- Cast-iron pipes comprise the drain, waste and vent (DWV) components of a plumbing system. Drain and waste pipes deliver gray water (non-hazardous drain water) and black water (hazardous waste water) to sewer and septic systems. Vent pipes maintain a drain system's balance and help prevent sewer gases from wafting inside a structure through the drain system.
- Unlike solvent-welded plastic drain pipes, cast iron typically connects via mechanical fittings. The most common type of cast-iron drain fittings are semi-flexible, sleeve-like rubber couplings that slide over a pipe. A band clamps at both sides of the coupling to secure the fitting to a piece of cast-iron pipe.
- Cast iron is substantially more durable than plastic drain lines. However, cast-iron drain pipe and fittings are expensive and require specialized installation tools such as chop saws or chain cutters.
Function of Cast Iron
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