Are there cracks in your sewer drain but you do not want to cut up your backyard to replace your sewer drains? Do you want to know how to repair a cast iron pipe without worrying about escalation and high plumbing costs?
Below are three methods of drain repair, from the most inexpensive to the most costly and time-consuming. Of course, you will have to decide which method will work best for you. It is always best to consult a professional plumber to confirm before you start the process.
How to Repair Cast Iron Drain Pipe: Three Most Popular Methods
- Trenchless Pipe Lining
This is the most popular way to repair a pipe drain, as it does not require any digging or excavation. Essentially, the pipe is cleaned from the outside of the home using a pipe drain snake machine or hydro jetting machine. Then, a video inspection camera will be used to measure the length of the pipe and to pinpoint the location of the incoming connections. Finally, the lining will be fitted and installed into the piping using a rope or bale containing a temporary balloon that has been inflated to approximately 15 psi. About 3 hours later, the pipe will be removed and the new permanent pipe line will be installed into the old pipe.
- Pipe Bursting
In this method, a conical head designed of tough metal is pulled through the pipe using a winch that holds the new HDPE pipe (high-density polyethylene pipe) that will replace the damaged pipe. However, in the process, the incoming pipe connection will have to be manually replaced by excavating through the floor. This makes this method more expensive and time-consuming. Also, if the soil is tough, the pipe bursting head may not pass through without difficulty, which could wreak havoc with the overall process.
- Dig Through the Floor to Replace the Drain Pipe
Of all the methods, this is the most time-consuming as well as the most costly one. It will take at least two weeks to dig up all the concrete and through the soil and then finally replace both once the job is completed. During this process, water and calcium carbonate crystals will be excreted, which prevents you from placing tile or carpet on the area until the job is completed. Not to mention that you will need to acquire the proper permits for the excavation process as well as schedule pipe inspections. You are then responsible for any repairs if you do not pass the initial inspection. Many homeowners have to stay with friends or relatives or in a hotel until the job is completed, which adds to the initial expense and can be quite an inconvenience.
Contact DrainCom if you need any more advice on how to repair cast iron drain pipe. We can advise you as to which of the above methods will work best for your home. Call us today for all of your plumbing issues.
