Cast iron pipe leaks can be costly. Protect your home.

If your home was built before 1975, there is a chance the plumbing in your home consists of cast iron pipes. These pipes erode over time leaving your home at risk for potentially serious waste hazards. These issues can include:

  • Slow Drains
  • Drain Back-Up
  • Sewer Issues
  • Mold and Mildew
  • Water Discoloration
  • Slab Leaks
  • Sewer Odor
  • Insect Infestation
  • Unexplained Standing Water

Before Restoration

After Restoration

Having to go through an insurance claim can be a challenging process and add unexpected costs. If you are unsure about whether your home has cast-iron pipes or you are experiencing some of the issues listed above, call (863) 877-3108 to get peace of mind.

Our minimally invasive approach uses some of the latest drain cleaning technology, allowing us to clean your cast iron pipes right and save you money.

Don’t let a clogged drain obstruct your day.

Pipe Relining Information

“Pipe relining”, “CIPP”,  “Cured In Place Pipe”  are all different names for a new form of trenchless plumbing technology used to restore cast iron pipes.  Cured in Place Pipe is a process using a felt liner (sock) coated with epoxy resin, inserted into the drain lines and hardened in place to make a new drain pipe inside of your old one.  Relining allows plumbers  to fix your plumbing system without having to dig up or break the floor in your home. Cured in Place Pipelining (CIPP) can save money in the process eliminating the need for costly remodels, renovations, and down time in the property. Relining is more straightforward and will give you the chance to replace your plumbing with less labor.

Plumbing pros will use camera systems to take a peek inside to see what kind of repairs you need.  Depending on the level of deterioration a patch may be sufficient or for more deteriorated lines a full relining is the trick to getting the drains working properly again.  Constant backups, pre 1980’s construction, clogged toilets, large tree roots growing into the plumbing, and gurgling sounds coming from the toilet are all signs that you might need to get pipe relining soon. You will need to get help from plumbers that specialize in pipe relining so that you can get the service done correctly.

Relining your pipes is a type of fix that our plumbers can handle for you. Getting professional relining service requires the assistance of a skilled pro. This is a type of service that involves fixing cracks, breaks, or other plumbing issues with cast iron pipes. When you need pipe relining service for your cast iron, you’re fixing the drains from the inside out.  Our professionals are experienced in inspecting and assessing cast iron and all types of drain lines in order to provide you with a proper picture of what’s inside your drain lines.

When Should You Get Your Pipes Relined?

If your home was built before 1980, has cast iron drainpipes, has had stoppages, clogs or gurgling toilets then you may be able to reline your cast iron pipes to make them like new again. You should definitely consider getting your pipes relined if they are 40 years old or older.  Pipe relining is different from getting the pipes replaced because the area of the pipes is not destroyed in order to get to the pipes.  We can work on them from strategic access points around the property.  Relining lets you fix the pipes rather than having to install brand new ones. When you need to know which one you should get, start by considering the current condition of your pipes or where they are located. If your pipes are badly damaged, they may be beyond repair. In this case, it’s best to replace them with a new liner.  You might also opt for a replacement instead if your pipes are brittle and susceptible to breakage, such as old cast iron.

Pipe relining has several advantages, such as being more cost-effective, quicker, and with less labor. It’s also environmentally friendly. However, make sure that you consider all of the factors to make sure you know which is the best for your home. It’s best to get your home plumbing repiped every 30  to 50 years. Consider the age of your home and how long the pipes have been installed. This will give you the chance to get it repiped on schedule and on your terms. Learn how to hire a plumber that is great at what they do so that you can count on their professional services. If you need to hire a plumber, be sure that they are credible and licensed. You should look for reviews from homeowners who have hired them before. They will come out to your property and inspect your plumbing to figure out whether you need repiping or relining services. It’s important that you diligently seek the best service available, whether you need pipe relining or new construction plumbing services of any kind. Find some references to make sure that you are able to trust the plumbing work that you get from any professional that you hire for your project. These professionals will help you fix different sections of the pipes and will give you a price estimate that you can compare. Speak to a handful of plumbers to learn how much they will charge for your relining or any other services that you need them to take care of.

Get the Plumbing Services That You Need

Pipe repair, relining, and re-piping  are some of the most critical services that you can get. Knowing everything that you can about this service will help you manage your plumbing to the fullest.These tips will assist when you’re relying on plumbers to help you fix any of these issues.

Stuarts Plumbing is unrivaled when it comes to the professional plumbing service that you need. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment for service, get in touch on our site or call (863)877-3108 for the best plumbing service that Lakeland has to offer.

Pipe Repair Information

Needing plumbing repair work of any kind is enough to send you into a panic. Having to get repairs for your pipes can especially cause alarm. Leaking pipes can cause significant damage to your household and can even compromise your entire plumbing system.

What Should You Do if a Pipe Is Leaking in Your Home?

First, pinpoint the area where the pipe is leaking. You might notice puddles of water or small amounts of accumulation. Once you have found that a pipe is leaking in your home, locate your main water valve to stop the flow of water. It’s important that you locate this valve and know where it is at all times so that you can stop the flow of water in the event of any plumbing emergency that you deal with. Not only will the cutoff switch keep damage under control in your home, but it also prevents unnecessary wasted water. This prevents your water bill from getting out of control and stops the flow of water so that a plumber can come help you out.

Next, assess whether you have any immediate safety concerns with the surrounding area to the water.   Be sure to look for any electrical hazards that could be a potential danger.   Be prepared to access your electric/power control panel and shut off the power to your home in the event it is necessary. Overflowing water can cause electrical fires, electric shock, or other calamities. From there, unplug any electrical appliance in your home and any light fixtures that could come in direct contact with the leaking water.  Remove any valuable items from the area that might be susceptible to damage. From there, you are ready for a plumber to come take control. Because leaks can be so advanced, never try to handle it yourself. Instead, find the help of a plumber like us that can assist you.

What Are the Different Materials You Can Use to Temporarily Fix a Leaking Pipe?

While serious leaks should be left to licensed plumbing professionals, there are some stopgap remedies that you can use in the meantime for minor leaks. This will stop the leak in its tracks to buy you enough time for plumbing professionals to handle the rest of the work on your behalf.

Some of the materials that you can use to temporarily fix a leaking pipe include:

  •       Plumbing wrap tape
  •       Epoxy putty
  •       Specialized pipe repair clamps
  •       Slip repair coupling
  •       Pipe repair cast

Understanding which material is best for the type of leak that you’re dealing with will help you get the leak under control.

What Are the Different Types of Pipes by Material?

It’s crucial that you get to know the different types of pipe material that professionals install in people’s homes. Knowing the types of material available will help you decide what kind of repair or replacement you’d like, while also knowing the pros and cons of each. Some of the different types of plumbing materials that homeowners commonly use include:

Copper Plumbing

Copper plumbing is one of the most common and sought-after materials for homeowners. It’s always in demand and holds value over the years as a result. For one, copper is a durable metal and an excellent form of plumbing. You need this durability for your plumbing so that it can withstand changes in temperature, hold back corrosion, and age gracefully with your home. Copper is also a cost-effective metal and will save you money when compared to materials like steel and stainless steel. You’ll also appreciate that this metal is better for your health. It won’t contaminate your water or cause other types of health issues that can hinder your ability to drink or bathe with it.

Copper pipes are also lightweight options and are easy for plumbers to install. They are eco-friendly pipes to install since they occur naturally in the environment. This is great news for homeowners that are all about sustainability and looking out for the planet. Copper is resistant to fire damage and is an all-around quality metal to use for your plumbing projects. So, what are the potential downsides? While copper is less expensive than steel, it might still cost you a pretty penny when compared to other materials. The material is less flexible than other types of pipes, so you might not be able to fit into tight spaces the way that you can with PVC. Copper pipes that have been installed for a long time might also be more difficult to repair.

Galvanized Plumbing

This is a type of plumbing that is made from steel and has zinc coating. Because of this protective coating, galvanized plumbing is less likely to corrode, and it has a certain measure of durability that you don’t get from other pipes. Rust can be a death knell for your plumbing, so you will appreciate that galvanized pipes are anti-corrosive. Galvanized pipes are also more cost-effective than others, so you won’t have to worry about hurting your bank account to get these plumbing materials installed.

Aside from the cost of materials alone, you will typically pay less for galvanized plumbing as a whole. Since the installation is less labor-intensive, the final project costs tend to be cheaper. These pipes are easy to work with and plumbers can inspect them each year without a problem. This makes them low maintenance and helps you get repairs whenever you need them. However, galvanized plumbing is not without its downsides. For example, they might be more susceptible to internal corrosion. If these pipes are allowed to corrode from the inside, they might lead to pipe breaks and leaks that cause water damage. These pipes also aren’t as great for the environment and may lead to some health issues if you if corrosion builds up and you keep drinking the water.

PVC Material

Make sure that you also study the pros and cons of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plumbing. This is a type of material that is low maintenance and easy to install. Since these pipes are made from different types of plastic, corrosion is much less of an issue. With corrosion less of a factor, PVC pipes are more durable, and you can typically count on them to last a long time. You will also appreciate that these pipes are able to endure higher water pressure. This makes it a quality material to install for any type of plumbing system. The ability to withstand high amounts of pressure also means that you’re less likely to have noisy pipes during the winter.

Homeowners can often expect PVC plumbing to last upward of 80 years, which is an incredible amount of time for any home or commercial building. It’s also more cost-effective than other types of plumbing, so you won’t have to worry about running up expensive costs in the meantime. As a downside, PVC pipes are easy to install but are a bit on the bulky side. This means that if you have really tight spaces, it might become a tight squeeze if you decide to install PVC. While they can withstand high amounts of pressure, these pipes might begin to warp if they are exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period of time. They are also susceptible to breakage if they freeze during the cold weather months. If this happens, it can lead to heavy amounts of water damage that can create expensive repair and restoration bills for your household. They also don’t contain the antimicrobial effects that you get with copper piping, which can potentially lead to health issues.

CPVC Material

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is another common type of plumbing material. This is a type of PVC piping that is used for several different applications. One of the main benefits you will find is that it is resistant to corrosion. CPVC is resistant to chemical damage and can also hold strong when faced with hot temperatures. These pipes are also some of the most versatile that you will find, in that you can use them for residential, industrial, and commercial plumbing applications. CPVC is also one of the more expensive forms of plumbing that people are likely to install. These pipes are also more likely to swell than others. Some people report wax buildup in CPVC pipes, which can make them deteriorate faster than they otherwise should.

PEX Material

PEX is another type of plastic plumbing that consists of high-density polyethylene materials. It is one of the newest types of plumbing materials and comes with plenty of upsides. For one, these pipes are incredibly cost-effective. In fact, they cost less than half of what you will typically pay for copper piping. These pipes are also durable since you are less likely to deal with mineral deposits and other issues that can cause blockages.

These pipes are resistant to corrosion and are also easy to install. When you install these pipes, you also make your plumbing system much quieter and can experience some energy efficiency and sustainability benefits. As a downside, these pipes are not as durable in the face of fire damage. They are also not recyclable like other forms of piping material are. Rodents and other pests are also able to chew through these pipes, which can create big problems in your household.

DWV Material

Drain-Waste-Vent (DWV) pipes are made to effectively handle your home sewage and plumbing needs. This is more of a system and not any one type of pipe material. However, DWV pipes are generally made from a combination of PVC and other materials. These pipes are beneficial because they are specifically engineered to fulfill these needs. Manufacturers make these pipes to be more cost-effective so that you get a durable system that also allows you to save money over time.

These pipes are useful for several different applications, like dishwashers, toilets, tubs, and showers. They are manufactured with varying degrees of thickness. One of the downsides of DWV plumbing is that they crack easily when compared to other types of plumbing. These plumbing materials are also less stable in high temperatures and can be damaged when you’re dealing with serious heat.

What Different Factors Determine the Repair Cost?

Always get the help of a professional when you need work, whether it’s a residential or commercial repair service. If you’re going to get some plumbing work done, you need to always have an idea of how much you will pay for repair work. This way, you can properly budget for it and find the help of a plumbing contractor that can assist you. Get to know different plumbing repair costs as well so that you always are able to budget for the work.

One of the main factors that affect the cost of your plumbing repair work is the type of leak that you’re facing. For instance, you will pay a different price for fixing copper plumbing leaks than you would PVC plumbing leaks. The magnitude of the leak will also be a major deciding factor. Make sure that you also keep an eye on the age of your pipes. Plumbing pipes will last between 70 and 100 years depending on the type of material. If you are unsure of the age of your pipes, a plumber can provide an inspection to let you know an estimate.

There are also a variety of different types of leaks that you might deal with, such as water lines, waste lines, and heating line leaks. These different types of leaks will play a factor in the price that you will pay for plumbing repair service. Leaks can lead to water damage, which can pose health risks. However, you shouldn’t use a flex seal to fix your leaky pipe. This material can cause chemicals to leak into your water, which can contaminate the supply. Flex Seal also doesn’t react well with foam and may cause warping.

Pipe Alignment Information

Pipe alignment is another major repair that people get for their homes or commercial buildings. When you fix the alignment of pipes they will work more effectively and efficiently, by removing the stress they are under, allowing the piping to be in its natural position, plumb, level and true.   Plumbing work is held together with pipe alignment clamps, which keep the pipework in place and allow the work to hold strong. Clamping, strapping, and bracing are used to keep your plumbing in place.  If these items become out of place this can cause major problems in the future.

You might notice that your pipes need to be realigned when the water pressure dips or spikes, causing pipes to rattle, shake and make different types of noises.  If you notice spikes in your water bills. You may also start to notice foul odors, wet spots or other issues. There are different types of pipe alignment services that you can look into. Rely on a plumber to provide you with this service so that you’re able to take care of it quickly before the issues worsen.