Cast Iron System Failure: Signs & Symptoms
One sign that there is a problem with your cast iron plumbing system is a gurgling sound or the smell of sewer gas. The smell of sewer gas is a sign that there is a broken pipe. The break is releasing gases into the air that would normally be vented to the outdoors, and these gases are not healthy to have in your home.
Other signs that there is an issue with your old plumbing are roach/pest infestation (including rats), warped wood floors, water-stained tiles or grout, or water damage to your carpet. If you should experience any of these warning signs, your plumbing system is likely failing. The first step in knowing what your options are is to call a professional plumber for an inspection.
An inspection of your pipes will probably involve using a large amount of water to check for adequate drainage and pressure. That's one test that can be conducted. The best way and the highly recommended way is that an in-line camera inspection take place in order to actually see the condition of the pipes. The sewer camera can detect old rags and any other debris that might be clogging the lines.
Removing these items will help temporarily, but if this continues to happen, that means paper products are getting hung up on mineral buildup or jagged, heavy corrosion. Another task the camera can do is find rather obvious large leaks, and help you find the supply line before digging. What a sewer camera cannot do is detect small leaks or small cuts in your pipes.
Replacing Residential Sewer Lines
Cast iron piping was meant to last fifty years or longer, but they will get old and start to deteriorate. There are so many factors to be considered when talking about the deterioration of cast iron pipes. There is no way to know when they will go bad, but it is certain that they will.
Eventually, all cast iron pipes will need to be replaced. A lot of people choose to only repair what needs the most attention due to the high costs of replacing all the pipes. Repairing the major leaks and cracks will buy you some time, but it'll only fix the issue for now.
It is also important to remember that any time a cast iron pipe that is located under a concrete slab is repaired, only the sections where leaks are located are repaired by some companies. However, this won't address future issues that may occur or address any sections with minor leaks not yet detected.
The cast iron on either side of the new pipe will eventually crack, crumble, corrode, and leak as well. Because of this, it doesn't make a lot of sense to locate and repair just the parts where repair is needed. Either way, repairs or total replacement of pipes in your entire house can cost a significant amount of money, depending upon how your house is currently plumbed. Check out our Cast Iron Pipe Replacement Cost Calculator.
If your existing water line is located under the house and can be accessed from a crawlspace, this can save you money since the plumber will have an easier time getting to the plumbing. If your pipes are located under a slab, cutting through the concrete will be necessary to remove and replace the old pipes.
See What Our Residential Clients Say About Us
Desiree MontagnaAPT made the process super easy. I needed to get my supply line and drain pipes fixed. They made me feel at ease with such a big job. They kept me in the loop at every step. Through paper work, scheduling, permits, during the job, going over final paperwork with me, they made sure I understood the process. They took a stressful process and made it manageable.
The plumbing has never worked better. We noticed a difference the first time we used it. Our shower always backed up. The first time we used the shower after the job it was draining the correct way. Everything the touched had amazing results.
Sunkissed ChocolateThe representative that was sent to my home, I believe his name was Tony and also a gentleman name David, were so helpful during my plumbing crisis. They were very knowledgeable about the work and repairs that were required to make my house a home again.
Paula DuncanI would like to give a huge shout out to Tony D. and his team at APT, Advanced Plumbing Technology! He and his team of professionals, came to my home and without judgment, assessed The water damage to my home due to faulty cast-iron pipes. His team did not miss a beat by checking every square footage of Pipes, on the roof, within the walls, bathroom room, kitchen, and laundry room. During the process Tony sat down with me at my kitchen table and explained how it all would work. It was a bit overwhelming but he put me at ease. Highly recommend this company for your future pipe needs and plumbing repairs, assessment of damage. 😊
NessaAPT had to come to my house to do an inspection. They were here for 2 1/2 hours, were very thorough, and did an excellent job! They were very kind and I was very impressed. Great job APT!! Thank you 🙂
Carlene ReddickAPT company was pleasant to work with. They were very accessible and stay in contact with us to follow up on the processes that needed to proceed forward on the project. We worked very closely with Tony Diana and he was well knowledgeable and very informative. He did not hesitate to answer our questions and did make us feel comfortable in making all of our decisions. I would definitely recommend Applied Technology plumbing and would most likely use them in the future for our plumbing projects.
Lisa MarieI’m so thankful for Brett, Tony & all the hard workers at APT. They did everything in their power to meet our needs. They went over & beyond. Everything is working so much better. God bless and Jesus loves you!
Deb HenryThe team showed up a bit early. We had lost power and they graciously offered use of their generator. They protected the flooring worked steadily and cleaned up each day.
Ginny WalkerAPT did slip lining on all our cast iron sewer pipes. We were completely satisfied with the work that was performed. Hannah, the foreman on the job was very professional and conscious. She took pride in her work and her crew. The crew did a fabulous job, cleaned up each night and were very polite and respectful. Everything was explained to us during the process. They said it would be a two day job and they were right on target. I would definitely recommend this team.
Samuel RosarioThis company is:very professional and has a great team of people who have experience in what they do and it shows. This it the first time I used them for this job pipe lining.It is new to me but I trusted them.
GREAT JOB AND THANKS ALOT FOR YOUR SERVICE
Ayana SmithI worked with APT regarding a repipe matter. Due to my work schedule, it was difficult for me to meet with them so they actually came to my office and explained what the job would entail. When they came to my home, they were very detailed, prompt, professional and made the entire process as stress free as possible. I am thankful for their services and highly recommend them should you need a repiping service.
Jacob TanisTony has been great dealing with my issue I have been having. He is a very professional personable person.
Alexander DeveneyAPT was extremely professional. They have an abundance of knowledge and were able to diagnose my issues in a timely manner. My representative Brett was able to assist and guide me through the process. APT is one of the main reasons I was able to win my case against my home owners insurance. I couldn’t be more pleased with their staff and representatives. 10/10 would recommend to anyone in need.