Drains becoming blocked often indicates a deeper issue that requires attention to prevent further complications.
Sewer systems are typically built to require, except for occasional issues such as grease accumulation in kitchen drain lines or hair blockages in traps.
This article will explore common issues that can arise in the average North Texas household and provide guidance on the most effective solutions, including thorough sewer line cleaning, fixing damaged connections, and replacing entire sections of the system as needed.
What is the history of drain pipe material?
Drain pipes are typically made of either cast iron or PVC materials. Before the mid-1980s, cast iron piping was commonly used for water and sewer lines in residential buildings. However, with the introduction of PVC plastic piping in the mid-1980s, it quickly became the preferred choice due to its lighter weight, ease of installation, and corrosion resistance. As a result, cast iron piping saw a decline in usage for home plumbing systems.
Before the 1960s, it was typical to use clay or terra cotta for the sewer connecting the house to the municipal sewage system.
Orangeburg piping, a type of nonmetallic pipe made from bituminized fiber, was commonly used in residential construction during the post-WWII era due to supply chain disruptions caused by the war. It was installed in houses constructed from the mid-1940s through the 1960s.
In the North Dallas region, including the Dallas area, a combination of cast iron and PVC piping systems are commonly used for water and sewer lines. Specifically, in cities such as Plano, Dallas, Frisco, and The Colony, which are located just north of Dallas, many homes built in the 1970s and early 1980s by large developers like Fox and Jacobs feature cast iron pipes under the slab foundation and in the yard. However, towards the end of this construction period, builders began to shift towards using PVC pipes above the slab, while still utilizing cast iron pipes below the foundation.
In the northern suburbs, such as Frisco, McKinney, Prosper, and Allen, the majority of homes were constructed between 1990 and the current day, and typically feature PVC piping in their drainage systems.
How were cast iron pipes installed?
The installation of cast iron pipes in the past involved a time-consuming process of connecting pipe sections using a combination of lead and a rope-like material called oakum. To achieve a watertight seal, workers would pack the oakum into the gaps between the pipe joints and then fill the space with molten lead.
As cast iron piping’s popularity began to wane, a new technique emerged that utilized circular rubber gaskets, often referred to as “donuts” or “compression gaskets,” to connect pipes. Additionally, PVC rubber couplings, secured with stainless steel clamps, became a common method for joining pipes together.
What causes a broken cast iron drainpipe?
A corroded cast iron pipe is typically the reason for a broken cast iron drainpipe. Cast iron pipes are rigid and heavy, but they have some flexibility at the connecting points where the pieces are joined. As a result, it is rare for cast iron drain piping to be crushed or damaged by external force or soil shifts.
Extensive soil shifting can weaken the seal at the joints, resulting in water leakage whenever water passes through the drain. The moisture and nutrients in the soil near the leak eventually entice tree roots to grow into the pipe from that location.
Eventually, the pipe will become blocked by this issue. Typically, the roots can be cleared using a sewer machine unless there is a major break, but they will likely return, creating an ongoing need for maintenance until the piping is replaced.
How do “bellies” occur in cast iron sewer systems?
In cast iron sewer systems, “bellies” can form when the pipe is not properly supported during installation or when the surrounding soil undergoes significant settlement, causing the pipe to sag or dip at the joints and creating uneven water flow.
These low-lying areas typically don’t cause immediate blockages, but instead tend to accumulate debris gradually, leading to an increased likelihood of clogs over time. The severity and regularity of these clogs are influenced by factors such as the system’s age, usage patterns, and the extent of the sag.
Do cast iron drain pipes corrode?
The concern lies in the corrosion of cast iron drain pipes over time. Typically, horizontal will rust and deteriorate, eventually leading to failure. Older cast iron pipes appear to have been made more durable compared to those produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s before they were no longer used.
The pipe’s age will inevitably corrode from both internal and external factors. However, the primary decay originates from within, where water’s natural corrosive properties are often intensified by the presence of harsh chemicals and detergents that flow through the pipe.
Do cast iron drain pipes clog?
Cast iron, particularly in older systems. The internal surfaces of these pipes can become rough and irregular, providing a foothold for debris and grease to accumulate, leading to frequent blockages. This process often begins long before the pipes have deteriorated to the point of leakage, making regular maintenance a necessity.
The issue is further complicated by the installation of modern water-efficient fixtures in homes during renovations or updates. Specifically, “low-flow” toilets, which use only 1.28 gallons per flush, are often criticized for their inability to effectively transport waste through older, cast iron pipes to the municipal sewer system, despite their ability to clear the toilet bowl itself.
In areas like North Dallas, and Plano, where neighborhoods are undergoing revitalization and homes are being renovated, we frequently encounter specific plumbing challenges. As a result, we often advise homeowners to rebuild existing toilets in older homes with cast iron plumbing systems rather than installing new, low-flow models.
Can a rough, cast iron pipe be cleaned?
If a rough cast iron pipe is not significant, its interior can be cleaned for improved drainage. If there is a blockage in the system, it is typically cleared using a drain snake machine before cleaning the pipe’s internal surface.
Once the flow is back to normal, a jetting machine or a chain knocker will be employed to clean the inner walls of the pipe and remove any rust or debris accumulation. After everything is loosened, it will be flushed away through the drain.
Do I need to replace my cast iron drain system?
How can cast iron be repaired?
Cast Iron Pipe Replacement All problems that arise with cast iron pipes tend to worsen as they age. When we visit a home to tackle significant cast iron sewer pipe issues, it is common to opt for replacing entire segments of the system instead of just addressing the specific blockage at that moment. Given the age and level of decay, replacing sections typically offers a more effective long-term solution rather.
Cast iron pipes are commonly connected to new PVC pipes using specialized rubberized PVC couplings, whether it’s a partial or complete replacement job. The layout of the new pipes may mirror the original design in some cases, while in others, sewer lines may be rerouted for easier repair work. Find out additional information on our service page about line repair and replacement.
How are PVC drain pipes installed?
PVC, or Polyvinyl Chloride, is a widely produced type of plastic material that is utilized in a vast array of applications, including textiles and building supplies.
Rigid PVC pipes are connected using specialized PVC fittings, which are attached through a process called solvent welding. This involves applying a chemical solvent to the outer pipe surface and inner fitting surface, causing them to become temporarily pliable. Once the surfaces are pressed together, they quickly bond, forming a strong and watertight seal. When executed correctly, this method produces a highly reliable connection, often referred to as PVC gluing.
Is PVC better than cast iron?
PVC material has many advantages over cast iron– it is cheaper to manufacture, there is less cost for transportation, there is labor in installation, it doesn’t rust or deteriorate like cast iron, and it has a smoother internal surface.
All of these advantages easily outweigh the few disadvantages of residential construction– which is why it did not take long for the house construction industry to completely switch over. The lower expenses of this material greatly contributed to the modern trend of large, spread-out bathrooms and the flexibility of putting bathrooms anywhere in the floorplan of the house.
However, PVC systems are not bulletproof. PVC tends to allow more noise transfer, has more flammability potential, and is less resistant to force damage. Some of the issues cast iron systems experience still apply to PVC. There are a few additional weaknesses that PVC brings to the table such as susceptibility to cracked fittings and a higher risk of accidental damage.
What causes a broken PVC drainpipe?
When PVC isn’t joined properly or if the connections are put under excessive force, they can sometimes pull apart, but this isn’t very common. The straight sections of PVC have some flexibility and tend to “give” rather than break. The weak points are generally the fittings.
It is much more common for the PVC fittings to crack when they are subjected to heavy pressure– such as is caused by ground movement over time. Once this happens, it is again only a matter of time before roots find their way into the line and create clogs just like in cast iron piping.
PVC is also much more likely to get accidentally damaged than cast iron. When it is installed, the plumbing code dictates certain protective measures– like the installation of nail plates. But it isn’t uncommon for these pipes to be damaged anyway during construction or afterward when screwing or drilling into a wall.
How do “bellies” occur in PVC sewer systems?
Because of the “bending” ability that long straight sections of PVC have, the possibility of “bellies” is also very high if the pipe isn’t “bedded in” properly during construction or if the house has experienced foundation movement. When this happens, usually the entire section of the pipe will have to be replaced to correct the shallow grade.
Do I need to repipe my PVC drain system? How can PVC pipes be repaired?
Fortunately for most issues that PVC experiences (such as accidental damage or a cracked fitting) only the single damaged spot needs to be repaired. This is because PVC doesn’t have a “shelf life” as cast iron does. It doesn’t corrode from the inside out; household chemicals won’t eat away at it. Usually, repiping of PVC is only necessary when there has been a large amount of slab foundation damage.
PVC is a bell and spigot type of piping, which sometimes complicates the repair process if there are fixed ends that can not be easily slid back and forth. Typically, the broken fitting or section of pipe is cut out entirely and replaced with the same pipe/fitting arrangement. Slip-type rubberized PVC couplings are then used where necessary to tie this assembly back in.
DIY Drain Cleaning VS Professional Drain Pipe Repair and Service
If you have had repeated issues with a single fixture backing up, this might be an issue of hair or buildup in that particular fixture’s drain assembly or the fixture P-trap. This can often be manually cleaned out with an inexpensive drain tool or by disassembling the slip joint connections of sinks and cleaning them manually.
If multiple fixtures are backing up or if you are having repeated issues, the pipe may need to be cleaned with professional sewer cleaning equipment. It is also possible there may be roots or a break in the line somewhere.
At Chrome Air Conditioning, every single truck carries both drain machines and camera inspection/locating equipment. That means we not only can get the drains flowing again but we can properly diagnose the system and discuss whatever options are available for permanently fixing the underlying problem.
To find out pricing and schedule availability, give us a call today at 469-361-2700
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