Although PVC pipes are now used for water-pool sewerage, many old houses still have cast iron pipes. After completing their average life span of 30 to 40 years, a cast iron pipe repair install becomes necessary to prevent underground damages. With a 2” diameter for residential sewers and a 4” to 6” diameter for commercial sewers, these heavy material pipes are installed where waste water accumulates to form pools.

What Causes Cast Iron Pipes to Deteriorate?

Irregular or no sewer repair and drain cleaning gradually deteriorate cast iron pipes. Its two major causes are rust and corrosion.

Rust: Anything that comes in regular contact with water gradually rusts. When water, especially unfiltered or salted water, flows through the cast iron pipes, the internal surface of pipes becomes rough, blocking water flow. The pipes start rusting due to the friction and accumulation of water.

Corrosion: The pipe structure corrodes when rusted and untreated walls of the pipe allow foreign entities to enter and accumulate. The wastewater escapes from rifts and gaping leading to catastrophic collapses.

Locating the Damage

The first step towards a complete cast iron pipe repair install is to locate the damage. Determining the location does not need expert plumbing skills. Simply run your hand along the pipe, marking the rusted portions. The smooth exterior can be clearly distinguished from the rusted one. Mark the ends to know the length of the pipe to be replaced.

Repairing Minor Damages

Minor damages include minimal rust and holes in the pipe. Remove the rust with a scratcher and cover it with an epoxy layer. For future protection, paint it when the epoxy layer is completely dry. If rust has eroded the pipe, then replacement will be needed.

Small holes in the pipe can also be treated within five minutes. Take a wire brush to clean the hole/opening. Then fill the opening with two-part plumber’s epoxy. Don’t use the pipe until epoxy completely dries off.

Cast Iron Pipe Repair and Replacement

Follow the given cast iron pipe repair install steps after locating the damaged area.

• Turn off the main water supply and make sure that all remaining water in the pipe is removed.
• Take a reciprocating saw with diamond tip cutting tape attached to it. Cut the marked areas of the pipe. Make sure that the leftover water (if any) does not enter the saw.
• Cut the second marked end of the pipe and pick the damaged pipe out.
• If you want to replace it with a cast iron pipe, then install a correctly measured piece of pipe and glue it to the old pipe with epoxy.
• If you want to replace it with PVC pipe, then replace the old pipe space with correctly measured PVC pipe. Couplings are used to connect PVC pipe with cast iron pipe.
• Apply PVC cleaner to the joints and set it dry. Now cover the joints with joint glue and twist the joints a little.
• At the meeting point of PVC pipe and cast iron pipe, connect a hand gasket and tighten it with a ¼ nut driver.
• Turn on the water supply and check the joints. You need to tighten the joints if there is leakage.

While there are numerous chances of mistakes in plumbing, Mesa Plumbing Company makes repairs and replacements easier for you. For free quotes and suggestions, feel free to contact our plumbing experts at 480-832-1660 and become one of our satisfied clients in Gilbert, Fountain Hills, San Tan, Tempe and Chandler!