Signs that Cast Iron Plumbing needs replacing?
by
Ann
+1
My 1937 brick colonial still has all original cast iron plumbing. We have constant issues with toilets easily plugging, new dishwashers never getting dishes clean, bizarre gurgling in our shower drain when the toilets flush. And I swear that I smell something like sewage at times. Are any these a common sign that the cast iron is cracked somewhere that we are not seeing?
4 answers
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Cast iron is bad to corrode from the inside out and as old as they are, maybe clogged to the point of causing slow draining. I'm saying it's time to re-plumb your home. Sewer smells usually indicates a crack pipe or the air vent to the plumbing is not working properly. Not a plumber, but just been around the block a time or two. Please get them fixed as soon as you can, sewer gas can make you sick.
Donna Byram
on Apr 02, 2014
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Sounds like the drain lines are clogged, there could possibly bed a crack in the line outside. time to have it checked out
Lisa Hutchins
on Apr 03, 2014
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major plumbing overhaul. every pipe needs replaced inside and out and some fixtures may be damaged as well, even newer ones. my parents ran into this and their house was built in the '60's. a guy came to do the work and made a big mess. hire a pro for such a big job. make sure they are insured and guarantee their work.
Barbara Miller
on Apr 03, 2014
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You should first hire a professional to check it out. Now a days they have cameras that they snake through to see what is going on. Why fix something if it is not broke? Have you always owned the home? That is a good question because previous owners could have flushed tampons and other unmentionables down the toilet wherein tampons expand! We had to call 2 plumbers with the 2nd one who diagnosed after snaking the drains that the previous owner had flushed condoms and tampons which clogged the drains. What a disgusting mess. As far as gurgling noises, that sounds like a vent pipe problem and it may be clogged especially if it goes out the roof and it is older and birds nest in it (had an aunt that had this happen). Sewer smell can come from drains that need to be cleaned- had that smell in master bath on current home and found out hair and soap decomposing-cleaned out the drain and now no smell. Cracked cast would leak. and that is something the plumber will be able to see or find-especially if it is leaking under the home. Good luck
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Apr 03, 2014
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