Question 1

Do cast iron drain pipes rust?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Typically they rust from the inside out. This means that if you are seeing rust on the surface of your cast iron pipe it is nearing the end of its useful life. Replacement of the failed pipe will be coming soon.

Question 2

Can cast iron sewer pipe be repaired?

Accepted Answer

Epoxy and patch kits are available to repair a leaking cast iron pipe. However, do not let that fool you into thinking that your old cast iron will last forever. These repair methods are a short-term solution to a much larger problem.

Question 3

How much does it cost to repair a cast iron pipe?

Accepted Answer

The cost to repair a failing cast-iron waste line can vary greatly. Small sections can be done for a few hundred dollars, while an entire house can easily reach $15,000 to $20,000.

Question 4

How do you keep cast iron pipes from rusting?

Accepted Answer

Painting the exterior of a cast iron pipe will stop the outer surface from rusting. However, the failure of cast iron happens from the inside, and there is nothing you can do to prevent that.

Question 5

How long does it take for cast iron pipes to corrode?

Accepted Answer

Most cast iron plumbing pipes have a life expectancy of 80 to 100 years. Some homeowners get lucky and never experience any issues with their cast iron pipes. However, most of the homes built around the early 1900s are now having to incur the cost of replacing the old waste lines.

Question 6

Will Flex Seal work on cast iron pipe?

Accepted Answer

Will ‘Flex Seal’ stop a leak in a cast iron pipe? Sure. If you are trying to stop a small pinhole leak or crack in your cast iron, most sealants will stop the leak in the short term. However, keep in mind that your cast iron will eventually have to be replaced as the rusting continues from the inside.

Question 7

Can you replace cast iron pipe with PVC?

Accepted Answer

PVC is typically the material of choice when it comes time to replace your cast iron waste line. It is also used in smaller ‘spot repairs’.

Question 8

Should steel water pipes be replaced?

Accepted Answer

Steel water pipes are coated in zinc to help resist rusting. Over time, this zinc coating will wear away and allow the inside of the pipe to corrode and rust. Once this corrosion begins the steel water pipes should be replaced.

Question 9

How long do steel water pipes last?

Accepted Answer

Most steel water pipes last around 50 years. Since we haven’t used steel water pipes in construction for decades, any steel water line in use today is very likely at the end of its life and needs to be replaced.

Question 10

What is the best pipe to replace steel water lines with?

Accepted Answer

Most homes are plumbed with either PEX or copper water lines today. Either material will work fine to replace your galvanized water lines.

Question 11

How much does it cost to replace galvanized steel water lines?

Accepted Answer

The cost to replace galvanized steel water lines can range from a spot repair of $200 to a full replacement of $10,000+

Each home is different. Accessibility and the size of your home will both play a big role in how much the job will cost.

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