How long does cast iron soil pipe last and where will the first failure typically occur?

	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?
Home Buyers Sellers Sample Report Pictures FAQs Email Us		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.

New
Soft Cover (8.0 x 10.0)
80 Pages
$14.95 Cover Price
plus Shipping/Handling

Understanding a Home Inspection is designed as a guide for consumers as well as home inspectors. Use of the guide should promote a better understanding of inspected systems and components while creating a consistency of inspection quality. It is not designed to teach inspection techniques, however, it can be useful in leading anyone through the inspection process.

Within this guide a home is divided into thirteen sections. Each section is then broken down into individual systems and components, 116 areas of inspection in all.

Each of the 116 listed areas of inspection contains a stand alone set of guidelines. When assembled together, these guidelines are the essentials that lay the foundation for home inspection.

Sample checklist home inspection report pages have been included. The design of the checklist report fits well with this guide of basic information.

Reading this guide will not make you a home inspector, but should give you a better understanding of home inspection.

Home Sellers and Home Buyers will use this guide in determining the condition of a home.

Home Inspectors will use this guide to achieve a better understanding of the essentials of home inspection.

You may use this guide as an aid in Understanding A Home Inspection

Interior layout and cover design by Florian Valentine Publishing

Who can do home inspections?

Can Do Home Inspections, AZ Home Inspectors performing AZ Home Inspections.