What Is The Difference Between Cast Iron And Black Pipes?

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 Pipe

Cast iron pipes have been used for many years and are durable for gas lines and water. They are pure iron, and although their life expectancy is between 80 and 100 years, they 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 emit harmful and potentially deadly gases.

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, black steel pipes are 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

The installation process differs when working with Cast Iron or Black Pipes. Cast iron pipes 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 are 8 feet long and range from 1 1/2 to 4 inches in diameter, depending on the fixtures connected to them.

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

Repairs

Repairingthese pipes if they leak is significantly different. Because Black steel pipes are separated into pieces, the risk of leaks and water escaping from the joints 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 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 of installation depends on the materials and installation method. Cast iron is usually more costly due to its size and installation process.

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

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 minimise plumbing emergencies. So, if you need help with your pipelines, please get in touch with us.