Replacing Cast Iron Piping in a 1980s Home 

Did you know an estimated 76 million homes in the US have cast iron piping in various stages of disrepair? 

If you live in a home built before or in the early 80s, chances are all your piping is made of cast iron. While that used to be the material of choice in those days, there is a reason it is no longer in use: cast iron pipes are prone to oxidation and corrosion over time.  

As a result, most homes built in the early 1900s through the late 1970s are prone to frequent sewer pipe clogs and eventual breaks in their cast iron pipes. The only solution is to replace them with PVC pipes. That’s not to suggest that replacing cast iron piping with PVC is an uncomplicated job. 

Just consider the following project. 

The House in Plano, Texas  

In June 2024, Legacy Plumbing was approached by a Plano resident for an estimate on replacing her home’s cast iron piping. 

The property was built in 1981, while the current owner moved in much later in 2013. Although she didn’t mention any particular reason for wanting the replacement, it’s safe to assume she was facing problems or wanted to get things right before encountering any. 

The Project’s Unique Challenges 

We dispatched a seasoned technician to inspect the property and provide an estimate for a complete tunnel replacement of its cast iron piping. Given the building’s age and the complex nature of its underground plumbing, our technician had to return a second time with a drain camera to complete the drain inspection.

After the inspection, an estimate was provided to the homeowner, who quickly accepted. 

We did not suggest any rerouting options to preserve the aesthetics of the 40+ years-old home. While that would have made our job considerably easier, it also meant damaging the property’s beautiful circular driveway, landscape, and trees. 

Cast Iron Issues and PVC Benefits 

Replacing cast iron piping comes with its share of unique challenges. The most pressing of them is accessibility. They were usually installed underground and often within walls. 

This made it difficult for our technicians to reach and retrieve them without damaging the building’s grounds and interiors. 

But that’s not the end of the story.  

• Cast Iron sewer pipes can cause homeowners a variety of problems. Examples include foundation issues, clogged drains, sewage backups, water seepage, mold growth, foul smells, and pest infestations.
  
• Most homes built between the early 1900s and the 1980s are prone to these problems. To keep these homes in pristine condition calls for careful replacement of cast iron pipes and fittings must be carefully replaced with more durable PVC options.
  
• Unlike cast iron pipes, plastic pipes don’t rust or corrode, so they won’t develop jagged interiors that flake off, eventually causing clogs and breaks. PVC is also a non-toxic material, making it safe for all plumbing jobs. 

Legacy Plumbing’s Unique Solution 

Once the problem was identified and mapped and the solution determined, we moved to the execution phase. 

Day 1  

• Our team arrived and removed the first batch of cast iron piping from three guest bathrooms. All three toilets in these bathrooms were also removed for a new flange and closet bend installation. 

Day 2 

• More than half the day was spent installing new toilet flanges and piping in two guest bathrooms. Another three hours were spent chipping away at the exterior beam to expose the lavatory cast iron line. 

Days 3 and 4

• All three guest bathrooms and laundry room were reconnected to the new mains with PVC piping. The master bathroom, bar sink, and kitchen were also connected to the mains. The team then moved to demolish the master cast iron piping. 

Day 5

• The last day on the job was spent installing hangers to support and steady the new PVC piping. Barring a few areas in the master bathroom that could not be repiped as they were encased in beams, the job was done.

The Best Part of the Job: A Satisfied Client

Once all repiping was completed, our technicians rigorously tested the new system for leaks, insufficient pressure, and other potential issues. 

Our team perfectly executed the project by replacing the home’s outdated plumbing with PVC that will last for years and decades. 

Legacy Plumbing: The First Choice of Homeowners in Plano, Texas

At Legacy Plumbing, we greatly exceed client expectations – whether it be a simple water heater fix or a complex slab leak that involves digging underground to replace rusty pipes. 

That’s what makes us the first choice for homeowners from Plano and Frisco to McKinney and beyond. 

Reach out to us today for plumbing services that come with peace of mind guaranteed.