Pipe corrosion is caused by chemical reactions between pipe material and what flows through it.
Cast iron and steel pipes corrode from hydrogen sulfide gas — a byproduct of organic material decomposing in sewers. The gas creates sulfuric acid that eats into the pipe wall from the inside. This is why old cast iron drain pipes in older Atlanta-area homes often show significant internal corrosion even if they look fine from outside.
Clay pipes do not corrode chemically but they degrade through root intrusion, ground movement, and joint failure. PVC does not corrode under normal sewer conditions, but some chemicals (certain solvents, high concentrations of bleach) can degrade it over time.
The camera inspection shows us corrosion in real time — you can see pitting, thinning walls, and rough internal surfaces. Significant corrosion is a sign the pipe is approaching end of life and should be monitored or replaced.
Questions about your pipes? Call Sunburst Environmental at 678-799-4389 — same-day response across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Or request a free estimate online.