If your home or business was built in the early 1900s, there’s a good chance it still has cast iron plumbing running through its walls or buried beneath the foundation. At We Plumb, we’ve seen firsthand how these once-reliable workhorses of the plumbing world are now causing major issues for property owners across the region.
Here’s what you need to know about your aging cast iron pipes, the problems they cause, and how we can help protect your property from costly water damage.
Why Cast Iron Pipes Were Once the Gold Standard
Cast iron was the go-to plumbing material for decades because of its durability and noise-dampening qualities. These pipes were expected to last 50-100 years, but time, water quality, and soil conditions can all accelerate corrosion—especially in older systems.
The Problem: Leaks, Breaks, and Root Infiltration
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in service calls related to aging cast iron pipes. Here are some of the most common problems:
- Rust and Corrosion: Cast iron naturally corrodes over time. Rust builds up inside the pipe, reducing water flow and eventually creating leaks or blockages.
- Cracks and Breaks: As pipes age and corrode, they become brittle. Ground movement or heavy use can cause them to crack or collapse.
- Tree Root Intrusion: If there’s even a hairline crack, roots can find their way in, clogging and breaking the pipe further.
- Foul Odors and Sewage Backups: When pipes fail, you may notice bad smells, slow drains, or even raw sewage backing up into your home—none of which you want to ignore.
Slab Homes : In slab foundation homes, pipes are embedded in or run beneath the concrete. If a break or leak occurs:
- -You may notice warm spots on the floor, damp carpets, cracked tiles, or foundation shifting.
- -Repairs often require tunneling under the slab or breaking through the concrete inside the home.
- -At We Plumb, we can perform targeted tunneling to minimize disruption or reroute plumbing above the slab if necessary.
Pier and Beam Homes
These homes offer easier access to plumbing through the crawl space, but cast iron pipes can still corrode, sag, or crack due to moisture and movement.
- -Crawl spaces often stay damp, which speeds up corrosion.
- -In some cases, sewage leaks go unnoticed, leading to soil erosion, foul smells, and mold.
- -We can inspect, replace, or reroute pipes in crawl spaces efficiently with minimal disruption to your daily life.
Signs You Might Have a Problem
- -Frequent drain clogs or backups
- -Wet spots or mold growth on walls or floors
- -Unexplained foul odors
- -Pest infestations (they’re drawn to moisture)
- -Cracks in your foundation or driveway near pipe paths
- -Uneven flooring or hot spots (especially in slab homes)
What You Can Do
If you suspect your cast iron pipes are failing, don’t wait. The longer you delay, the more extensive and expensive the damage becomes. At We Plumb, we offer:
- -Video Pipe Inspections: Non-invasive diagnostics to pinpoint issues under your slab or in your crawl space.
- -Slab Tunneling & Pipe Replacement: We dig from the outside when possible to avoid tearing up your floors.
- -Crawl Space Repairs: For pier and beam homes, we repair or replace cast iron pipes from underneath the home.
- -Pipe Rerouting: In some cases, rerouting plumbing above the slab or through the attic is the smartest long-term solution.
Let’s Talk About Your Pipes
Your home is your investment—don’t let aging plumbing eat away at its value. Whether you’re seeing signs of trouble or just want peace of mind, our licensed professionals at We Plumb are here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation or inspection. Let’s make your plumbing something you don’t have to think about.