A Brief History of Cast Iron Pipes

NCT Plumbing is a commercial and residential contractor that combines dependable service repair with confident plumbers to bring you the best choice of plumbing services.

We have over 50 years of experience serving the Fort Worth area and an established history of caring for our customers with honesty and integrity.

Our services include sewer and drain cleaning, cast iron pipe replacement, hot water heater installations, repairs, and more. We proudly serve the communities of Keller, Fort Worth, Mid Cities, Denton, and more

When it comes to your Cast Iron Pipes we offer repair, draining, and pipe replacement services, our team can visit you for an expert evaluation and help you find the best solution for your system.

But why do some properties have Cast Iron Pipe systems? Here is a Brief History…

Cast Iron Pipes are considered strong, durable, and reliable as a material for sewage transportation. They boast a much longer lifespan compared to other market choices and are quieter overall. Pipes cast from iron can withstand high-pressure flow even when full, are resistant to high temperatures, and are difficult to damage including when transporting water over long distances.

In the Dallas and Fort Worth area, most homes built prior to 1980 have cast iron drain piping. Our team at NCT Plumbing offers sewer, drain and repipe services. We can help you repair your system with expert care.

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Early History and Introduction

The Sewer system as we know it has been around since early 2500 BC. It was constructed by the Macedonians, Persians, and Minoans and usually featured brick-lined pits to carry sewage to nearby bodies of water.

Later, the Romans and Greeks built extensive newer systems that eventually fell into disrepair during the Middle Ages. After that, plumbers would use tree trunks, mainly elm and spruce to construct pipes, even in U.S cities.

One of the oldest examples of cast iron pipes was in France during the 17th century where they were used to carry water through the Chateau de Versailles. Cast Iron Pipes were first created using horizontal molds but this method proved to be flawed. Then in 1845, the first Pipe was cast vertically and by the end of the century, all cast iron pipes were produced using this method.

The Next Decades

Cast Iron Pipes came into prominence during the 17th and 18th centuries. They were first used without lining but modern advancements meant that pipe coating could improve hydraulics and reduce corrosion. During the 1810s, the first cast iron pipes were installed in Philadelphia to replace the deteriorating spruce system. Philadelphia would eventually be completely piped using cast iron due to its high structural integrity, durability, and longevity.

After that, Cast Iron Pipes were used everywhere in the U.S and continued to grow in popularity as the first choice for sewer systems.

Modern History

Fast forward to the 1950s and Ductile Iron Pipes were introduced for the first time as an improvement on cast iron pipes. Eventually, plastic pipes using rigid PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride plastic) became the prime choice for commercial and private use.

For a long time, Cast Iron Pipes were the most commonly used material for drainage systems. These days, a lot of houses still use cast iron pipes, but they can become a victim of cooking grease and gradual deterioration.

Do you have any questions about replacing your rotting or deteriorating Cast Iron Pipes? Look at our specialized NCT Plumbing Cast Iron pipes article.

Today, almost any material can be found in the ground all across the United States. Each material type has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on its use, environment, and maintenance.