How To Clean Cast Iron Drain Pipes

The greatest benefit is not having to dig up and replace the aging cast iron pipe if traditional methods are not able to clean the sewer pipe and have it in operating condition.

How to clean cast iron drain pipes. It does have benefits i e. If you are going to use a cable first run hot water and pour some soap down the drain. Tuberculated pipe means that minerals in the drain water have interacted with the iron in the pipe. Jetting doesn t remove as much of the tuberculation as you should prior to lining the pipe but many contractors assume that is as good as it gets. 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.

Cast iron was a good choice at the time because it was solid and expected to last. These pipes cannot be cleaned with just any methods. Luckily this is an easy fix for professionals. Cleaning corroded cast iron pipes requires a lot of effort but the process helps the pipes look better while it also keeps them in better condition for a longer period of time. Step 1 rub fine sandpaper or steel wool against the iron pipe to grind away smaller rust spots.

This creates a buildup that sticks to the host pipe. Snaking an old cast iron pipe to really clean it is just a waste of time and money. It s better than nothing at all but over all it will not last long especially if you re dealing with a kitchen drain. As a part of that maintenance they should be cleaned on a consistent basis to prevent various types of dirt buildup and clogs that may form after time. For times when your cast iron pipes are suffering from major problems call drainmaster to descale your pipes.

Most homes built until the mid 1960s used cast iron drain pipes. Using a traditional drain machine cable or high pressure hydro jetting can make conditions worse.