Buying a House with Cast Iron Pipes (2023 Guide)
Ahhh, cast iron pipes; are one of the favorite topics of discussion when inspecting an older home here in South Florida and I’m sure it’s no different where you are. Let’s dive into cast iron drainage pipes and see what all the talk is about.
Cast iron pipes are no longer favored as a material used in plumbing. This is because cast iron can easily corrode and rust over time, leading to discoloration of drinking water and a major decrease in water pressure throughout faucets and outlets.
Problems with cast iron pipes; It’s not just the corrosion that affects cast iron pipes either – they take more time than other materials to install, have limited maneuverability within a confined space, and are heavier than their plastic counterpoints. As cast iron has become surpassed by modern materials like brass, copper, and PVC, it’s important to recognize why these pipes have fallen out of favor.
What are cast iron drain pipes?
Cast iron pipes are traditional pipes that were once popularly used in plumbing systems. The material is a combination of several metals, including iron and carbon, which gives it strength and makes it more durable than other materials like plastic.
Despite its popularity in the past, cast iron drain pipes can corrode easily over time due to the presence of moisture in the environment. This causes a decrease in water pressure, discoloration of drinking water, and even blockage of pipes due to rust build-up.
Consequently, cast iron pipes are no longer used in modern plumbing systems as they can be costly to maintain and repair. New materials like brass, copper, and PVC are now favored as they are more resilient and less prone to corrosion.
Do cast iron pipes need to be replaced?
Many systems are operating just fine and there are those that aren’t. If you have a cast iron plumbing system, it is important to inspect it regularly for signs of damage or corrosion. If the pipes need to be replaced, consider using modern materials. There is a new solution that is saving homeowners time and money. It is called slip-lining cast iron, which involves inserting a PVC pipe into an existing cast iron pipe.
This process is relatively simple and can be done quickly. These are great for completing a cast iron pipe repair. It saves you the hassle of replacing all the cast iron pipes and provides added protection against corrosion or blockages due to rust buildup. This ensures your plumbing system stays healthy and functions optimally.
What homes have cast iron pipes?
Homes built before 1975 are more likely to have cast iron drain pipes. These homes may have been built before the other materials were available, so builders used cast iron for their plumbing systems instead. It’s also not unheard of for newer homes to be fitted with cast iron piping because of its affordability at the time.
How much does it cost to replace cast iron plumbing?
The cost of replacing cast iron plumbing varies depending on the size and complexity of the project, as well as the materials used. Generally, replacing an entire cast iron plumbing system is more expensive than slip-lining, which can range from $1,500 to $4,000 for a standard three-bedroom home.
Insuring a Home With Cast Iron Plumbing
It is not uncommon for insurance companies to refuse to provide coverage for homes with cast iron plumbing, as the material can be prone to corrosion and blockages. This is especially true if your home has an older cast iron system that has deteriorated over time.
As such, it’s important to have a professional inspect your plumbing system before buying. You can have a sewer scope inspection performed by a home inspector or plumber when completing the due diligence portion of your home purchase. In Florida, the type plumbing pipes in the home are entered on the full inspection and the 4 point inspector form that is given to the insurance agent you are considering for coverage. Learn more about 4 point home inspections here. “What Is A 4 Point Inspection?”
A sewer scope inspection is a visual inspection of the pipes and drains in a home. This is done to check for any potential blockages or leaks, as well as signs of corrosion. The inspector will use specialized equipment to snake the camera through your pipes and take pictures that can be used to assess the condition of your plumbing system.
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What we have seen more recently on older homes is that the main cast iron waste pipes are updated to a material such as PVC and the plumbing vent stacks that you see on your roof are left in place.
Summary: Cast Iron Plumbing
Cast iron pipes were once the go-to material for plumbing systems in older homes, but they are now less common due to their susceptibility to corrosion and rust build up.
This can lead to a decrease in water pressure, discolored drinking water, and even blocked pipes. To handle this, homeowners should inspect their cast iron plumbing regularly for signs of damage or corrosion and consider replacing it with build-up modern materials if needed. Slip-lining cast iron is becoming increasingly popular as a solution to replacing the entire system, and can be done quickly at a relatively affordable cost.
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For those looking to purchase an older home, having a sewer scope inspection performed prior to purchase is recommended in order to assess the condition is the first action to take make an informed decision about the plumbing system in the home you are considering purchasing.
Another article you may be interested in checking out is “Do Cast Iron Pipes Fail 4 Point Inspections?” If you have additional questions and want to get in contact with GGR Home Inspections please send us a note, text, or call.
