If you own a property built before 1975, our cast iron plumber thinks there’s a good chance that the plumbing infrastructure is made with cast iron pipes. While they are durable, they do wear overtime causing leaks, corrosion, or calcification. That’s why in this day and age many plumbers recommend replacing these old cast iron pipes with new PVC pipes. PVC pipes are known for having longer life spans and higher reliability. Additionally, trying to repair cast iron pipes can be pricey and the fixes are often only temporary. 

That being said, what are the signs that you could look for, or may be experiencing, that signal it’s time to replace your cast iron pipes? We’ve outlined the major ones below.

Cast Iron Plumber Shares Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Pipes

The pipes have an awful smell. This often occurs when there’s a crack in the cast iron pipes, which also signifies the pipes are deteriorating. The smell that leaks into the property is sewage gas which can both be harmful and unpleasant. 

There are leaks occurring. A leak in piping is quite common and is actually not a huge concern if it happens once or twice over a long period of time. However, if a property has multiple leaks in a short period of time, there’s indication that the pipes are deteriorated and need to be replaced to avoid more leaks.

The foundation has cracks or holes. This indicator is often the most expensive and most dangerous as it shows weakness in the stability of the property and the pipes. This damage often appears from leaks that go undetected for a while. To replace the pipes and repair foundational damage takes expertise and, therefore, can make this project quite costly.

There’s fungus growing. You guessed it, we’re talking about mold. Mold is harmful to an individual’s health and well-being. Water and moisture feeds mold and no one should let it continue to affect their health. Don’t let mold grow and spread at a faster rate because of a leaky pipe that was not replaced. We can help!

The toilet won’t flush. You may have tried all the chemical options from the store and are still experiencing sewage backups. These solutions have not only solved the problem, but have now damaged your cast iron pipes as they contain sulfuric acid, which is harmful to these kinds of pipes. Let our team assess the situation before further damaging your plumbing system.

The water isn’t clear or clean. Tap water, from time to time, can be slightly discolored from the city working on main water pipes. But, consistent discoloring in your water is indication of a rusty or corroded cast iron pipe. The rust contaminants are mixing with the water coming out of your sink or shower and, if consumed, can cause health issues. Discoloring of water is a severe situation and should be evaluated by a plumber as soon as possible.

Contact Our Team

If you or someone you know is concerned about the status of their cast iron pipes, contact our team of professionals to evaluate, make recommendations, and help in replacing cast iron pipes as deemed necessary. Call us at (860) 863-8189 or visit our website anytime.