Descaling Cast Iron Drainpipes

CONCORD — Many homes in the Bay Area still have old, cast iron drainpipes. Over time, scale tends to accumulate on the insides of cast iron pipes, which can cause issues with their performance. Besides constricting water flow through the pipes (which can result in slow drains), the rough, flaky buildup increases the chances of toilet paper getting snagged, which can create stoppages in the line.

If you think you’re experiencing scale buildup issues with your home’s cast iron drainpipes, have a plumber perform an in-line camera inspection. If it turns out that scale buildup is the culprit, you’ll need to have your pipes descaled. To do this, a plumbing technician will run chain mail through the drainpipes to remove the scale buildup. Afterward, your pipes should function properly again.