Your home’s cast iron plumbing has an expiration date. Here’s how to know if you’ve reached it…
Many of us who live in Brevard County are proud of our homes, especially those with the unique character and charm that come from being built decades ago. But beneath the beautiful terrazzo floors and established oak trees, a hidden problem could be lurking: the plumbing.
For decades, cast iron was the go-to material for sewer lines—it was tough, affordable, and built to last. But what people didn’t know then was that in Florida’s unique environment, “built to last” has an expiration date.
If your home was built before the mid-1970s, you likely have cast iron sewer pipes. At Burton Plumbing, we specialize in helping homeowners diagnose and solve this issue before it becomes a catastrophe. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Florida Is the Perfect Storm for Pipe Failure
Cast iron was the industry standard until about 1975, when builders began switching to more durable PVC. For Florida homes with cast iron plumbing, decades of exposure to our state’s harsh conditions have created a “perfect storm” for corrosion and decay.
- Humid, Salty Air: Our coastal air accelerates rust and corrosion on the outside of the pipes.
- Shifting, Sandy Soil: The ground in Florida is constantly settling and shifting, putting immense stress on the rigid iron pipes, leading to cracks and breaks.
- Internal Corrosion: Decades of wastewater flowing through the pipes slowly eats away at the iron from the inside out, a process called channeling.
Eventually, the pipe becomes brittle, cracks, or the bottom simply rots away, leaving you with a sewer line that can no longer do its job.
5 Telltale Signs of Failing Cast Iron Pipes
A failing sewer line isn’t always obvious. It often starts with small, annoying problems that can be easily mistaken for simple clogs. Pay close attention if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Slow or Recurring Drains: Are you constantly battling slow drains in your sinks, showers, or toilets? If plunging or drain cleaners only provide temporary relief, the real issue is likely deeper in your main sewer line where corrosion is snagging waste.
- Foul Odors in Your Home: A distinct sewer gas smell in your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room is a major red flag. This indicates that your sewer line is cracked, allowing foul odors to escape into your home.
- Unwanted Pests: A sudden increase in pests like cockroaches or rodents can be linked to a broken sewer line. Cracks in the pipe create an easy entry point for them to get into your home’s foundation.
- Unusual Signs in Your Yard: A leaking underground sewer line can cause lush, extra-green patches in your lawn. You might also notice indentations in the ground or even cracks in your home’s foundation or walls as the leaking water erodes the soil.
- Water Backups & Damage: This is the most severe sign. If you experience water backing up into your tubs or showers when you flush a toilet or do laundry, your main line is severely compromised. Look for any water stains or discoloration around the base of toilets and tubs.
The Modern Solution: Know for Sure, Without Destroying Your Yard
In the past, the only way to deal with this was to dig a massive trench across your property. Thankfully, technology has changed everything.
- Step 1: The Diagnosis – Sewer Camera Inspection: The first step is to know for sure. We can run a high-definition camera through your plumbing to get a clear, real-time look at the exact condition of your pipes. This non-invasive inspection shows us exactly where the cracks, corrosion, or blockages are located.
- Step 2: The Cure – Trenchless Pipe Replacement: For most homes, we can use modern trenchless sewer repair methods. This involves either lining the existing pipe or pulling a new one through the old one, all done through a few small access points. It’s faster, often more affordable, and most importantly, it saves your lawn, driveway, and landscaping from destruction.
Protect Your Home and Your Peace of Mind
Don’t wait for a messy and expensive sewer backup to find out the condition of your pipes. If your Melbourne-area home was built before 1975, being proactive is the key to protecting your investment.
The expert team at Burton Plumbing is equipped with the technology and local experience to give you a clear diagnosis and a lasting solution.
Call us today at 321-477-4383 or contact us online to schedule a comprehensive sewer camera inspection!