If you live in an older Southern Arizona home, there’s a good chance you have cast iron pipes. Whether it’s a cast iron sewer line or drain line, they’re supposed to be durable and last upwards of 50 years, but that’s not always the case.
While cast iron pipes have benefits, they can be challenging to repair in a lasting manner, leaving many homeowners looking for a complete plumbing replacement. However, professionally done repairs can save customers from encountering a catastrophic incident, such as a pipe bursting, before the damage gets out of hand.
To know the reasons behind clogged drain pipes, check our detailed blog on Clogged Drains: Causes and Solutions.
Benefits of Cast Iron Pipes
There are benefits to cast iron pipes! While they do require more expertise and care to maintain and service, cast iron pipes come with many advantages, such as:
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They’re quiet
You’ve probably never noticed how annoying loud pipes can be unless you’ve had them. Cast iron piping provides sound dampening to pipes, with less clanking and whooshing to be heard throughout your home.
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They’re durable
Old cast iron pipes have stood the test of time because of their durability under pressure. Cast iron pipe lining adds a layer of reinforcement to sewer pipes and other elements of plumbing systems alike.
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They’re safe
If you’re worried about fire safety for your home, cast iron pipes are a great choice. Cast iron is fire resistant, meaning they’re unlikely to burn and doesn’t put off dangerous and unhealthy gasses when exposed to high heat. This makes them a safe option for sewer pipes and more.
Repairing a Cast Iron Pipe
If damage or crumbling of an old pipe is concentrated, it can be helpful to repair finding a more permanent solution.
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Hydro jetting
Beginning with cleaning, hydro jetting or high-pressure water jets can clear away sediment, rust, and build-up that may result in more service from your existing piping. A hydro jet may also cut through tree roots that have infiltrated the system (another common problem in AZ).
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Sewage Camera
Next, a waterproof camera specially made for diagnosing plumbing issues can be inserted into the system to determine the best next steps. If a clog or blockage is impeding the flow of enough water to or from your system, the best action may be to break up the waste, or it may be time to think about getting new pipes. At Al Coronado Plumbing, our professionals will analyze the system footage to recommend you repair or replace the cast iron with a new pipe.
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Trenchless sewer repair
Trenchless sewer repair, also referred to as “pipe bursting” is actually a way of replacing an effected pipe without having to dig up the entire system. With cast iron pipes, it is inevitable that they will eventually degrade, often making a more modern pvc replacement a more advantageous approach than trying to patch up an already failing cast iron line.
Service your Iron Pipes with Al Coronado Plumbing
There’s a reason Al Coronado Plumbing is Tucson’s trusted plumber. We value quality, honesty, cleanliness, and professional customer plumbing experience.
Al Coronado knows your time is valuable. Our fast and convenient Tucson Plumbing services aim to get you back up and running as soon as possible. From start to finish, you and your family are at the top of our Tucson Plumbers’ priority list.
Learn more about our services and contact us today with a visit to our website.