Do you reside in a home that was built before 2000? Homes that older than two to three decades have an outdated plumbing system. Most notably, a cast iron plumbing system. Even though your cast iron plumbing system may not need to be replaced right now, it will need to be later. In fact, there is a high chance of you contacting a plumber in Richmond to replace your cast iron plumbing system down the line. Your plumber will upgrade your plumbing system with a modern plumbing system.

Do You Have to Replace Your Cast Iron Plumbing System?

You will have to, at some point, replace your cast iron plumbing system if your house was constructed before 1970. The age of your plumbing system and the type of material used to create them can result in a host of plumbing issues.

Back in the day, a cast iron plumbing system used to be the go-to choice of several households. Homeowners in the 20thcentury preferred a cast iron plumbing system for the following reasons:

  • No one had invented plastic piping yet
  • Cast iron plumbing system has a long lifespan and was constructed to last for more than 80 years
  • Cast iron plumbing system are durable with the ability to withstand high water pressure and heavy loads
  • The material muffles and eliminates the sound of water running through the pipes and sewage

If they are so durable, why do you need to contact a plumber in Richmond to replace them? Because most of the iron cast plumbing systems are nearing their expiry date, as they have been installed in houses constructed in the 1930s and 1940s.Further decreasing the iron cast plumbing system’s lifespan is the severe weather changes, quality of water, and type of soil.

Another reason to replace the outdated plumbing system is mature trees growing in your yard. Their tree roots can grow underground and penetrate your plumbing system and cause cracks in your pipes. It is a good idea for you to contact a plumber in Richmond to inspect your plumbing system for damage, as most of them are concealed behind walls and installed in the basement.

For this reason, it is important for you to recognize the signs of a potential problem with your cast iron plumbing system, so you can schedule an appointment with a plumber in Richmond to replace it with a more reliable and long-lasting plumbing system.

1.  Water Discoloration

If you have come across brown and yellow water pouring out of your water taps, it is an indication of a damaged pipe. Water discoloration can cause rust or corrosion in the cast iron pipes. You will need to ask for a plumber in Richmond to visit your home to replace your cast iron plumbing system.

2.  Frequent Water Leaks

If you are experiencing frequent and reoccurring water leaks, you need to contact a plumber to use their high-tech plumbing tools to investigate the plumbing system to find the source of the water leak. The reason for the cracks in the plumbing system is due to sulfuric acid. If you do not call a plumber in Richmond on time to fix the water leak, it will drastically increase your water bill.

3.  Healthy, Green Lawn

Sewer water is a natural fertilizer for your garden. If your lawn begins to look green and healthy, there may be a leak in the sewer system. You can determine where the location of the leaks by the random patches in your lawn. Dial the number of an experienced plumber in Richmond to look for the leaks and fix them before they can do more damage.

4.  Slow Draining Water or Backups

Slow draining water or backups are signs that there is something wrong with your cast iron plumbing system. You can test this by flushing your water or running the water from the tap in your sink. If you have been using liquid cleaners to unblock your pipes, your action is causing additional damage to your plumbing system, as these cleaners contain sulfuric acid. This chemical will stick to the inside of the pipes and cause them to rust and corrode with time.

5.  Sagging or Indentations

You will find a pool of water under your pavement or garden if there is a crack in your water line. Over time, it can dissolve the soil, causing certain areas of the ground to sad. You may not be able to spot this sign, but if you do, this is a clear indication that you will need to replace your iron cast plumbing system by contacting a plumber in Richmond.

6.  Foul Odor and Mold and Mildew Growth

The smell of sewer in your home due to cracked pipes can endanger your and your family’s health, including pets if you have any. If you smell a foul smell in your home, you should arrange for a plumber in Richmond to pay you a visit. Moreover, cracks in pipes can result in the growth of mold and mildew behind the walls of your home. If you do not take care of the issue, you risk becoming sick and getting your entire family sick as well.

7.  Puddles of Water in Your Backyard

If you begin to find puddles of water or sewage waste in your backyard, it is time to schedule an appointment with your local plumbing company in your area.

8.  Cracks Along the Walls or in the Foundation of the House

If you find cracks along the walls or in the foundation of your house, you need to ask a plumber to replace your cast iron plumbing system. The main reason this has happened is that you failed to spot a water leak in time and it got severe overtime.

You will need to contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Rosenberg, asking them to send their experienced plumber in Richmond to visit your home to replace your cast iron plumbing system.