Why older cast iron clogs
Cast iron was a standard drain material for decades. Inside, it slowly corrodes. The rust forms lumps and ridges, sometimes called tuberculation, that shrink the opening and give paper and waste something to catch on. The result is a line that clogs more often, drains slowly, and does not stay clear for long after a cable pass.
Tempe grew fast in the decades after World War II. In the 2000 Census, about half of the city's housing units had been built between 1960 and 1979, and nearly all of the rest in the 1980s and 1990s. Some homes from those decades still have original cast iron under the slab.
How descaling works
A contractor runs a flexible shaft through the pipe with a spinning chain or abrasive head on the end. It knocks and grinds the scale off the pipe wall, and the debris is flushed out. The goal is to bring the pipe back as close to its original opening as its condition allows. A camera goes in before and after so you can see the difference.
Is my pipe worth descaling?
That depends on how much sound metal is left. A camera inspection answers it:
- Scale but solid walls: descaling can restore flow.
- Thin walls, holes, or a split along the bottom: descaling alone will not fix that. Options include lining after cleaning, or replacing the section.
- Not sure what pipe you have: a camera inspection will show the material and condition.
Descaling is also the usual prep step before a cast iron line is lined. A liner needs a clean, smooth surface to bond to.
Serving all of Tempe
Cast Iron Pipe Descaling is available to homes and businesses across Tempe, including North Tempe (85281), Central Tempe (85282), South Central Tempe (85283), South Tempe (85284).
Cast Iron Pipe Descaling FAQ
How do I know if I have cast iron sewer pipe?
Home age gives a hint, but the only way to be sure is to look. A camera inspection shows the pipe material and condition along the whole line.
Is descaling the same as hydro jetting?
No. Jetting uses water pressure to wash buildup away. Descaling uses a spinning chain or cutting head to grind hard rust scale off the wall. They are often used together.
Can descaling damage old pipe?
A pipe that is already very thin can be damaged by aggressive cleaning. That is why the camera goes in first, and why some lines are better candidates for lining or replacement.
Do I need to replace my cast iron pipe?
Not always. If the walls are solid, descaling can restore flow. If they are thin, holed or split, lining or replacement is the lasting fix.