Engineer Testimonials

"There are many benefits to using cast iron pipe over other materials. Noise issues, minimal expansion and contraction, spacing of support hangers and material strength are a few reasons to use cast iron. It is another benefit when a project uses cast iron knowing that the system will be installed by a professional tradesman. 

A quick little story...twenty years ago, I attended my first ASPE meeting. At that meeting, a local representative had a short length of cast iron pipe and short length of plastic pipe, both 4-inches in diameter. After listening to his lecture on the differences between the two pipes, he put both pieces of pipe on the floor and stepped on the end of the cast iron pipe, which showed no signs of deflection. He then proceeded to step on the plastic piping. The plastic piping had noticeable deflection. It was plain to see that the strength integrity of the cast iron pipe was superior under a load. This demonstration had a lasting impact."

“Cast iron soil and vent piping is our basis of design in our master specifications with cast iron piping’s counterparts listed as a contractor's option. Cast iron is a proven piping material we can trust in a majority of the applications where we specify its use, and we know it will be around for the life of the building. We prefer cast iron piping in our health care projects, mostly for sound deadening purposes but also for durability. Cast iron is great in parking structures as well because it aids in limiting the extra safeguarding (e.g., bollards, caging, etc.) that has to occur to prevent damage to risers from its daily users. Cast iron is perfect for conveying 140 degree drainage when its piping counterparts may not fare so well at the elevated temperatures.”

"The benefit that I feel the owner gets when I specify cast iron pipe is peace of mind. The majority of clients I work with feel that it’s plumbing; it just works.  
When cast iron pipe is installed below grade, I do not have to be concerned about the contractor's backfill procedures. With the amount of debris and the waste water temperature fluctuation from kitchens, mechanical rooms and laundry facilities, cast iron pipe has superior strength characteristics to handle this abuse. Most of the buildings I have to design a sewer system for are multi-story; therefore, I feel cast iron below grade and above grade is the only option to minimize expansion and contraction. The other major design aspect of the buildings I have to design a sewer system for: it has to last 50+ years. Again, I feel cast iron below grade and above grade is the only option to last the life of the building. Cast iron is also environmentally friendly for a green building and provides LEED recycle points that the architect and owner appreciate getting."

"HEI typically specifies hubless cast iron for all projects for above-slab applications. HEI’s experience with hubless cast iron is that the piping system is quiet as compared to plastic systems. Hubless cast iron requires less pipe hangers than plastic systems. Hubless cast iron is simpler and less expensive to fire seal than plastic systems. Cast iron meets ASTM E-84 25/50 flame smoke spread for installation in return air plenums. HEI recommends hubless cast iron for a quality installation to our clients."