Plumbing Signs to Watch When Having A Cast Iron Pipe Plumbing

The age and era for cast iron plumbing should be long gone. Ideally, these systems we used centuries back and may not be efficient today. The chances are high that a homeowner still having these pipes will face a few challenges here and there. Common of the problems with them is that they are prone to damages due to extreme weather changes, water quality, and age.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that it is always easy to know if one may need a cast iron pipe repair. That is especially true since the pipes are hidden behind walls and in the basements. But in most cases, some universal signs will tell when someone should do a cast iron repair or consider a replacement. The signs include but are not limited to the following.

Discoloration

When a homeowner discovers some brown or yellow water coming from the taps, the piping systems may be faulty. This will come due to the corrosion or rusting on the cast iron pipes. Discolored water, especially when that is not a common issue in a given area, means the pipes are vulnerable and should be checked.

Leaks

Frequent leaks are another symptom a homeowner may want to consider. This may be happening more often than not due to cracks in the pipes. Some of these leaks can be so persistent and come along with risks to the property like flooding. As such, when the leaks are persistent even after some minor repairs, doing a replacement is usually the next big thing to do.

Odor

It can be so uncomfortable to live in a house with an unpleasant smell. Such odor will come when cracked pipes allow sewer gas to escape. A normal sewer system should be airtight, but there can be a few exemptions once in a while. When the case persists, it may mean the owner needs some serious cast iron pipe repairs or even replacement.

Mold

Mold is another evident sign of complication with the piping system. A cracked pipe that leaks water will lead to mold infestation. The costs of dealing with mold due to the magnitude of damage they cause can be unbearable. As such, whenever you notice even the slight of mold development on the wall or anywhere else, seeking expert advice will be a wise move.

Cracks

Cracks are common to occur at any point in the house. But when one notices them on the foundation or along the walls, it shows the pipes are damaged. Usually, this may happen when the mainline had a leak but went undetected. When left unreplaced, the damage will bring some sinkholes.

Healthy Lawn

Funny but true. While sewage may be unhealthy for human beings, they are good for vegetation. When someone notices a strangely healthy lawn developing around the home without doing anything, it could mean the sewage is leaking. And in most cases, this may indicate a deep-rooted problem in the whole plumbing system.