DESCALING

Before

Descaling, also known as pipe rehabilitation, is the process of removing the build-up of scales caused by aging cast-iron sewer lines. Over the years flakes from the cast iron can break off into the sewer line. The broken pieces eventually accumulate over time and cause an obstruction in the line and snag any paper products that have been flushed down into your sewer. The more it builds up the higher the risk of your drains becoming clogged.

After

Descaling helps prevent future back-ups and it also prevents homeowners from having to replace their whole sewer lines, which would cost more to have done. Cast iron sewer pipes can last over 50 years, excluding factors that speed up deterioration, but unless your home is at least 50-60 years old, it’s likely that your sewer pipes are in fact in perfectly functional condition and don’t actually need replacing.
Contact All American Jetting & Drain for high-quality pipe rehabilitation services today!

How Cast Iron Pipe Descaling Works

We descale with a specialized machine that spins a high-speed cable and chain head inside the pipe. As it travels down the line, it scrapes rust scale and mineral buildup off the cast iron walls without cutting into the pipe itself. We then flush the loosened debris out of the line, often with hydro jetting, so nothing is left behind to catch paper or waste.

Signs Your Cast Iron Sewer Line Needs Descaling

Most homes built before the 1970s in Northern Virginia have cast iron drain lines, and after 50 years the inside of those pipes is rarely smooth. Watch for these warning signs:

• Drains that back up repeatedly even after snaking
• Toilet paper snagging and building into clogs
• Slow drains throughout the house, not just one fixture
• Rust flakes or black sediment coming up in backups

Descaling Costs a Fraction of Pipe Replacement

Replacing a sewer line means excavation, landscaping repair, and a bill many times the cost of descaling. If the pipe walls are still structurally sound, descaling restores flow and can add years of life to the line. Every descaling job includes a free video inspection afterward, so you can see the condition of your pipe and confirm the buildup is gone. Read more about pipe rehabilitation for cast iron sewers on our blog, or check whether your cast iron pipe needs descaling.

All American Jetting & Drain Services descales cast iron pipes for homeowners across Manassas, Prince William County, Woodbridge, Lorton, and the rest of Northern Virginia. Call 703-361-5105 or request service online for a free estimate.