Cast Iron Drain Pipe Clogged

How We Descale Cast Iron Pipes And Why It Is Cost

Recurring blogs are often the result of debris trapped inside of the pipes, and without having it properly removed, this creates problems. The signs of the pipes needing to be descaled includes foul odors, slow-draining water, or backed up water. Chemical heavy products are unhealthy for the pipelines because it doesnt fully clear the pipe of waste and instead allows the pipes to suffer from corrosion as a result of the chemicals. For times when your cast iron pipes are suffering from major problems, call DrainMaster to descale your pipes.

While cast iron pipes are heavy-duty pipes that are strong enough to last for decades, but they also have their fair share of downsides, including the buildup of sediment and rust. Luckily, this is an easy fix for professionals. Descaling cast iron pipes is the way to go when you are experiencing clogs over and over again.

So what does descaling entail? The process is simple. Professionals are able to clear the inside of your pipes without interruption, and we use specialized equipment designed to remove scale effectively. Everything is done internally and there is no need for digging. In just a few hours, your left with a clean sewer system that will work up to its fullest potential for years to come, all thanks to the removal of buildup. This saves customers money by avoiding the additional costs of labor crews and landscape restoration.

Why Do Cast Iron Pipes Need Specific Drain Cleaners

Many municipalities used cast iron pipes thanks to their numerous benefits but eventually found alternative options. These were largely phased out around 1980. However, many homes still have cast iron, especially when it comes to the septic tank and main sewer line laterals.

Cast iron pipes usually last 60 years. However, that varies based on usage and plumbing maintenance, especially use of chemical drain cleaners.

Cast iron plumbing tends to experience corrosion more often than other types of pipes. This means that its especially important to use a drain cleaner that wont expedite the process, considering many drain cleaners come in the form of a liquid.

How To Clean Those Old Cast Iron Pipes

The post How to Clean those Old Cast Iron Pipes? appeared first on Twin Home Experts.

When it comes to drain cleaning in Los Angeles or Phoenix, 80% of our time here at Twin Home Experts is spent dealing with drains clogged drains, drains that are causing sewer odors, drains that are cracking and falling apart and thats because Los Angeles and Phoenix have older homes.

We have to deal with a lot of old cast iron pipes that are so compacted inside that it becomes almost impossible to open them back up to their original state. But its not actually impossible, it just takes some expertise! We want to share our methods with you so that youll know how to deal with these annoying issues in the right way!

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Liquid Fire Drain Line Opener 32 Oz

• For sinks, tubs, showers and septic laterals
• Creates heat that dissolves clog
• Provides free running drains in freezing weather
• Read label before purchasing, opening or using

Product Details

Drains often get clogged no matter how careful are about what you wash down them. Less severe problems can be sorted out by using a Liquid Fire drain cleaner. Fire drains are even more susceptible to clogs and blocks because of their placements and the fact that leaves, twigs and other debris gets washed down these fire drains.

Reviews From Real Customers

Had a few slow drains this week. The other brand we normally hear about just didnt work. I swear we have a sock or something in the pipes. Lol. This right here is very dangerous, please use with care.

Once we opened up the windows, put on gloves and protective eye wear, we used a little of this. Sat around looked dumb saying this will never work, need a plumber. Well our drains are completely clear! I guess whatever it was that had our drains stopped up from our laundry to our kitchen sink was dissolved using this.

Next time theres a drain issue, frozen pipes, etc, will use this first. Not posting a pic due to it being in a bag secured. #draincleaner #frozenpipes #sinks #kitchen #plumbing #drains #home #DIY.

Do I Need To Repipe My Pvc Drain System How Can Pvc Pipes Be Repaired

Fortunately for most issues that PVC experiences only the single damaged spot needs to be repaired. This is because PVC doesnt have a shelf life as cast iron does. It doesnt corrode from the inside out household chemicals wont eat away at it. Usually, repiping of PVC is only necessary is when there has been a large amount of slab foundation damage.

PVC is a bell and spigot type of piping, which sometimes does complicate the repair process if there are fixed ends that cannot be easily slid back and forth. Typically, the broken fitting or section of pipe is cut out entirely and replaced with the same pipe/fitting arrangement. Slip-type rubberized PVC couplings are then used where necessary to tie this assembly back in.

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Why And How To Clean Cast Iron Pipes

Cast iron piping and ductile iron pipe were recently the material of choice for drain, waste, and vent lines in commercial and residential buildings due to their durability and strength.

However, cast iron pipes can succumb to pipe corrosion more often than new, modern materials, such as plastic PVC pipe. The rusting that occurs due to corrosion can deteriorate the pipes, leading to water damage, and get into your water system, contaminating your homeâs drinking water.

While you may want to consider an upgrade for your potable water system, you can clean your cast iron drain pipes and vent pipes to help them last as long as possible.

One of the most effective ways to clean cast iron pipes is cast iron pipe descaler. However, if you donât have a descaler available, you can use a solution of vinegar and baking soda.

On top of cleaning the outside of the pipes, consider implementing a plumbing maintenance program that includes a safe and all-natural enzymatic drain cleaner.

How To Clear A Clogged Drain Pipe: Diy Remedies

Want to know how to clear a clogged drain pipe once and for all? Sometimes, the very best options are the DIY ones! So to help you on your quest for a clear drain, why not try this homemade drain cleaner:

• Begin by pouring boiling water down the drain, before adding some salt to break up the clog. Alternatively, half a cup of baking soda followed by the same again of vinegar should do the trick
• Now, loosely replace the drains cover and allow the concoction to set for around three hours.

Et voila! You should see an improvement almost immediately.

Is grease causing your drainage problems? Heres what to do:

• Add half a cup of salt and half a cup of baking soda to the drain
• Follow with a kettle-full of boiling water and allow to sit overnight

A great couple of methods for outdoor drains, these handy homemade remedies may just save you picking up the phone to a professional.

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Determining If Your Pipes Are Rusted

Rust sediment could be coming from the main pipe or from the tubes inside your house. Running the outside faucet nearest to the main is a good way of finding the origin of the rust. This is generally in the front of the house, although if there is an alleyway, it could also be in the courtyard.

Allow two minutes for the water to run, then fill a clean cup with it and inspect for rust. If you discover rust in the water, it is most likely coming from the main supply however, if the water is clear, the issue is most likely with the houses plumbing.

You cant see the rust since it grows up inside the pipes, so youll have to disassemble your plumbing to examine it. However, there are a few indicators of rust inside pipes. Rust can show up in a variety of ways, including:

What Causes Rusting Of Pipes

Rust is the outcome of metals like iron and steel corroding or breaking down. Rust is a reddish-brown iron oxide generated by the redox interaction of oxygen and iron in water or in the air.

Galvanized pipes are made of iron or steel and then coated with the molten zinc to keep them from rusting. The galvanizing flakes off with age, and the pipes rust. Rust eats away at the metal over time.

Galvanized pipes have a 50-year lifespan. Even when protected by the zinc covering, galvanized pipes corrode after years of continuous contact with water. The pipes rust on the inside, gradually enlarging the aperture in the tube as the rust builds up. It can also result in pinhole leaks, which can cause water damage. Corrosion can also introduce rust and other impurities into your drinking water.

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How Do Bellies Occur In Pvc Sewer Systems

Because of the bending ability that long straight sections of PVC have, the possibility of bellies is also very high if the pipe isnt bedded in properly during construction or if the house has experienced foundation movement. When this happens, usually the entire section of the pipe will have to be replaced to correct the shallow grade.

To Clear A Clog Use A Snake Or Other Physical Implement Rather Than A Chemical

Physical drain cleaning tools are actually very inexpensive, and are cheaper overall when compared to one-time-use products after youve cleared even a couple clogs. There are three types of clog removal tools that can be effective.

The easiest to use is a plunger. In addition to the ever popular toilet plunger, there are specially made sink plungers which are very inexpensive. These may either resemble a child-sized version of a toilet plunger, or utilize an accordion design, like the one below.

For shallow clogs, one of the most under-appreciated and handy drain tools is a plastic toothed drain snake.

The names for this tool can vary wildlyyou may also find them in your local store or online described as a clog remover, drain opener, auger wand, drain cleaning tool, or something else entirely. This tool isnt appropriate for clearing a kitchen sink or toilet, but can be a lifesaver when youve got a stubborn hairball lodged a couple feet down your shower drain or bathroom sink. The teeth are perfect for grabbing onto hair and pulling it up. However, its small size limits its suitable applications.

For more stubborn, deeper clogs, theres the well-known drain rooter, also referred to as an auger. These can vary widely in design: they may use a drum or wand to contain the snake, and some use an electric or even gas motor. But the old crank-style augers are what youll find in the average homeowners garage.

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How Were Cast Iron Pipes Installed

In the early days of sewer and water lines, the different sections of piping were connected with lead and oakum. This labor-intensive process involved packing the gaps in the hub joints with a fibrous material called oakum and then pouring molten lead into the gap to create a water-tight seal.

Later toward the end of cast iron pipings reign, this method was replaced with using rubber, donut-shaped gaskets called donuts or compression gaskets to join the pipes in the same way. They also started using PVC rubber couplings that joined to the pipes with stainless steel clamps.

What Is The Best Drain Cleaner For Cast Iron Pipes

Cast iron pipes made up a majority of sewage lines for years, and many homes still have cast iron pipes in their plumbing system. When cast iron pipes become clogged, you need to find a drain cleaner that works especially well on cast iron.

In this PlumbingNav review, we will cover:

• Why do cast iron pipes need specific drain cleaners?
• What are the different types of drain cleaners for cast iron pipes?
• How do drain cleaners for cast iron pipes work?
• What do you look for in the best drain cleaners for cast iron pipes?
• Review of the best drain cleaners for cast iron pipes

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Prepare The New Caulking

• Cold caulking compound and plastic lead have replaced molten lead as a caulcking for cast-iron joints.
• Measure a length of the rope-like caulking compound twice the circumference of the pipe and cut it with a sharp utility knife.
• Place the length on a clean, dry surface and dampen it with water. Use a clean paint brush or a plant sprayer.

The Initial Steps: Draining And Rooting

If your drain water backs up, it is extremely important to get the sewage flowing again immediately. If sewage water cant flow, the dirty liquid can back up into your bathroom floor or through the toilet bowl.

This can cause many health issues, which is why draining is an initial process. It treats the immediate symptom of the problem, but is not a permanent solution.

All it actually does is get the sewage flowing again for your convenience. After draining, you should get the sewage repair company to use a video camera to inspect what really is going on inside the pipes.

Once the cause of the clog is determined, you can use any of the following techniques below for a more permanent solution.

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How To Clean Iron Sewer Pipes

Your cast iron sewer pipe runs underground, making it especially difficult to access. To determine the cause and location of the clog, you can get a professional sewer camera inspection and pick the best choice based on the results.

There are a few different methods that can be used to clean cast iron sewer pipe , but the most effective way is to use a high-pressure water jet.

This will remove any build-up on the walls of the pipe and also help to break up any clogs that may have formed. Another option is to use a rotating brush, but this can damage the pipe if it is not used carefully.

If you are not sure how to properly clean cast iron sewer pipe, it is best to hire professional plumbing services to do the job for you.

In some extreme cases or severe damage and corrosion, cast iron pipes may need to be replaced with trenchless sewer line replacement methods instead of spending the money on cast iron repair.

The two main types of trenchless repair methods are pipe bursting and CIPP pipe relining, depending on the specific circumstances. In both instances, the cast iron pipe will be replaced with new material.

Both hydro jetting and trenchless pipe replacement require the assistance of a professional plumber. However, with proper care and maintenance, cast iron pipes can last for many years without needing to be replaced.

Best Home Remedy For A Clogged Drain

Are you looking for a home remedy for a clogged drain? Are you tired of traditional drain cleaners not doing the job? Follow along! This article will go over different home remedies that are tried and true. Everyone should have these household items lying around, and if they dont solve the problem, we point you in the right direction for more professional help.

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Baking Soda Salt & Cream Of Tartar

Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup salt, and two tablespoons of cream of tartar in a jar that seals. Close the jar, and shake to combine the ingredients. Pour half the jars contents down the drain, and save the other half for later. Follow the solution with a pot of boiling water. Let the drain sit for one hour. Then, run tap water to rinse any remaining solution down.

Best Drain Unclogger For Cast Iron

Twin Home Experts explains that there are a number of methods for cleaning old cast iron pipes. Cabling uses a plumbing snake and cables to manually clear clogged pipes. This may work for some clogs, but it wont do much to remove hard buildup inside cast iron in most cases.

Twin Home Experts also suggests that you try hydrojetting, which can break down sludge taking up space in your pipes. However, this is unlikely to remove very hard, old buildup in cast iron. Instead, try picote, a newer technology that involves high-powered, spinning air forced down inside your pipes. Its central chain sits in the middle of the pipe and does not bump up against the edges of the cast iron, which makes it a better method for older plumbing.

You can use products like Liquid-Plumr on your cast iron pipes, the manufacturer says. However, many plumbers will recommend that you avoid drain cleaners like this whenever possible regardless of pipe type.

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Users Who Are Viewing This Thread

Gary Slusser said:Hard water scale is rock hard you’d be using a hammer and chisel. Dried out soap scum, shampoo, hair and lint acumulation is much more likely.Hardness scale wouldn’t form in a drain pipe, the velocity is too slow plus, most of the water in a shower is hot water and for all practical purposes the hardness scale is in the water heater tank.

I have had to clean out a long toilet cast armbefore with some muratic acid…you could actually watch it scour the walls cleanOf course its very nasty smelling and you need to open some windows to vent the area…..seal off the drain pipe with a palstic bag or smething…we us it regulary to clean out sluggish toilets….then covering the bowl with a plastic bag….it totally scours out the internals of the toilet trapthen you simply flush it all down the drian…I would guess it would do about the same thing inthe cast shower trap….just dont leave it in there for a long period of time…and give it plenty of air