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What Is The Difference Between Cast Iron And Black Pipes?

In properties, your piping is one of the most important parts of your plumbing. You have water pipes, sewer pipes and gas pipes that all contribute with the safe and efficient travel of water and gas throughout your commercial or residential property.

In properties, your piping is one of the most essential parts of your plumbing. You have water, sewer lines, and gas pipes that all contribute to the safe and efficient travel of water and gas throughout your commercial or residential property.

You may not know about your pipes because they are underground or inside your walls. This blog can shed some light on the kinds of piping that run throughout your house to help you with future repairs, replacements, corrosion resistance and potential leaking or burst pipes.

Cast Iron Black Pipes Differences

Cast Iron Pipe

Cast iron pipes have been used for many years and are durable for gas lines and water. It is pure iron, and although its life expectancy is between 80-100 years, it can fail due to corrosion and cracks. They were used for centuries because they were a relatively cheap product for water lines and gas pipes.

Cast Iron pipes are quiet due to their thick density, are fire-resistant, and do not give off harmful and potentially deadly gasses.

Black Iron Pipe

Black iron or ABS sewer pipes are made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and are commonly used for drain, waste, and vent pipes. It is similar to PVC pipes in size and functionality.

It is highly durable and known for its corrosion resistance. Black pipes are light and easily malleable.

Due to its low density, a black steel pipe is lightweight and easy to cut and assemble. However, they can be noisy when water travels at high speed and pressure.

Main Differences Between Cast Iron and Black Pipes

Installation

There is a difference in the installation process when working with Cast Iron or Black Pipes. With cast iron, they were traditionally sealed with melted lead and oakum.

But nowadays, stainless steel bands and rubber gaskets are used. A black pipe is connected with ABS cement and couplings.

Size

Black pipes come 8 feet long, ranging from 1 1/2 to 4 inches. The diameter size depends on the fixtures connected to the pipe.

They come in pieces and can be clipped together. Cast iron pipes come in 2 inches and up in diameter and 4-6 inches for residential drains.

Repairs

There is a significant difference in repairing these pipes if they leak. Because Black steel pipes are separated into pieces, the risk of leaks and water escaping from the joins is greater.

Cast iron pipes are welded at the join, so the chance of leaks is less, but corrosion can still occur over time. When ABS or steel pipe fails, replacing the damaged section is the ideal solution; however, it can be rectified.

Overall Use

Cast Pipes

Cast iron and black pipes are routinely used for water and gas lines in residential properties. Black pipes are durable and mainly used for gas lines, and cast iron is preferred for major water channels.

The cost to install is all down to materials and installation method. Cast iron is usually more costly due to the size and process of installation.

The initial setup is pricey but will save you money, energy and resources in the long run.

Need a Plumbing Service?

Household plumbing systems are complicated. But there are qualified and skilled people who understand how they work.

Here at Fixed Today, we’re skilled in all plumbing-related concerns you may have.

Fixed Today speaks the plumbing language. We’re all about pipes and fittings, drainage, and fixtures.

We know how the plumbing system works in homes and businesses. We can find the best and safest plumbing devices, amenities and appliances.

With our help with proper maintenance and installation, you can enjoy years of a stress-free plumbing system. And you can also minimise plumbing emergencies. So, if you need help with your pipelines, please contact us.

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