Once the gold standard in plumbing, homes built prior to the 1990’s used cast iron that is now considered outdated due to it’s susceptibility to damage over time.
Here are the top signs it might be time to replace those old cast iron pipes…
1. Leaks – a ticking time bomb:
This one might seem obvious, but if one of your cast iron pipes has sprung a leak due to corrosion, damage or wear, the rest might be soon behind.
2. Odd Water Color:
The color of your water can sometimes be an indication that something has gone terribly wrong with your pipes. Rust, corrosion or yellowed water may be a sign that you should have your cast iron pipes evaluated.
3. Foul Odors:
Even a small crack in a cast iron sewer pipe can cause a host of problems. From water and sewage damage, to foul and dangerous gases leaking into your home.
4. Sewer Backups:
Cast iron sewer pipes can sometimes cause issues with the drain in toilets, causing an accumulation of sewage to backup. This issue can be further exacerbated by the use of drain cleaning products that use sulfuric acid, a formula that destroys cast iron.
5. New Bright Green Patches in Your Yard:
Cast iron leaks can also happen in the pipes leading to your home. Sewer leaks provide the grass above with a sudden influx of fertilizer, resulting in a bright green (isolated) patch of grass.
6. Damaged or Settling Foundation:
If your foundation has been damaged or has settled due to old age, the cast iron pipes that come into your home could also be damaged and is worth an inspection.