What do you do about rusted drain pipes?

Answer by  jp53 (45)

The simple answer is replace them, but that depends where are they located and how much rust is there. Rust means corrosion and eventually they will leak. If they are in a location where little damage from a small leak is likely then wait. If not, then replace them now.

Answer by  jkc (258)

Rusted drainpipes are usually made out of cast iron and are very out dated, you should replace them with plastic pipes that are easily put together and are much lighter than the cast iron type installed in the early 1900s, be carefull how you remove the old pipes as they are very heavy!

Answer by  Jim23 (303)

First take off the drain cover, then get a pipe cleaner tool and go up and down to remove all rust. Then pour rust remover down the pipe, run water.

Answer by  DavidS (1517)

If they are rusted to the point of leaking then they need to be replaced. If they are in concrete etc. You may have to sleeve them with new pipe.

Answer by  gin (366)

The best thing you can do is to change them. There is no way to fix the damage from the rust and why take the chance of the pipe busting.

Answer by  ServicePlumber (211)

Cast Iron drain pipes are often used as a defense against fire damage. Unfortanetly, they do not last forever. If local permits allow, replace them with plastic (PVC) piping. The two mate easily with FERNCO rubber boots.