Cast iron was once a favored material for plumbing and sewer pipes for both residential and commercial properties. Unfortunately, engineers, architects, and construction companies were a bit short-sighted when it came to longevity.
Although sturdy and reliable, cast iron plumbing has its downfalls. Turns out, the lifespan of cast iron plumbing is only around 50 to 100 years depending on a variety of factors.
While 5-10 decades sounds like a long time, it isn’t when you compare it to the solutions and materials we have today.
But it's not just about the longevity of cast iron pipes, its about the challenges of replacing them. Traditionally used for underground pipes in neighborhoods across America, these pipes are vital for both water supply and sewer systems.
When things go wrong, fixes aren’t as simple as replacing a fitting, often requiring significant digging and excavation to repair or replace. However, waiting until there is an issue is a costly mistake, resulting in intensive cleanup, damage to property, and more.
The best solution for those with old homes is to be proactive about replacing cast iron piping BEFORE it goes bad.