Learn More About Sewer Lines Made of Cast Iron
Sewers have been developed over thousands of years as a means to protect humans from their waste. The earliest sewers were simple, covered trenches that allowed waste to be sequestered. Over time, newer materials developed that made sewers more reliable and more able to handle the demands of the developing plumbing grid in growing cities. One of the more recent developments in sewer technology was cast iron pipes.
In modern cities, much more water is used than in ancient times. This requires a very effective and efficient sewer system to protect people from waste, and cast iron fits the bill perfectly. Unfortunately, cast iron is no longer used in large quantities for plumbing. Even more effective materials have supplanted it. Here is a quick guide to understanding cast iron sewer pipes and how to deal with them when problems arise.
Pros and Cons of Cast Iron as a Material for Sewer Lines
Cast iron was originally developed for sewer lines because of its durability, low cost, and longevity. It was the material of choice for most of the 20th century. Even though cast iron hasn’t been widely used as sewer piping for decades, millions of homes still rely on it to carry away their wastewater.
With better materials available, the drawbacks of cast iron sewer pipes are more evident. First, cast iron is a common victim of corrosion. Rust can form quickly on cast iron and allow it to become brittle. When the pipe is brittle enough, it may collapse or crack, allowing roots to invade the pipe and sewage to leak.
Signs Your Cast Iron Sewer Line May Need Repair or Replacement
Nearly every plumber will recommend replacing cast iron sewer lines with more effective materials like PVC. Some of the signs they will point to that indicate cast iron pipes are damaged are:
- Wet spots in the lawn
- Tree root invasion of sewer pipes
- Frequent sewer line clogs
- Visible rust or damage to cast iron pipes
- Collapsed pipes
Trenchless Options for Repairing or Replacing Cast Iron Lines
Sewer line replacement is a major plumbing repair, but it will likely be necessary for homes with cast iron pipes in the coming years. Luckily, since cast iron sewer lines were so common, plumbers have devised ingenious ways to replace them or restore their service. Instead of having to dig trenches and ruin the lawn, plumbers may use trenchless pipe repair methods like:
- Pipe Bursting: Pipe bursting is a trenchless pipe replacement method that involves digging two access holes for equipment instead of a trench. Once the pipe is accessed, a hydraulic cable is passed through the damaged cast iron pipe. A powerful winch pulls a special head through the pipe, bursts it, and lays a new pipe in its place.
- Slip Lining: Slip lining is a similar method that leaves the damaged pipe in place by relining it with a small pipe. Two access holes are dug, and the same winch is used, but instead, the damaged pipe is left intact with a smaller diameter pipe inside.
- Pipe Lining: This method is similar to slip lining, except that the lining is a cured-in-place epoxy instead of a full pipe.
All of these methods are widely used today and can quickly update sewer pipes without the hassle of trenching.
About Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air
Affordable Plumbing, Heating & Air can be relied upon for emergency repairs and cast iron sewer pipe replacement. Their teams work quickly and leave no mess behind. Call today for plumbing repairs in Fairhope, AL.
