If your home has cast iron pipes, it might be time to consider replacing them. The reason is because cast iron pipes are only expected to last 50 years, and most of the homes built with this material were constructed before 1975. That means your home may soon be due, or already is overdue, for a repiping service.
What Is the Problem with Cast Iron Pipes?
The main issue with cast iron is how prone it is to damage from degradation over time. Decades of corrosion can weaken cast iron, causing it to develop cracks that leak water. Pipes can also burst when substantially weakened by corrosion and put under pressure. In a worst-case scenario, a sewage pipe can burst on your property, allowing foul-smelling wastewater filled with harmful bacteria and fungi to flow.
Signs That You Should Replace Cast Iron Piping
The first sign that you should replace cast iron piping is its age. As previously stated, this material is only expected to last 50 years, and most of the homes built with it are older than that. Although cast iron was a durable and cost-effective material in its day, your home’s plumbing may be living on borrowed time.
Here are some additional signs that you should replace cast iron pipes:
- Your drains are slow
- You experience forewent clogging or backups
- Your pipes exhaust foul smells from sewer gas
- Your pipes have had pest infestations
- You’ve noticed warping on your floors or walls
- Your floor tiles seem loose or water-stained
- Your home has unusual humidity problems
Any of these can be a sign that there’s a serious problem with the cast iron pipes in your home. Preventing a future disaster, however, is as simple as contacting an experienced plumber to inspect your home and recommend any repairs or replacements, including a pipe replacement.
What’s the Best Material for Water Pipes?
There is a variety of alternative materials you can repipe your home with, including copper, PVC, CPVC, and PEX. Which of these is best for your home can depend on your home’s unique needs and your budget. If you do repipe your home, a mixture of materials can be used depending on the role a specific length of pipe plays in your overall plumbing system.
Contact a Plumber for Assistance
If your home has cast iron pipes, it’s probably time to replace them. Our experienced experts at Carter Quality Plumbing, LLC can get the job done. With expert workmanship and customer service, you’ll be glad you chose us to repipe your home with newer materials that will ensure longevity for your plumbing system.
Learn more about our services by contacting Carter Quality Plumbing, LLC online today.