How To Clean Old Cast Iron Drain Pipes
Soaking the galvanized water pipes in vinegar is another solution to iron buildup.
How to clean old cast iron drain pipes. These cast iron pipes have a bell or hub on one end and the smaller end of another pipe fits into it. We then use a high pressure water jetted to clean the pipe. If you dont have one already invest in a drain snake.
I live in a 50 year old house but have a problem removing the cast iron drain pipe fittings. At upper left a black plastic hub fitting has been used to connect the 4 copper drain to the cast iron drain line. A few solid hits will probably do the job.
After the pipe is clean we use the patented perma-liner epoxy resin to create a new pipe. Be careful when unscrewing galvanized piping because the old threaded joints tend to rust through and can break. Twin Home Experts explains that there are a number of methods for cleaning old cast iron pipes.
Vulnerability Cast iron like all metal rusts when exposed to water and oxygen. Shifting soils tree roots and especially chemicals like drain cleaner can damage them over time. This drain carries waste from bathroom sinks that are 8 feet way but have 14 feet of 2 cast iron pipe before reaching the stack.
The rust buildup is approximately 125 feet from a cleanout located in the 2 line at the point it connects to lead pipes. Tighten one 18-inch pipe wrench onto the square nut on the top of the plug another around the drain pipe. 13500 to 18500 per foot.
I have been using a sawzall and a grinder to gut through the old cast iron pipes. This system works for insoluble and organic iron particles and utilizes ionization collecting iron particles and replacing them with sodium. The cast iron hopper at the top of the drain pipe has cracked and water is seeping down the wall.