Many people in this generation dream of building their own homes. Constructing one will be the best achievement of their lives. Now, there is a big question standing before you: What kind of plumbing system should you choose? If you are old school and want a strong material, you can opt for cast iron plumbing. However, you can opt for PVC pipes for something more modern and less maintenance.
But how do you decide what plumbing system is best for you? You can choose from two popular plumbing systems: cast Iron and PVC plumbing lines. Both have perks and disadvantages that can simultaneously make them beneficial and risky.
Cast iron pipes are solid and can last up to 100 years. However, they are prone to corrosion and can alter the taste and quality of your drinking water. They are also costly to maintain.
On the other hand, PVC pipes are made using durable plastic and can provide adequate reliability to your plumbing system. However, they can adversely affect the planet as they do not recycle and can welcome infestation with a bit of temperature change.
What Are The Signs To Replace Your Cast Iron Plumbing?
If you have a cast iron pipe lining at your home, you can detect various signs to take notice and change pipes immediately. In understanding what is cast iron plumbing, you can check them or hire a professional plumbing company to analyze your pipelines. These signs are not to be ignored and need immediate attention.
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Some of the signs of malfunctioning cast iron pipes are as follows.
- Discoloration: If you sometimes see brown or yellow-colored water coming out of your taps, this could be from rust or corrosion, which cast iron pipes are sensitive to.
- Leaks: Persistent leaks may be caused by cracks in your cast iron pipes or damage caused by sulfuric acid (H2SO4). If they persist, it’s time to check your pipeline.
- Backups/Slow Draining: If your toilet drains slowly when you flush or unplug the sink, your cast iron sewer lines may be damaged.
- Odor: Cracked or old pipes can cause sewer gas to escape. This gas has a foul stench, and it’s not healthy. It can start a hazardous outbreak for you and your family.
- Mold: If cracked pipes leak behind your walls, mold may grow. Mold needs as little as fifty-five percent humidity to grow.
- Healthy Lawn: If your lawn looks better than ever, and it’s not because of your hard work outdoors, it could be a sign that your sewer pipes are leaking severely and become a natural fertilizer.
- Indents or Sagging: If a sewage or water pipeline is cracked and continuously leaking underneath your pavement or garden, it can cause parts of the ground to indent.
- Cracks: If your mainline has a leak you haven’t detected, it can cause cracks and holes along the walls or in the foundation. These need to be repaired as soon as possible.
- Puddles: If you detect puddles or sewage waste in your garden, you know you have destroyed plumbing pipes. These puddles can be a new home for mild and mildew to grow.
- Infestation: Insects and rodents can enter your house through tiny pipe cracks, which may indirectly indicate damaged plumbing lines.
These are just a few hints that can indicate problems in your plumbing system. These problems can easily be addressed by repairing the faulty part or replacing the cast iron pipe. However, changing the complete plumbing line is advisable to get durable and reliable results.
Benefits Of Switching To PVC From Cast Iron Pipes
Cast iron plumbing was once the most durable material for plumbing installations. Now, it is a story of the past. Homeowners and contractors prefer PVC over cast iron because of its many benefits.
Some of the prominent perks of PVC pipes are as follows.
- Lightweight: Cast iron is hefty, so a few plumbers must remove it. Compared to cast iron, PVC is light, easy to move, and faster to install.
- Cost efficiency: Fewer plumbers are needed to install the pipe, which means less labor, heavy material, and shipping.
- Flexible: PVC is highly adaptable and resistant to movements and shifts in the ground.
- Cracks Less Often: PVC is the go-to choice in high-pressure and high-movement areas due to its flexibility. Even with pressure and vibration, PVC remains intact.
- Tighter Joints: PVC pipes have the highest joint tightness compared to other pipes, such as cast iron and terracotta (clay).
- Leaks Less Often: When joints aren’t tight enough, leaks occur more than usual. Tree roots can easily detect the water flowing when the joints are weak, causing more problems.
- Cleaner: Because PVC doesn’t corrode or rust, there won’t be any metal in your sewage or drinking pipes. It’s a non-toxic material safe for all plumbing purposes.
Cast iron plumbing was a popular method for a sturdy plumbing system in houses in the 70s. However, with increased lighter materials coming into the market and the benefits offered by PVC, cast iron pipes became a history story. You can assess both materials and choose the most suitable and robust plumbing pipelines for your house.
Looking for a way to fix your faulty cast iron pipes? You have got a solution named Ted’s plumbing. Our Fort Lauderdale plumber can efficiently repair or patch your cast iron or PVC pipes at affordable prices. They can even infuse preventive measures to prevent these problems from occurring for a long time. Visit us today and get a reasonable estimate now!
FAQs
What are the pros and cons of cast iron pipe lines?
Cast iron is strong and can last up to 100 years. It retains the temperature of the water in extreme weather conditions. However, it can quickly welcome corrosion, contaminating the drinking water’s quality and welcoming mold and infestations.
When do PVC pipes become popular?
PVC was first developed in the 1860s, but PVC pipes didn’t become popular until the 1950s and 1960s due to advancements in manufacturing techniques that made them more reliable.
Why should you choose Ted’s Plumbing?
Ted’s Plumbing is the ultimate solution for fixing your plumbing line, whether you have cast iron or PVC pipes. It is a professional company specializing in handling cast iron pipes efficiently.
