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Can Do | |
| Home Inspections Inc. | ||
| 3032 S. Paseo Loma Circle | ||
| Mesa, AZ 85202-7951 | ||
| Voice or Fax 480-831-6237 | ||
| Arizona Home Inspections By |
| Arizona State Certified Home Inspector #39760 |
| Arizona Board of Technical Registration Firm #11968 |
| How long does cast iron soil pipe last and where will the first failure typically occur? | ||||
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Cast iron soil or drain pipe will generally be dependable for 60-100 years. The first failures usually occur in the horizontal section of pipe, at about 8'-20' past or below the vertical vent pipe. This failure develops on the top of the pipe. The reasons for the failure in the top of the pipe and at this specific location are: The acids in the human digestive system mixes with the air above the waste in the pipe and deteriorates the top of the pipe. The bottom has moisture and a small amount of solids, and the acid doesn't have the same impact. The horizontal pipe is installed at a 1/8''-1/4'' slope towards the sewer in the street. The slope is necessary to provide fall that will allow gravity to drain the waste and to allow the liquid waste to mix with the solid waste so that both will exit the pipe. If there is too much slope in the pipe, the liquids will not adequately mix with the solids. The reduced friction will cause the liquid to drain quickly and cause the solids to lay in the bottom of the pipe. The solids will not clog or stop the flow, however, they will allow the acids to accumulate in one area and deteriorate the top of the pipe. When waste drops in the vertical vent pipe from a bathroom, it will rush through the first 8' or so of the horizontal pipe. At this point, the liquid waste still has momentum and the solids have started to slow. This is what makes this 8'-20' section of pipe past the vertical vent so critical. Note: In some cases, the vertical section of pipe is the first to fail. This is due more to workmanship than acid deterioration. The vertical section of pipe can weigh 300-400 pounds, depending on the height. If it is not supported or hung properly, the stresses and natural deterioration may cause failure in 60 or so years. | |||
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