due to the complexity of this process, it’s best to explore other options like trenchless pipe relining first.

Got Sewer Drainage Issues? Contact Haller Today!

At Haller, we specialize in repairing and restoring cast iron pipes that are under concrete basements and foundations. 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. Contact us online for more information, or if you’re ready to schedule service, click here.

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