cast iron plumbing pipes

Started by BonnieG1 • 4 replies • 1694 views

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BonnieG1 (Nebraska)
Posts: 1,186

Posted:

When getting bids for contracts for plumbing, air conitioning, a company recommended that our main pipes be "jet cleaned." Our building was built in the late 70s. I mentioned this to the other Board members, but the man who has some of our management duties said that it would not be wise to "jet clean" these pipes that it may cause more trouble that it is worth. In the last 6 months 2 of our owners have had plumbing problems. ANy thoughts on this would be appreciated.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059

Posted:

Doing a quick search on the net, I discovered the following description of "jet cleaning":

Our portable water jet cleaning system forces 3,000 pounds of water pressure through a nozzle that is designed to propel a hose through drain lines. This powerful and effective tool will break up and remove grease, sludge and other debris lining the walls of your drain lines and helps improve and maintain your system's performance. Water jet cleaning will help to avoid future blockages.

Depending on the age and condition of your Associations pipes, it's logical to expect that it is possible the cleaning process could cause damage to weak pipes as the pressure used is greater then the normal pressure.

I expect that damage would be a possibility on any system that was used beyond normal operating limits.

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

Our entire subdivision's waterlines were installed in the late 20's - all cast iron. We don't dare jet clean. Ask about a more gentle kind of process to ream out the pipes.

Do you flush out the pipes once in a while?

BonnieG1 (Nebraska)
Posts: 1,186

Posted:

Thanks Susan your response helps me a lot.
No we don' flush out the pipes once in a while. I will have to check with plumbing companies about flushing out the pipes.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Why don't you call the water company and get some advice there? I recently had to call them because I was getting dirt coming out my lines. They went and flushed the lines in my neighborhood for free. You may be surprised about what help they can offer your HOA. There may be programs out there or they can tell you about any possible "cons" like Jet cleaning. Don't be afraid to go to the "source". I've found our water utility very co-operative and willing to provide information.

Former HOA President

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