Why Cast Iron Pipes Fail and What to Do About It
Posted in Pipe Repair, on October 21, 2024
Cast iron pipes were once a staple in Florida’s plumbing systems due to their early reputation for durability and apparent strength in handling high water pressure. Unfortunately, these claims proved hollow—the pipes failed the test of time with massive corrosion and deterioration issues. Florida homeowners and property managers with an older home or building with cast iron pipes must understand cast iron pipe failure causes and secure their home and plumbing. If you suspect issues with your old cast iron pipes, contact Broward Plumbing for a professional assessment and affordable cast iron pipe repair. Meanwhile, our seasoned plumbers in Boca Raton lay down the reasons behind cast iron pipe failure and why a PVC pipe upgrade is a reliable and sensible solution!
Common Causes of Cast Iron Pipe Failure
Corrosion: External and internal corrosion is the bane of cast iron pipes. Corrosive chemicals, chlorine, and other elements in water react with iron to cause rusting and deterioration in the interior of the pipes. Soil composition and moisture cause external corrosion, so it’s an unfortunate “double whammy” for cast iron piping. These pipes also deteriorate faster due to galvanic corrosion. This specific corrosion type happens when cast iron pipes are attached to copper or other metallic pipes.
- Gases: Exposure to sewer gases and oxygen can rust and weaken cast iron pipes. Sewer gases corrode the pipes from inside, while oxygen in the air oxidizes and corrodes the exposed cast iron pipes.
- Soil & Environment: Salt-rich soil or soil with high acidity can exacerbate rusting in iron pipes. The high saline content and humid Florida environment further accelerate cast iron pipe deterioration. No wonder plumbers in Boca Raton rank cast iron pipe repair among the top complaints in Florida homes!
- Age & Wear: Cast iron pipes also crumble with age and wear. They become brittle with rust, with numerous cracks and breaks.
- Shifting or Settling Ground: External pressure and stress from the gradual shifting and settling of the ground can also cause cracking and breakage.
Signs Your Cast Iron Pipes Are Failing
- Slow Drainage or Frequent Clogs: Slow drainage of water is often a sign of cast iron pipe trouble. If frequent plumbing clogs and blockages accompany slow drainage, your cast iron pipes may be past the use-by date!
- Leaks or Water Damage: Ubiquitous leaks are an obvious sign of deteriorating cast iron piping. Pinhole leaks and cracks or breaks in the joints indicate weakening and corroding plumbing pipes. Unchecked or hidden leaks can cause unprecedented water damage—be on the lookout for visible damage or water stains and unexplained moisture in your Boca Raton home.
- Unpleasant Odors & Water Discoloration: Stinky odors from home drains and water discoloration are a surefire sign of damaged cast iron piping. Discolored water means rust and contaminants are leaching into your home water—replace those cast iron pipes with sturdy PVC pipes already!
- Visible Rust & Corrosion on Exposed Pipes: Visible cracks and rusting on the exposed cast iron piping is a piping SOS! Contact a Broward Plumbing professional for immediate cast iron pipe repair or pipe replacement.
What to Do When Cast Iron Pipes Fail
Structural and water damage from cast iron pipe failure can be distressing and stressful. Severe damage can cost you thousands of dollars in damage restoration and pipe replacement. While you can patch small leaks or replace damaged sections, you’ll require a professional inspection from a qualified plumber in Boca Raton for correct diagnosis and resolution.
Repair or Replace? The choice between cast iron pipe repair or complete replacement depends on pipe age, damage extent, and budget constraints. Aging pipes with extensive damage must be replaced—band-aid fixes and temporary repairs will not work. Replacing damaged pipe sections will only buy you time—it will not tackle the underlying problem of cast iron pipe deterioration. You’ll only inflate the overall costs with repeated repairs!
However, budget constraints need a phased approach—replace the critical portions with durable PVC pipes and then replace the remaining piping when the budget permits.
Replacing cast iron pipes with PVC is the smarter and more cost-effective choice overall. PVC pipes easily last 50-75 years as they’re durable and corrosion-resistant. The improved water flow and pressure are a bonus you’ll love! Cast iron pipe replacement expenses will actually be lower than the repeated repairs and patch-up work.
Broward Plumbing for Cast Iron Piping Solutions
Cast iron pipes in your home are a ticking time bomb—the sooner you replace them, the better for your wallet and peace of mind! Timely plumbing inspections and cast iron repair or complete pipe replacement with PVC piping will save you big dollars on costly water damage from inevitable pipe failure. Stop further damage—act quickly and book a Boward Plumbing cast iron pipe inspection today! Trust Broward Plumbing for reliable and expert cast iron pipe repair and PVC pipe replacement. All at fair, transparent prices. Call now!