The history and problems of cast iron sewers pipes

Problems of cast iron sewers is something that needs to be addressed early. Manufacture and usage of the cast iron started as early as 1800’s in the United States. Initially, the iron was used to distribute water after which they started being used in the waste disposal industry. Actually, cast iron soil pipe industry was well established and recognized in 1890’s. Over a long period of time, cast iron piping has proved to be the most reliable and durable pipes that are able to last longer than any other material used to make pipes.

Use of the cast iron sewer pipes

 

The plastic sewer pipes were introduced in the late 1960’s and the early 1970’s. The PVC has become best sewage piping choice since they were introduced. This is because, they are easier to install and produce. PVC materials are also cheaper hence affordable. Well, waste water piping cast iron was still available and found in most homes in the 1970’s. In most of the residential structures, municipal, industrial and commercial applications, cast iron piping has been widely used.

Problems of cast iron sewers pipes

There are various problems realized ever since the use of cast iron piping was introduced. The major problems included the differences in the quality that were produced during the early years. Stiff competition among many emerging cast iron waste pipe producers has resulted to inferior products. This is in order to curve on the cost of production. Many producers have resulted on defaulted, defective and non-acceptable pipe brands, to minimize on the cost and maximize on the profit.

Installation and maintenance

Cast iron sewer pipes are more labor intensive when it comes to installing and maintaining them. This is because, they require the older methods and skills that are very specific to only the cast iron. Well, most of the plumbers are inexperienced in installation of the cast iron, especially if these plumbers are less involved in this activity.

When well maintained and in the right condition, cast iron sewer pipes are able to effectively resist rusting, breaking and shifting. Unfortunately, human activities such as dumping, use of heavy chemicals around and in homes has greatly changed the PH level of the soli making it more acidic. This therefore has led to accelerated corrosion of the underground cast iron sewer pipes, causing seeping of sewer waste. Waste dumped on the sinks and drained down through a drainage cause deterioration of the cast iron pipes from inside.

Soil shifting problems

A significant shifting of the soil has led to joint breaking of the cast iron pipes among other damages. The same will occur in case of the movement of a foundation or a building. Others dangers causing shifting and breaking of the pipes include; manual actions such as digging and natural activities such as damage of the tree roots. It is so unfortunate that occurrence of the latter mentioned activities may damage cast iron sewer pipes of high quality hence shortening there expected life span. The problems of cast iron sewers need to be addressed as early as it is identified.

Well, the cast iron sewer pipes have both the outer and the inner side. It is important therefore to use a sewer scope to assess the condition of the inside and other concealed parts to ensure that seeping does not occur unexpectedly. Be sure of the outer parts condition of your cast iron sewer pipes as well for a lengthier service.