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  • Writer's pictureLouis Natale

The Hidden Challenge Beneath Your Home: Understanding Cast Iron Pipes

Updated: Nov 29, 2023

Austin Homeowners, a hidden challenge may be lurking beneath your house. Prior to the 1970s, Cast Iron or Orangeburg pipes were the materials of choice for sewer lines in our city, serving us for a century. However, these pipes, buried under your slab, are prone to degradation over time. With age, they can rust, corrode, and suffer from foundation shifts, leading to various issues.


The inner surface of these aging pipes often becomes rough, trapping toilet paper and food debris, causing clogs and slow drainage. More critically, rust can eat through the bottom of the pipes, leading to leaks of unsanitary sewer water under your slab. This not only poses a health hazard but can also lead to settling and damage to your home's foundation.


If your home was built before 1975, it's likely to have cast iron piping underground. If you're experiencing plumbing issues or just want peace of mind, don't hesitate to reach out. You can call us at 512-296-5604 or text us photos of the pipe where it meets the wall under one of your sinks. At Proven Plumbing, we're here to assist you with expertise and integrity.




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