How long does cast iron soil pipe last and where will the first failure typically occur?
• Cast iron soil or drain pipe will generally be dependable for 60+ years. The first failures usually occur in the horizontal section of pipe, at about 8’–20′ past or below the vertical vent pipe. This failure develops on the top of the pipe. The reasons for the failure in the top of the pipe and at this specific location are: • The acids produced by the human digestive system (aka methane gas) deteriorates the top interior portion of the pipe. The bottom has moisture and a small amount of solids, and the acid doesn’t have the same impact. • The horizontal pipe is installed at a 1/8”–1/4” slope towards the sewer in the street. The slope is necessary to provide fall that will allow gravity to drain the waste and to allow the liquid waste to mix with the solid waste so that both will exit the pipe. If there is too much slope in the pipe, the liquids will not adequately mix with the solids. The reduced friction will cause the liquid to drain quickly and cause the solids to lay in the bo
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