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These two materials are the most common types of drain piping on the market because of their performance, durability, and longevity. This article will compare cast iron and PVC plumbing drain pipes in their cost, durability, longevity, and more. By looking at this thorough and honest comparison, you will understand the top qualities of each drainage pipe material and know which option is better for you.
Cast iron drainpipes have been around for decades. They were popularized for sewage and drainage plumbing because of their heavy-duty material, making them durable to handle water and sewage. These drainpipes are most common in homes built in the 1970s and ‘80s. While they are still made and used today, PVC drainpipes have surpassed their popularity for modern-day plumbing.
PVC drainpipes are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a lightweight, flexible material typically mixed with plasticizers to make them more malleable and smooth. PVC plumbing has also been around for a while, first introduced in Germany in the 1930s. Once they hit North America, PVC plumbing became the number-one water pipe in both the U.S. and Canada by the mid-1990s. PVC plumbing is more popularly used today for new residential and commercial builds because of its cost-effectiveness, ease of manufacturing, and efficiency.
Having a realistic idea of the cost of any product allows you to avoid feeling blindsided by an estimate and know what product fits your budget best. The cost of any type of plumbing in your home is influenced by The material, Square footage of plumbing, Degree of difficulty for replacement (labor), Additional repairs, like flooring repair, foundation repair, etc. Knowing how these factors affect the overall cost of your new drainpipes helps you to understand what’s behind the cost of your project.
The average cost of cast iron drainpipes ranges from about $10-$20 per foot. This translates to a costly replacement, with the average total cost to repipe anywhere from $25,000 to $35,000, however, it depends on the size and layout of your home.
The average cost of PVC drainpipes ranges from as low as $0.50 to $5 per foot. PVC drainpipes are a cost-effective replacement option for modern homes, ranging from about $1,500 to $5,000 for the average home.
PVC drainpipes are a much more cost-effective option than cast iron drainpipes because of the cost to manufacture, transport, and install. While PVC is less expensive than cast iron piping, it may not automatically be the right decision for your home. If you have existing cast iron plumbing, you may want any repairs or replacements to also use cast iron for consistent performance and longevity.
One of the most important factors to consider when comparing cast iron and PVC drainpipes is their durability and performance. Because they are made of vastly different materials, they will perform differently. But, they do share similar pros and cons in performance.
Cast iron plumbing has been around for so long because of its proven durability and longevity. They are also quieter than other plumbing types, so you won’t hear constant flushing and draining. Cast iron drainpipes (mostly when surrounded by clay soil) are susceptible to corrosion. This can create leaks in your plumbing or a pipe burst. Because cast iron is very heavy, it may also sink into the ground the longer it lasts. This can cause cracking and leaking if bent too far. Overall, cast iron drainpipes are incredibly durable and long-lasting, although they are not popularly recommended for new installations nowadays.
PVC is a much lighter material than cast iron, however, that doesn’t make it any less durable. One of the biggest advantages of PVC drainpipes is the flexibility of the material. This allows PVC drainage to move with the foundation of the earth without cracking or breaking. PVC drainpipes also allow for efficient water flow because of the smoothness of the material which creates low friction between the water and piping. PVC plumbing is also easier to adjust and replace when needed. The thinner material can be more susceptible to breaking when incurring strong force.
Cast iron and PVC drainpipes compare fairly equally in durability and performance. Although cast iron is a heavy material and PVC is very lightweight, they are both extremely durable and can withstand lots of wear and tear. Both drainpipes can be susceptible to potential cracking when under a lot of stress or severe foundation shifting, however, PVC plumbing is much more flexible than cast iron plumbing.
The final consideration when comparing cast iron and PVC drainpipes is their longevity.
Cast iron drainpipes can last upwards of 80 years with minor repairs needed. This makes cast iron drainpipes a durable and timeless option for older and newer homes.
PVC plumbing can last at least 100 years under your home, but, similar to cast iron plumbing, they most likely will need repairing the longer they live.
When putting cast iron and PVC drainpipes head-to-head on longevity, it’s a tie. Both types of plumbing have been around for decades because they are efficient and last a long time.
Both types of drainpipes share many benefits, such as lasting up to and over 100 years and their durability against foundation shifting and weathering. However, PVC plumbing is a much more cost-effective option than cast iron plumbing. While cast iron drainpipes are long-lasting and durable, PVC plumbing is a much more efficient option for new-build homes or plumbing replacements. Not only are PVC drainpipes less expensive to manufacture and install than cast iron drainpipes, but they are also more efficient in water drainage and more flexible in geographical areas with lots of foundation shifting. If your plumbing needs replacing or you’re building a new home, we recommend choosing PVC plumbing and drainpipes because of their cost, durability, longevity, and efficiency. PVC drainpipes will ensure proper drainage of your water for decades in the future and are easily repairable in case something goes wrong.
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