The sewer lines in your older property have likely cast iron pipes. Most residences constructed in the middle of the 1970s use this material. For most commercial buildings, construction companies still employ cast iron pipes today. However, these are now produced using ductile iron, which numerous recent studies have shown to be less susceptible to corrosion.
You have plenty of reasons to worry if your home has cast iron pipes. These pipes are vulnerable to calcification and corrosion (rusting). You may incur a slow drain due to regular wear and tear. Dealing with this dirty water pool might be a pain. Additionally, each time you flush your toilet, you might hear gurgling noises.
When your sewage isn’t working properly, these are warning indications that you have a problem. Before things worsen and there is a backflow of filthy water and total blockage, you should bring in expert plumbers when it backs up in this way. By performing a complete pipe descaling, they may assist you with your lines. Continue reading to learn more about this procedure and how it can benefit property owners like you.
What is Pipe Descaling?
When you ask for a descaling service from your local drainage specialist, your plumber will arrive with a specialized tool when you request this service from them. This has a revolving cable that rotates quickly and includes attachments. As it moves through your pipes, these tools rotate quite quickly. They, as a result, scrape away the substantial buildup on the insides of your pipes. By using this technique, you may prolong the life of your current pipes, which is less expensive than replacing them entirely.
To ensure your pipe walls are debris-free, the crew will still need to perform a full descaling on your property if it needs pipe relining before beginning a fresh relining installation. The professionals typically polish the pipe with high-speed abrasives to return it to its proper dimensions.
Some plumbers combine hydro-jetting with descaling to remove abrasive dirt. The combination of the techniques aids in getting the pipes ready for epoxy relining.
How Safe is Pipe Descaling?
If you’re concerned that descaling will harm your old pipes, you shouldn’t be. Remember that before recommending a treatment plan, your plumber will run a video check. Even for pipelines that are decades old, the pipe descaling procedure is the most efficient and secure. Although, as was already noted, there are times when they must use both techniques, some claim that this strategy is much better than hydro jetting.
Here are the variations in pressure among several techniques:
- The pressure in a conventional sewer cable is 80 to 350 psi.
- The pressure in a hydro jetter is 350 to 4700 psi.
- The pressure in a soft bristle high-speed abrasive descaling brush is 35 to 45 psi.
The descaling brush exerts the lightest pressure since it generates very little torque or water force, as can be seen from each of the figures above. Your expert plumbing firm will conduct a comprehensive inspection to identify the issue and will provide recommendations according to what they find. Descaling is typically advised because it is the least likely to harm your cast iron pipes.
What are the Benefits Of Pipe Descaling?
The pipe descaling method offers a wide range of advantages. You must consider this method if you are a homeowner or a commercial property owner, particularly if the conventional solutions do not work for your pipes. Here are some of the main advantages of this method:
In Certain Cases, This Method Is the Only Option
Sometimes using a high-pressure hydro jet or a traditional drain machine wire can damage your pipes. You don’t want to worsen the problem if your pipes are seriously damaged. Therefore, the safest way to clean the inside walls is with pipe descaling. Following the cleaning process, you want your drainage system to function properly and leak-free.
It Increases the Durability and Shelf Life of Your Cast Iron Sewer Pipes
You increase the lifespan of your pipes after a moderate descaling. Keep in mind that descaling fully cleans your pipes. Therefore, you return the diameter to its original (or almost original) state. You may be certain that the drain pipes will once again function at their best with this. Your pipes can continue functioning for several more years after removing the buildup. Additionally, when you utilize the lowest degree of pressure, the pipes won’t be subjected to an excessive amount of stress.
It Improves the Flow of Your Drainage System
You’ll notice a general improvement in your drainage because pipe descaling is the most efficient method of removing buildup. Keep in mind that the drain on your home works hard daily. Your pipes will eventually become covered in grime and filth over time because of normal wear and tear. Drain problems result from all this trash and stored garbage.
Descaling removes and cleans this gross buildup from the interior walls of your plumbing system. Even though the buildup doesn’t fully block your pipes, it can slow down how fast and efficiently water and other materials drain. You should contact the experts for pipe cleaning services if the sink or bathwater is not draining as quickly as usual.
It Prevents Vile Odors from Entering Into Your Home
Even the most meticulous and most organized homeowner will occasionally notice the smell of sewage water in their home. Your shower drains are the source of this odor. It’s a warning sign that your pipes require some much-needed TLC.
Odors will be prevented by descaling and cleaning the pipes. The unpleasant smell of your sewage system is the last thing you want to permeate your house. Contact a specialist if you wish to prevent these odors from coming into your house.
Speak With Your Local Sewer and Pipe Descaling Specialist
Are you interested in descaling your cast iron pipes in Seattle? You can reach out to us today at N.W. Sewer and Drain. We’re excited to help you sort out any drain issues you might be facing in your home or office building. Ideally, consulting an experienced local sewer and drain cleaning company should be your following line of action if you are experiencing slow-moving drains, foul odor, or clogged drains in your home and need help figuring out what else to do.
At N.W. Sewer & Drain, we have a well-trained and ready-to-move team on standby. We serve the Seattle metropolitan area, including Bellevue, Kirkland, Shoreline, Renton, Lake Forest Park, Mountlake Terrace, Auburn, Everett, Marysville, Mount Vernon, and other surrounding areas.
N.W. Sewer & Drain provides top-notch drain cleaning and sewer repair services in the greater Seattle area, and we’ve been in the business for nearly 20 years. Contact us today at 206-931-7728 to schedule an inspection of your sewer line and pipes.
FAQs About Cast Iron Pipe Descaling
What is pipe descaling, and how does it work?
Pipe descaling is a process used to remove buildup and debris from the inside walls of cast iron pipes. A specialized tool with a revolving cable and attachments is inserted into the pipes. As the tool moves through the pipes, it rotates quickly, scraping away the buildup. This method prolongs the life of the pipes and is less expensive than replacing them entirely.
Is pipe descaling safe for older cast iron pipes?
Yes, pipe descaling is safe for older cast iron pipes. Before recommending the treatment, plumbers conduct a video check to assess the condition of the pipes. The descaling process is efficient and secure, utilizing low-pressure techniques that are least likely to harm the pipes.
What are the benefits of pipe descaling?
Pipe descaling offers several benefits, including increasing the durability and shelf life of cast iron sewer pipes, improving drainage flow, and preventing foul odors from entering the home. It’s a safe and effective method, particularly when traditional solutions like high-pressure hydro jetting may not be suitable.
How does pipe descaling improve drainage flow?
Pipe descaling removes buildup and cleans the interior walls of the plumbing system, improving drainage flow. Over time, pipes accumulate grime and debris, slowing down the drainage process. Descaling effectively removes this buildup, restoring the pipes’ efficiency.
Why is pipe descaling necessary for cast iron pipes?
Descaling is necessary for cast iron pipes to prevent calcification and corrosion, which can lead to slow drains and foul odors. Regular wear and tear can cause pipes to become clogged with debris, affecting their functionality. Descaling ensures proper drainage and prevents potential blockages.
Can pipe descaling prolong the lifespan of cast iron pipes?
Yes, pipe descaling can prolong the lifespan of cast iron pipes by removing buildup and restoring them to their original dimensions. By keeping the pipes clean and free from debris, descaling helps maintain their functionality and prevents premature deterioration.
When should I consider pipe descaling for my property?
Consider pipe descaling if you experience slow-moving drains, foul odors, or clogged drains in your property. These are signs that your pipes may be due for cleaning and maintenance. Consulting with a local sewer and drain cleaning company can help assess the need for descaling.
How does pipe descaling compare to other drain cleaning methods?
Pipe descaling offers a gentler approach compared to high-pressure hydro jetting or traditional drain machine wire. It removes buildup effectively without causing damage to the pipes, making it a preferred choice for older cast iron pipes.
Is pipe descaling suitable for both residential and commercial properties?
Yes, pipe descaling is suitable for both residential and commercial properties with cast iron pipes. Whether you own a home or a commercial building, descaling can help maintain the integrity and functionality of your plumbing system.
Who can I contact for pipe descaling services in Seattle?
If you’re in need of pipe descaling services in Seattle, you can reach out to N.W. Sewer and Drain. With nearly 20 years of experience, they offer top-notch drain cleaning and sewer repair services in the greater Seattle area. Contact them today at 206-931-7728 to schedule an inspection of your sewer line and pipes.
