It seems the cast iron sewage pipe had bulging inside. But how cast iron can be compressed and bulged like this, it doesn’t make sense. Any expansion? Is it a serious problem?
Most likely rust and scale buildup.
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I agree with Bob, cast iron is brittle and would not bulge, so most likely like Bob mentioned.
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I have to agree. Otherwise, I really cannot explain why this can be like this.
I don’t do sewer scopes, but any chance that is orangeburg and not cast iron?
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This was my thinking, too, but didn’t pursue it.
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I don’t think it is Organeburg.
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Are there any large tree roots in that area?
It looks like cast iron to me.
What is the age of the home?
what is your location?
do you have visibility of any waste pipes before they go underground.
You will get better responses if you give more information.
I feel like we have been through this before…
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I’ve watched 20 years worth of scopes at my inspections and have seen things like that before with cast. Roots will sometimes push in the bottom when it gets thin and weak. It does kind of have movement like Orangeburg but is definitely cast. Whatever is causing it, there is definitely a problem and it should be called out.
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Yup, I’ve seen as the cast decays it gets thin and can easily deform like this. I’ve come across where the cast is nearly paper thin and can easily be bent with a push of a finger.
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Do you think there is a forum for Gastroenterologists where they post colonoscopy photos asking if anyone has ever seen anything like this.
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The only thing that really needs to be said.
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I don’t do scopes either, but I’ve seen a few things and I lean hard toward that being Orangeburg. The distortion of the overall shape and the color sure look like Orangeburg.
Here’s a photo of Orangeburg from an inspection I did this summer.
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I am quite sure the pipe is cast iron since I have more photos. 
House is 1940-1950s some big trees but no roots inside the pipe at all, no waste at all. except these bulges, nothing at all.
if you have any photos, can you share?
That’s the Orangeburg years.
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The Various Older Sewer Lines that Can be Found in Older Homes:
Transite Sewer Pipes: Also known as AC Pipes (Asbestos-Cement Pipes.) These were installed primarily between the 50’s and 70’s, and while relatively resistant to corrosion, the technology for connecting these pipes was not as reliable then as today, which can lead to leaks and failures at the joints. The lifespan of these pipes is about 70 years. If you have a 1950 pipe, then look out for failure after the year 2020.
Clay Sewer Pipes: Clay pipes typically last between 50-60 years. They have been in use since about 4000 BC in the widely agreed upon birthplace of city plumbing: Babylonia. While you are not likely to find any Babylonian age clay pipes, it’s not uncommon to find these in homes built prior to the 50’s and occasionally in homes as late as the 70’s.
Cast Iron Sewer Pipes: These were installed most often between the 50’s and 70’s and will last 75-100 years in most residential applications, so you can expect your 1950 Cast Iron Pipe to fail as early as the year 2025.
Orangeburg Sewer Pipes: These pipes begin to deform after 30 years and tend to fail after 50. Orangeburg pipe was used from 1860 until the 1972. If you have an orangeburg pipe, you should anticipate a failure in the next few years.
Lead Sewer Pipes: Lead sewer pipes can last 100 years, but they are not without their dangers. Lead pipes are gray in color and can be easily scratched with a knife. If you have lead pipes, you will want to replace them immediately, as they can leach lead into the water supply.
PVC Sewer Pipes: If you have PVC sewer pipes, thank your lucky stars. These pipes should last a good 100 years. PVC started rolling out in the 40s, so the year 2040, if you have a 1940’s PVC pipe, is when you need to start worrying. (However, failure to take care of your pipes properly can always result in an early failure.
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