How To Clean Old Cast Iron Drain Pipes
Coupling the chain knocker with a jetting device designed for lower pressures works well.
How to clean old cast iron drain pipes. 13500 to 18500 per foot. We use a picote drain cleaning machine to remove rust and loose debris. Soaking the galvanized water pipes in vinegar is another solution to iron buildup.
Clean buildup from galvanized water pipes with water softeners but remember water softeners contain salt which corrodes galvanized piping. DWV or drain waste vent pipe. I have in fact been able to smash the cast iron wall fixing with a hammer but the bolts securing the fixing will not move without I feel doing a lot of damage in the meantime.
Spray the perimeter of the cast iron clean-out plug with penetrating lubricant. One thing about these cast iron pipes especially higher up is that people could not be bothered painting the non visible part around the back. Our photograph of cast iron drain piping below left demonstrates two methods by which connections have been made to newer copper drain lines.
The joint is then packed with a product called oakum. So you may find the back of it is rusted a lot more. We then use a high pressure water jetted to clean the pipe.
I have been using a sawzall and a grinder to gut through the old cast iron pipes. Then use some cooking oil spray inside the cast iron pipe hub to make it easier to hammer the donut in. Cabling uses a plumbing snake and cables to manually clear clogged pipes.
The repair can usually be completed in just a few hours. Use a Natural Cleaner. Be careful not to use too much force or you might do more harm than good by damaging the pipe.