Your old cast iron sewer pipes might cause rust and leaks. Many homes built before the 1970s still feature these pipes because builders chose cast iron for its strength and durability. However, moisture and oxygen corrode the pipes over time, making them rust, crack, and eventually leak.

In this article, we highlight common signs of cast iron pipe damage, help you decide whether to repair or replace them, and present four proven methods to fix rusting and leaking cast iron sewer pipes. We use simple language so everyone can easily understand the information.

Ways to Fix a Rusting and Leaking Cast Iron Sewer Pipe

Recognizing the Signs of Damage

Knowing when your cast iron sewer pipes are in trouble is the first step to solving the problem. Here are some clear signs that your pipes might be rusting and leaking:

  • Sewage Odors: Noticeable smells around your home.
  • Slow Drains and Clogs: Frequent blockages in your plumbing.
  • Mold Growth: Mold on walls or floors due to leaks.
  • Overgrown Grass: Extra green or patchy grass near your pipes.
  • Foundation Cracks: Cracks in the foundation can signal pipe problems.
  • Pest Infestation: More rodents and insects around your home.

If you suspect these issues, a CCTV camera inspection can confirm the type and condition of your pipes without any digging.

Repair or Replace: What Should You Do?

Many homeowners wonder if it’s better to repair or replace their old cast iron sewer pipes. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Partial Repairs: Fixing only a section of the pipe may not be enough. The repaired segment can quickly develop leaks if the adjacent cast iron continues to deteriorate.
  • Full Replacement: Replacing the entire section of cast iron piping is often the more reliable and lasting solution. New pipes, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), can provide decades of trouble-free service.

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4 Methods to Fix a Rusting and Leaking Cast Iron Sewer Pipe

Below are four proven methods to restore your sewer system, with additional details to help you understand each option clearly.

1. Hydro-Jetting

What It Is:
Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to clean out debris and small blockages, including tree roots that might be invading your pipes. This non-invasive method restores the flow in your pipes without the need for major excavation. It’s widely used by plumbing professionals because it can reach deep into your system and remove stubborn clogs efficiently.

Hydro-jetting uses high pressurized water to clean out clogs.

How It Works:

  • A CCTV camera inspects your pipes to locate blockages.
  • A high-pressure hydro-jet is inserted through an access point.
  • The jet flushes out debris and minor obstructions.
  • A follow-up CCTV inspection confirms the pipes are clear.

Best For:
Pipes that are still structurally sound but need a good cleaning.

2. Pipe Bursting

What It Is:
Pipe bursting involves breaking apart the old, damaged pipe and replacing it with a new HDPE pipe. This technique uses a specialized cone-shaped bursting head that not only breaks the existing pipe but also pulls in the new one. It’s an effective solution that minimizes disruption while ensuring a durable, long-lasting replacement.

Pipe bursting

How It Works:

  • A CCTV inspection determines the condition of your pipes.
  • Two access points are created, usually in your yard.
  • A cone-shaped tool attached to the new HDPE pipe is pulled through the old pipe, breaking it apart.
  • The new pipe takes its place and is inspected for proper installation.

Best For:
Pipes that have lost their structural integrity and have a straight run for easy installation.

Read more about: Is Trenchless Sewer Repair Worth the Cost?

3. Trenchless Sewer Pipe Lining

What It Is:
Also known as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, this method creates a new pipe inside the old one using an epoxy-impregnated liner. It’s a modern, trenchless technology that minimizes pro

perty damage and reduces the need for extensive digging. This innovative approach is ideal for pipes that are still structurally sound, as it reinforces and extends the life of your existing piping.

How It Works:

  • A CCTV inspection checks if the old pipe still holds its shape.
  • The pipe is cleaned with hydro-jetting.
  • A felt liner saturated with epoxy is inserted into the pipe.
  • A bladder inflates the liner against the pipe walls, and once the epoxy cures, it forms a new, durable pipe.

Best For:
Pipes that have minor damage but maintain overall structural integrity.

4. Conventional Sewer Repair

What It Is:
Conventional sewer repair is a traditional method that involves digging up the damaged section of your pipe and replacing it entirely. This method is used when the pipe is too badly damaged or the layout is too complex for trenchless techniques. Although it is more invasive, it ensures that every faulty section is completely removed and replaced, restoring your sewer system’s reliability.

If a pipe is too damaged, we will use conventional sewer repair methods.

How It Works:

  • A thorough inspection determines the best repair strategy.
  • Damaged sections are excavated and removed.
  • New pipes are installed using conventional repair methods.
  • The area is restored after the installation.

Best For:
Pipes that are too damaged for trenchless repairs or have complicated routes that make newer methods unsuitable.

Conclusion

If you’re dealing with rusting and leaking cast iron sewer pipes, it’s important to act quickly. While repair methods like hydro-jetting and trenchless lining can work for less damaged pipes, full replacement is often the best solution for long-term reliability. Remember, a proper CCTV inspection is key to understanding the condition of your pipes before any work begins.

For professional advice and service, contact New Flow Plumbing. Our experts will help you decide whether to repair or replace your cast iron sewer pipes, ensuring your plumbing system works efficiently for years to come.

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FAQ

Look for signs such as sewage odors, slow drains, mold growth, overgrown grass, cracks in your foundation, and an increase in pests like rodents and insects.

If only small sections are damaged, repairs might work temporarily. However, if the pipes are extensively rusted or cracked, replacing them is often the best long-term solution.

Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to flush out debris, clogs, and even small tree roots from your pipes. A CCTV inspection locates blockages, and a follow-up inspection confirms the pipe is clear.

Pipe bursting involves breaking the old, damaged pipe apart while pulling a new HDPE pipe through it. This method efficiently replaces the faulty pipe with minimal disruption.

Trenchless sewer pipe lining, also known as CIPP, inserts an epoxy-impregnated liner into the existing pipe. The liner cures to form a new, durable pipe without extensive digging.

Conventional sewer repair is needed when the pipes are too badly damaged or have complex layouts that trenchless methods cannot fix. This method involves excavating the damaged sections and installing new pipes.

Repair times vary based on the method used. Hydro-jetting and trenchless repairs can often be completed within a few hours, while full pipe replacement may take a day or more.

Repairing cast iron sewer pipes can be complex and is usually best left to professionals who have the right tools and expertise to prevent further damage.

Cast iron sewer pipes rust and leak due to prolonged exposure to moisture and oxygen, which causes corrosion, cracking, and eventual failure of the pipe.

Costs vary depending on the extent of the damage and the repair method used. A simple repair might be less expensive, but full replacement often provides a more long-lasting solution. It’s best to get a quote from a professional.

Ignoring a leaking pipe can lead to serious issues like foundation damage, increased pest infestations, higher repair costs, and potential health hazards from sewage exposure.

You can schedule a CCTV inspection by contacting a trusted plumbing service provider. They will send a technician to inspect your pipes using a video camera, providing a clear view of the pipe’s condition without any digging.

Get In Touch

Interested in discussing your plumbing fixture needs with our specialists? Call: 310-299-9284