If you live in an older home and haven’t updated your pipes, you most likely still have cast iron or galvanized pipes.
In case you’re not familiar with either:
Cast iron pipes are made of gray cast iron, and can be either coated or uncoated. They are most often used for waste water.
Galvanized pipes are steel pipes that are coated in zinc. They are most often used for sinks, showers and tubs.
Though both cast iron and galvanized pipes are of quality, they are prone to rusting and damaging over the years.
As seen below, damaged pipes can be costly and unhealthy.
rust damage in pipe old cast iron pipe
You don’t want this to happen to you.
Here are three reasons why you should consider replacing your cast iron and galvanized pipes now.
- Damaged pipes can be costly: Over time, rust will eat away at your pipes, eventually causing a leak or flooding. When your home floods, you can count on having to tear out walls due to mold, purchasing new flooring and replacing any personal items damaged. This can run you into the tens of thousands of dollars, if not more. Another way cast iron and galvanized pipes can become damaged is by your house settling. When houses shift as the years go by, the pipes can shift too, causing cracks and breaks.
Cracked, leaking pipe due to settling and old age
2. Damaged pipes can be unhealthy: When water seeps into your floors and walls, it can lead to unhealthy mold and mildew. Mold has been known to cause irritation for the skin, eyes, nose and lungs. Don’t underestimate the severity of mold. Even the Center for Disease Control warns of the dangers of household mold. In addition, the damaged pipes can also help spread microbial and chemical waterborne diseases. And last but not least—damaged pipes increases exposure to sewer gases.
3. Damaged pipes can cause food waste or sewage buildup: When your cast iron and galvanized pipes aren’t working correctly, they can cause food to back up, or worse—sewage. It goes without saying that sewage backup it something you definitely don’t want to happen. Not only could it cause a nauseating mess in your house, it could also spread disease. As for food buildup, it will clog your sink, begin to stink and potentially cause flooding.
Avoid any of these scenarios from happening. Call us today to get your FREE EVALUATION of your cast iron and galvanized pipes. Get your pipes replaced before it’s too late. Below are before and after photos of what your new replacement piping will look like.
