PVC Pipe vs. Cast Iron Pipe
Cast iron piping has not given up the ghost. Many homeowners associate cast iron piping with antiquated plumbing that is prone to developing leaks. Often people think that it clogs quite easily. Conversely, many people think that modern plastic PVC plumbing piping is the miracle material. Well, both materials have advantages and disadvantages. Let's talk about both types of pipe and see what you think.
That Old Black Metal
Cast iron piping has been used successfully in plumbing systems for hundreds of years. In fact, in the year 1623 cast iron pipe was installed in the Fountains of Versailles in France. That same piping is still functioning today. Thousands of miles of municipal water and sewer systems use cast iron pipe. The reason is long term durability. Cast iron simply lasts.
Virtually every residential home built prior to 1960 had some form of cast iron piping in its drainage system. The primary drainage stacks or pipes within the walls were constructed of cast iron. The branches off of these stacks which connected to sinks, toilets and tubs often used lead piping or galvanized pipes. Galvanized iron piping is especially prone to clogging. I have personally removed hundreds of these pipes which connected to kitchen or bathroom sinks. In virtually every instance, these pipes were clogged solid.
However, the cast iron stacks only two to three feet away from the sinks were completely free of obstructions. Unfortunately, many people don't realize this phenomena and brand the cast iron as a poorly performing product.
Cheap Labor & Cast Iron
Years ago, residential construction labor costs were insignificant. Time was not always an issue with respect to how long a particular task took to complete. For example, imagine how long it took to nail on those thin lath boards which allowed plaster to be applied to the walls and ceilings of houses. Think of the amount of time it took carpenters, using hand tools, to mortise hinges and locks into doors. The same is true for old style cast iron piping.
Old style cast iron piping was a chore to install. The plumbers had to pack oakum into each joint and then pour molten lead to seal the joint completely. This lead joint was then hammered to finish the job. The job of installing cast iron was tough, time consuming and dangerous.
Modern Methods
The cast iron pipe available today looks somewhat similar to old cast iron. However, the methods of installing the material have changed drastically. Gone are the oakum and molten lead. In their place you now find vulcanized rubber seals and stainless steel band clamps.
Cast iron piping systems can now be installed in a fraction of the time it took to install them 50 years ago. In fact, modern cast iron piping can be installed just as quickly as plastic PVC piping.
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Robert Thomas 21 May 2008, 11:26
I am trying to remove a piece of galvanized pipe from the cast iron pipe
under the kitchen sink. This pipe is sealed into the cast iron and I cannot
break the seal.The threads that the elbow connected to are damaged. I would
like to saw of the damaged threads ,leave the rest of the pipe sealed in
the cast iron pipe and see if I can install a piece of pvc pipe through the
galvanized pipe. Is this a good alternative? If not what can you suggest.
Thank you
susan 18 Oct 2008, 17:35
I would love someone to tell me how to take a 4" pvc pipe out of a cast
iron 3" pipe.
Help. Thank you, Susan
Ron Charest 20 Apr 2009, 06:47
My wife and I bought a 1954-vintage home. While renovating the basement
area, we discovered the horizontal run of cast iron drain piping has
apparently corroded through in several places. Is there a way to seal
this, or do we nee to rip it out and replace?
Jan Yeary 30 Apr 2009, 10:51
We are getting quotes on drilling a new well in SE Georgia. One contractor
swears by galvanized pipe and the other by PVC. The price difference is
over $2000 with PVC being cheaper. Both contractors have good reasons for
using one or the other. What are the advantages of either? I don't want to
go with the cheapest bid and be sorry down the road.
jeremy 08 Feb 2010, 21:13
the only advantage cast has over pvc is its noise reducing ualities it is
very dense and thus does not transmitt sound well and makes for quiet pipes
were pvc is not dense and transmitts sounds (ie the slooshing of water ging
down the drain)like a radio tower. however cast is expensive hard to
install or repair, not easily tied into on remodels/ relocation of
facilities, did i mention expensive? and pvc schedule 40 is comparable in
durability to cast (you cant park 80k lbs trucks on either without serious
consiequences) but if installed properly both will grant you yrars of worry
free service and pvc is much easier to wok with no matter the skill level
of the home owner/handyman... just my thoughts if ou cant stand the
possibility you might hear the drain through the wall go with cast
oyherwise i like pvc.
jeremy 08 Feb 2010, 21:23
and as and after thought their are techniques for installing quieter pvc
sewers such as insulating the points were it comes into contact with the
structure ie studs, floor joists, their are also noise dampening mounts to
fasten pipes to the structure i would suspect you coud wrap the whole thing
in pipe insulation after the leak testing and that might help the
noise...etc and i am sure their are options i am not aware of or remember
at the moment do some research on the subject of quieting pvc pipes. good
luck
José 09 Feb 2011, 13:57
You could say something about the PVC pipes. Not just the cast iron pipes.
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