How do you replace cast iron with PEX?

How to Replace Cast Iron With Pex

  1. Turn off the water supply to the pipes that are going to be removed.
  2. Unscrew the cast iron pipe joints with a pipe wrench so the original female fitting on the feeder pipes remain to remove all the cast iron pipes. …
  3. Lay out your Pex tubing.

Should I replace cast iron with PVC?





Durable – Polyvinyl Chloride can last up to 70 years or more. Replacing cast iron pipe is expensive as they deteriorate from oxidization. Cleaner – Because PVC doesn’t corrode or rust, you won’t get any metal in your sewage or drinking pipes. It’s a non-toxic material, safe to use for all kinds of plumbing purposes.

Which pipe is best for house plumbing?

Copper. Copper pipes are probably the most traditional plumbing pipe used due to their extensive duration and reliability. They provide superior corrosion resistance, great material to be used for hot and cold water, and it can be managed easily.

How do I convert cast iron plumbing to PVC pipe?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You zip ties to mark the cut around the pipe. And add strapping to support both sides to cut use a reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade rated for cast iron.

Do cast iron pipes need to be replaced?

Wear and tear is normal in residential pipe systems. One frequently asked question is “How long do cast iron drain pipes last?” Cast iron waste pipes last anywhere between 50 and 100 years. However, it may be time to replace cast iron pipes long before their lifetime is up.

Is PEX good for plumbing?





PEX-A is manufactured using peroxide.



This type of PEX is the most flexible of the three types and is suitable for use in all home water-supply plumbing needs. It expands to the greatest degree when subjected to freezing water, so it’s the most resistant to cracking in frigid temperatures.

Does PVC last longer than cast iron?

Cast iron often lasts significantly longer than PVC piping when utilized in drainage systems. Cast iron piping can last several decades, if not for a century. One downside of cast iron is that it is susceptible to rusting if not maintained properly.

How long do cast iron plumbing pipes last?

between 80-100 years

Cast Iron: Cast iron pipes last between 80-100 years, and are built to withstand a high amount of water pressure. However, like galvanized steel, cast iron piping has been found to be susceptible to rust over time.

How do you remove cast iron plumbing?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: So we're able to break the hub of pipe it was a hammer and I'll kind of show you how it comes up i real quick. Alright we already started to smash off the belt here so we can get this cast out.

Should I replace my cast iron stack?

Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Cast Iron Stack



Constant Backups – If you have backups in all of your toilets, sinks, and showers, the cast iron stack (which connects all of them) is probably faulty. Sewer Odor – If you can smell sewage in your house, you can be confident that your cast iron stack is damaged.

How do you replace a cast iron waste pipe?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: We removed all of the old cast iron pipe in fittings. We're ready to install the new cast iron pipe. So one thing to consider is always start from where the water is flowing to.

How do you seal a cast iron pipe joint?



Work the dampened compound into the joint a few inches at a time. Then tamp it down with a hammer and caulking iron. Continue adding and tamping the caulking a few inches at a time until the complete length has been packed into the joint.

What is the life expectancy of PVC pipe?

Dig-up test results in the U.S. and around the world indicate that PVC pipe can be expected to provide reliable service in excess of 100 years.

Is cast iron plumbing OK?

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.

How do I know if my cast iron pipes are bad?

6 warning signs your cast iron plumbing stacks need to be replaced:

  1. Slow drainage. If your toilets or sinks have started to drain slowly, and normal unclogging procedures aren’t working, you could have sediment buildup that is clogging your pipes.
  2. Discolored water. …
  3. Wet spots. …
  4. Bad odor. …
  5. Mold. …
  6. Barnacles.



What causes cast iron pipes to crack?

Old cast iron pipes with heavy rust buildup and corrosion will eventually develop hairline cracks, which are also subject to the ravages of time. Eventually, those hairline cracks become wider and longer, until eventually the pipes begin to leak or fail completely.

Do cast iron pipes have lead?

What is EPA Doing? Lead has been banned in US drinking water infrastructure since 1986, but it is still present in the joints of old cast iron pipes, lead service lines, and the indoor plumbing of old homes, brass fittings, and lead-based solder used on copper pipes.

Who is responsible for replacing lead water pipes?

It’s the responsibility of the homeowner to replace lead pipes within the boundary of the property. While it is not a legal requirement to replace them, over time lead from these old style pipes can get into your drinking water and potentially damage your health.

What is the advantage of cast iron pipes?



The main advantage of cast iron is its long lifespan and strength. A 4″ diameter sewer pipe can withstand almost 5,000 pounds of pressure per linear foot. By comparison, a plastic sewer pipe can be damaged by a person standing on it! Cast iron’s main disadvantage is cost and weight.