About Cast Iron

CAST IRON IS AS RELIABLE AS IT IS ENDURING, AND IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR USE IN COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION. Cast Iron Fitting

For centuries, cast iron pipe and fittings have been the backbone of drain, waste and vent plumbing systems throughout the world.

While plastics meet minimum construction standards in many cases, what meets code and what represents the best solution for high performance commercial buildings are two very different questions.

All too often, the perceived cost advantages of plastic over cast iron are not what they seem. Before allowing a job to be converted to PVC or ABS, consider five areas that can add cost and complexity:

 

CAST IRON TYPES

Cast Iron Soil Pipe and Fittings are classified into two major types—hub and spigot and hubless. Hubless pipe and fittings are also referred to in the plumbing industry as no-hub.

Hubless cast iron soil pipe and fittings are manufactured without a hub, in compliance with CISPI 301. The method of joining the pipe and fittings utilizes a metallic shielded hubless coupling, manufactured to CISPI 310, that telescopes over the plain ends of the pipe and fittings and is torqued to seal the joint.

Hubless cast iron soil pipe and fittings are manufactured in only one class and wall thicknesses vary depending on size. There are many varied configurations of fittings and both pipe and fittings range in size from 1 1/2″ to 15″. Metallic shielded couplings for use in joining hubless pipe and fittings are also available in these size ranges from the member companies of the Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute.

Hub and Spigot pipe and fittings have hubs into which the spigot (plain end) of the pipe or fitting is inserted. The joint is sealed with a thermoset elastomeric gasket or lead and oakum.

Hub and Spigot pipe and fittings are available in two classes or thicknesses, classified as Service (SV) and Extra Heavy (XH). Additional wall thickness is added to the outside diameter of Extra Heavy (XH), therefore Extra Heavy (XH) and Service (SV) are not readily interchangeable.

Hub and Spigot pipe and fittings are made in accordance with ASTM A-74 and are available in 2”–15″ sizes. Thermoset elastomeric gaskets, lubricant, and assembly tools are available from the member companies of the Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute.

 

 

For More Information

The CISPI Cast Iron Soil Pipe & Fitting Handbook offers detailed information on the manufacture and use of cast iron.

Download the Handbook

For More Information

The CISPI Cast Iron Soil Pipe & Fitting Handbook offers detailed information on the manufacture and use of cast iron.

Download the Handbook