How long do cast iron pipes last? It’s an important question if your home’s plumbing is on the older side. This article explains a few of the signs to look for if you have cast iron pipes in your home.
If your home was built before 1970, it’s likely that you could have cast iron plumbing. Why is this a problem? Well, unlike current options, cast iron pipes are susceptible to corrosion, which means you could be looking at expensive repairs if you don’t nip the problem in the bud.
It’s not always possible to know when your plumbing needs to be replaced, since it’s hidden behind plaster, wood, and drywall. However, if your pipes are made out of cast iron, these signs could mean that it’s time to get in touch with a plumber.
Water Discoloration
If you sometimes see discolored water—usually brown or yellowish in color—coming out of your taps, your pipes could be damaged. Discoloration is the result of years of corrosion. This is the most common sign that your cast iron pipes are reaching the end of their lifespan.
Frequent Leaks
A leak here and there might not point to a widespread problem with your plumbing. However, if you notice that the leaks are becoming more and more frequent, you should ask a plumber to take a look.
Sometimes, holes and cracks form in cast iron pipes because of exposure to sulfuric acid, a common ingredient in household cleaning products, including drain cleaning products. If you have cast iron pipes and you have used these products to unclog a drain in the past, you may have done irreparable damage.
Your pipes will need to be replaced.
If you are wondering how long do cast iron pipes last, it might be time to replace your plumbing. Contact us now to learn what steps you need to take.
Cracks in the Foundation of Your Home
Cracks in the foundation of your home can signal a much larger problem—damage to your main line. Don’t let this problem go unchecked for too long.
Pest Infestation
Have you noticed any rodents or insects in your home? Have these encounters become more numerous? They may be coming in through the cracks in your sewer pipes.
Calling pest control will get rid of the short-term problem, but unless you fix the pipes where these creatures are gaining access to your home, the problem won’t go away completely.
How Long Do Cast Iron Pipes Last? That’s a Question for an Expert
Have you experienced any of the above signs of deteriorating cast iron plumbing? You should get the opinion of a professional before your home suffers expensive damage.
Get in touch with the experts at Custom Plumbing of Arizona today. Let us send one of our plumbers to you so that you can rest easy that your home is safe from leaks and other common plumbing problems.