"Corrosion of cast iron piping"

Question:

"We have a five story underground parking structure where we are seeing repeated failure of the 4" cast iron drain piping. The pipe splits open along its length, presumably due to corrosion caused by road salt dripping off the cars during the winter months. Some pipe fails within two or three years. Is there a reasonable alternative to cast pipe or a maintenance technique to extend the life of the pipe? Plastic piping is an alternative but it's use is limited by our fire code."

Answer:

Cast iron is a common material for commercial drain piping, based partly on cost. You might consider applying a protective coating in the affected areas.

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