Cast Iron Soil Pipe & Fittings Handbook


Chapter 1 - Cast Iron Soil Pipe History, Uses and Performance


Economic Advantages of Cast Iron Soil Pipe

             The foregoing sections of this chapter, which discuss the uses of cast iron soil pipe, its properties, and the various joining systems, demonstrate that cast iron soil pipe affords a number of economic advantages. These advantages include performance, versatility, low cost installation, and product availability. 

Performance

             The performance and durability of cast iron soil pipe are superior to any other product used for sanitary and storm drain, waste, and vent piping. These facts are supported by the test results presented previously in this chapter and have a direct bearing on product selection. The choice is clear because service to the customer requires that performance constitutes the principal reason for material selection, and in the matter of performance cast iron soil pipe has no equal. 

Versatility

             Cast iron soil pipe is the most versatile sanitary and storm drain, waste, and vent piping material on the market. It is available with a variety of joining methods so that it can be installed efficiently throughout the plumbing drainage system, both above and below the floor and beneath the ground. It is adaptable for use in all types of building construction, including one-family and two-family homes, multiple dwelling units or apartment building, high-rise structures such as hotels and office buildings, and many commercial industrial applications. The lead and oakum, compression gasket and hubless couplings can be used either individually or in combination in a given plumbing system in order to meet the needs of any specific condition. All three joining methods are available with a variety of pipe lengths and with a complete line of cast iron soil pipe fittings. 

Low-Cost Installation

             Cast iron soil pipe offers the advantages of low-cost installation as a result of the speed and efficiency with which the hubless couplings and compression gasket joints can be made, and the use of 10-foot pipe lengths which reduces the required number of joints in a given plumbing system. Further, cast iron soil pipe can be preassembled before it is placed in the ground or plumbing wall. This eliminates the need to work in cramped quarters or muddy trenches and so speeds installation. 

Product Availability

             Cast iron soil pipe foundries are strategically located in various sections of the country so that orders can be filled on very short notice. In many areas it is possible to place an order and have it delivered overnight, ready for use the following day. Contractors need not be concerned about supply shortages since the industry's manufacturing capacity is adequate and since the basic raw materials for the manufacture of soil pipe are abundant and readily obtainable from domestic sources. 

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