When did they stop using metal pipes?

If you live in a home built before , your pipes are probably made of cast iron, and you should check them for damage. Your pipes may be hidden underground or in the basement, but an ounce of prevention will be worth a pound of cure. You don't want to end up like this family, which was forced to move out of their home because of sewage backup.

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Deterioration of cast iron pipes is normal after just 25 years.

Wear and tear is normal in residential pipe systems. One frequently asked question is &#;How long do cast iron drain pipes last?&#; Cast iron waste pipes last anywhere between 50 and 100 years. However, it may be time to replace cast iron pipes long before their lifetime is up. Deterioration of cast iron pipes is normal after just 25 years, so homeowners should conduct routine inspections. An estimated 76 million American homes have failed cast iron pipes that must be replaced.

Signs of Trouble

If pipes appears rusted, decayed, discolored or cracked, owners should have a plumber determine if the entire piping system needs replacement. Sporadic leaks are a cause for concern; they may lead to a more serious flood of water or raw sewage backup in the future, causing foul smells and attracting pests into your home. Rather than patch and replace segments of damaged pipes, a full (and costly) replacement may be in order. Symptoms of water damage may include:

• Slow drains
• Clogs or backups
• Foul smells from sewer gases
• Roach/pest infestation
• Warped or separated wood floors
• Tinted (raised) floor tiles
• Loose or broken floor tiles
• Water-stained floor tiles (grout)
• Water-stained/discolored carpet or rug/mat

Leaks can cause serious health problems, including coughing, sneezing, eye irritation, and fatigue. A broken plumbing system also lowers property value.

CONCERNED ABOUT THE PIPES IN YOUR HOME?

The Science Behind Corrosion

Underground waste pipes fail for a variety of reasons. One reason is external corrosion caused by materials found in soil. Soil often contains high levels of acidity, stray electric currents, and toxins, all of which can cause cast iron pipes to rust. External rust is not necessarily a cause for concern, though it may indicate more serious problems in the internal piping.

Sulfuric acid is corrosive to cast iron.

Another, more common problem&#;internal corrosion&#;occurs within the pipes themselves, and is usually caused by the acidity of the actual sewage running through the pipes. Waste running through pipes can cause hydrogen sulfide gas buildup, which oxidizes and produces sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is a recipe for disaster; it is corrosive to cast iron. Experts suggest checking the ingredients on household drain cleaners, as many brands contain sulfuric acid, which accelerates pipe corrosion.

Corrosion Is More Common Than You Think

Pipe corrosion is ubiquitous in American cities irrespective of climate, but salt and moisture-rich environments&#;such as Florida&#;can accelerate the problem. The problem is that household plumbing is often hidden behind walls or in neglected crawl spaces or utility rooms, so problems can go unnoticed for years. For good home maintenance practices, homeowners should routinely inspect exposed tubing for signs of deterioration.

Protect Your Rights as a Homeowner

Coverage for water damage is a sticky area in the fine print of homeowners insurance policies. However, you may have a legitimate claim for damages if you suffered financial losses or health problems caused by water damage from bad pipes.

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You may have a claim for damages if you suffered financial losses or health problems caused by water damage from bad pipes.

Most insurers exclude coverage for pipe repair or new pipes, but they may pay for damage resulting from deterioration, with one major rule: you did not have prior knowledge of the issue when you bought the home. Still, insurance companies are notorious for denying claims or providing low reimbursements for these issues. A skilled attorney can help appeal a claim denial related to water damage or secure funding for a full system replacement. Protect your rights as a homeowner and get a free case evaluation today.

From the time of the Roman aqueducts, people have looked for ways to move water and sewage from one point to another. The first cast iron pipes were created in molds and then brought together with joints, straight fittings, and screws.

Why Cast Iron Pipes were Used

Cast iron was considered one of the strongest options when transporting water and sewage over great distances (tens or hundreds of miles). 

1. Durability: Cast iron is a strong and durable material, which means that cast iron pipes can withstand the weight of the soil and any pressure from above. This makes them ideal for use in underground sewer and drainage systems.
2. Longevity: Cast iron pipes have a long life span, typically lasting 50-100 years or more. This means that they require less maintenance and replacement than other types of pipes.
3. Corrosion resistance: Cast iron is resistant to corrosion and rust, which means that it can withstand exposure to water and other liquids without deteriorating. This makes it an ideal material for use in plumbing systems.
4. Sound insulation: Cast iron pipes are effective at reducing noise levels from water flow and other sources. This makes them popular in multi-story buildings and other settings where noise can be a problem.
5. Fire resistance: Cast iron pipes are non-combustible and have a high melting point, which means that they are resistant to fire and can help contain flames in the event of a fire.

When Cast Iron Pipes were Used

During the 17th through the mid-20th century, cast iron pipes were considered modern plumbing. King Louis XIV of France used a 15-mile long pipe to connect the palace and surrounding town to a pumping station near the Seine river. This brought water to the fountains at the palace as well as to the surrounding population.

When houses began to be built with indoor plumbing in the s, cast iron pipes were the method of choice &#; actually, they were the only choice. Because of the labor-intensive nature of cast iron, only the wealthy could first afford indoor plumbing. 

Why Cast Iron Pipes are no Longer Used

Cast iron pipes are incredibly expensive and labor-intensive to make. They lack the flexibility needed in modern construction, and most homes have sleeker designs that require smaller, more flexible piping.  

1. Cost: Cast iron pipes are expensive compared to other materials used for plumbing such as PVC and ABS plastic pipes. The production of cast iron pipes involves a labor-intensive process that requires significant amounts of energy and resources.
2. Installation Difficulty: Cast iron pipes are heavy and require skilled labor to install properly. The installation process can be time-consuming, especially in homes with limited space.
3. Corrosion and Rust: Cast iron pipes are susceptible to rust and corrosion over time. This can lead to blockages and leaks in the system, reducing the efficiency of the plumbing system.
4. Limited Design Flexibility: Cast iron pipes are not flexible and cannot be easily modified to fit different shapes and configurations. This can limit the design flexibility for plumbing systems in homes.
5. Health Concerns: Cast iron pipes can leach lead and other harmful contaminants into the drinking water supply, which poses a health risk to individuals who consume the water.

What Replaced It

In , cast iron pipes were no longer the pipe of choice. Builders and plumbers replaced cast iron with rigid PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride plastic), which is easier to make, can be made quickly, is harder than other options, and has greater tensile strength. It is essentially a cheaper, faster alternative to cast iron.

What Kind of Damage can Happen in Older Homes with Cast Iron Piping? 

First, older homes tend to have mature trees in the yard whose root systems can impinge on cast iron pipes. It is not unusual to have tree roots puncture the cast iron. 

Second, leaks and breaks can lead to unhealthy black water that is contaminated with bacteria, fungi, and rust. Third, a broken pipe can lead to standing water, floor and ceiling damage, and flooding.

Call Bulldog Adjusters Today!

If you have a cast-iron pipe break, call the professionals at Bulldog Adjusters. Our team of experts will complete a free inspection, review your policy, talk with you about your claim options, and then file your claim with the insurance carrier. Our team won&#;t settle for less than you deserve!

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