What you need to know about your Denver homes plumbing pipes & sewer lines if it was built before 1978?

Mobile OPZ • May 11, 2022
A close up of a rusty pipe with roots coming out of it.

Do you live in a house that was built before 1970’s, your plumbing & sewer pipes are probably made of cast iron, and you should check them for damage? Your pipes may be hidden underground or in the basement, but an ounce of prevention will be worth a pound of cure. You & your family don’t want to be forced to move out of your home because of sewage backup.


What kind of plumbing was used in 1978?

Full or Partial Polybutylene (PB)
 
Polybutylene is a form of plastic resin that was used extensively in plumbing pipes from 1978 until 1995. However, this type of piping began to fail and caused a lot of damage to people's homes.

 

What kind of plumbing pipes were used in the 70s?

Plastic. Plastic plumbing pipes in the form of ABS and PVC became widely used in residential construction in the 1970s.

 

What year did they stop using polybutylene pipes?

1995

Polybutylene (often abbreviated as PB) is a form of plastic that was used in residential plumbing systems from 1978 to 1995. Some experts believe as many as 10 million homes were built with these pipes.

 

What year did plumbers start using PVC?

PVC pipe began to be manufactured in the 1940s and was in wide use for Drain-Waste-Vent piping during the reconstruction of Germany and Japan following WWII. In the 1950s, plastics manufacturers in Western Europe and Japan began producing acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pipe.

 

After 25 years, cast iron pipes are prone to corrosion and will start deteriorating.

Wear and tear is normal & expected in residential plumbing pipe systems, but it may be time to replace cast iron drain pipes after just 25 years. Cast Iron waste pipes should last anywhere between 50-100 years with proper care; however, they can also show signs of Deterioration following short periods without maintenance - this means homeowners must conduct routine inspections on their home's plumbing & sewer line' infrastructure every year!

It is estimated that about 76 million homes in America have cast iron pipes that must be replaced. These 76 million homes risk severe plumbing problems. At a low estimated average of $10,000 per home, we are talking about $760 billion of damages and repairs that need to be made.

What happens to cast iron pipes over time?

Cast iron pipes, while durable, do fail over time. They can develop rust, which slows water drainage. Tree roots and cast iron do not make good partners. If you find galvanized or cast-iron pipes in your home, don't panic and don't start tearing out the plumbing.

 

SIGNS OF plumbing Pipe or Sewer pipe issues?

Leaks are a serious matter and should be addressed as soon they arise. If you see any of the signs below, such as rusted pipes or decayed sections within your plumbing pipe system then don't hesitate to call 720-322-4845 for help from an expert sewer plumber: as this could lead to a flood of water, & or raw sewage backup at any time?

1) Pipes that appear discolored 2) Cracked pavement near where water collects 3) Black mold growing on wall around bathtub 4) Foul smell coming out of sewer line at night. In the event, you have sporadic leaks that's a serious problem that always gets worse!

Symptoms of water & sewer pipe damage may include:

·   Slow pipe drains

·   Clogs or backups

·   Foul smells from sewer gases

·   Pest infestation

·   Rotted flooring

·   Warped or separated wood floors

·   Tinted (raised) floor tiles

·   Loose or broken floor tiles

·   Water logged flooring

·   Water-stained floor tiles &grout

·   Water-stained/discolored carpet or rug/mat

 

CONCERNED ABOUT THE PIPES IN YOUR HOME?

Call Drain Brain LLC Today @ 720-322-4845

 

Plumbing Pipe CORROSION in Denver

Underground waste pipes fail for a variety of reasons. One reason is external corrosion caused by materials found in soil. Soil often contains high levels of acidity, stray electric currents, and toxins, all of which can cause cast iron pipes to rust. External rust is not necessarily a cause for concern, though it may indicate more serious problems in the internal piping.

With the recent increase in environmental awareness, many people are becoming more aware of how our waste pipes can fail. One common cause for failure is external corrosion caused by materials found within soil which often contains high levels acidity or stray electric currents that may indicate a need to upgrade your property's irrigation & sewer system if it has cast iron plumbing fixtures like faucets and toilets!


Is Sulfuric acid corrosive to cast iron?

The corrosive wear rate of cast iron was found to reach a maximum at around 35 wt. percent sulphuric acid concentration and increase with load and acid temperature.

The problem of corrosion within pipes is a common issue that occurs when waste products running through the system cause hydrogen sulfide gas buildup. This generates an environment perfect for implementing sulfuric acid, which rapidly destroys cast iron plumbing fixtures like sewer connections and joints along with any other metal surface it comes into contact with. Experts suggest checking your home's drain cleaner ingredients before purchasing one because many brands contain high concentrations of sulphuric acid and that can speed up pipe corrosion!


Drain Brain LLC is a family owned  Sewer & drain company that has served the Denver CO and surrounding areas for nearly 10 years. 


Drain Brain LLC are experts at repairing sewer lines and have the skills and equipment to perform residential and commercial sewer video camera inspection so that problems are detected fast. 


This will help solve issues like leaking pipes, broken pipes, and other sewer dilemmas. Locating the exact causes of problems early saves clients numerous headaches. 


For superior service, home and business owners can schedule an appointment by calling
Drain Brain LLC today @ 720-322-4845.

 

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