Inspected a 1957 home with cast iron pipe for drainage that had a build up of rust, looked like stalactites. No water leaks were observed. Is this pipe ready to be replaced? Maybe further evaluation by a licensed plumber? Any recommendations would be great?
What leaks? I see zero evidence of any actual leaks. A pinhole that is not expelling any liquid is not a “leak” in the terms that you are indicating. Be specific so the OP will actually be helped.
Cast iron (typically) rusts/corrodes from the inside out. What you are seeing is the rust/corrosion finding it’s way to the exterior surface. It is at it’s final stage before total failure and should be replaced.
Btw Bob… no need to respond. I already know what you will say. :blank:
Graphitic corrosion is selective leaching of iron from grey cast iron, where iron gets removed and graphite grains remain intact. Affected surfaces develop a layer of graphite, rust, and metallurgical impurities that may inhibit further leaching. The effect can be substantially reduced by alloying the cast iron with nickel.[1]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphitic_corrosion#cite_note-1)
Sorry to sound crabby…spent the weekend with a stomach issue Flue-food.
Just better to give a summary of what the link says in case we don’t wish to search.