Homeowners’ Go-To Guide on Sewer Pipes

Do you know what type of sewer piping your home has? If you’re like most homeowners, you only think about your sewer pipes when something goes wrong—like when you have a sewage backup or drain problem.

Knowing what type of sewer pipe you have, however, can help you:

• Understand what may be happening when your sewer and drain system acts up
• Better explain what’s going on when it’s time to contact a professional plumber and get an accurate estimate for sewer service

Here’s a look at the various types of sewer pipes that are typically used in homes. Whenever you need help diagnosing and repairing issues with your drain and sewer system, don’t hesitate to contact Len The Plumber.

We offer 2-hour response times for all drain and sewer emergencies, and we never charge extra fees for after-hours emergency service.

Orangeburg Sewer Pipes

Orangeburg piping, also referred to as bituminous fiber piping, is made of wood pulp sealed with coal tar. It was widely used during World War II due to its cheap cost and the shortage of cast iron. Orangeburg sewer pipes continued to be widely used up until the 1970s.

Originally, Orangeburg piping was intended for dry use in electrical and telecommunications applications—not for water and sewage uses. Consequently, Orangeburg sewer pipes are not as durable as other types of sewer pipes, and they are far more susceptible to:

• Bellying
• Tree root infiltration
• General deterioration
• And other problems

Cast Iron Sewer Pipes

Far more durable than Orangeburg piping, cast iron sewer pipes were widely used in homes built before the 1960s. These types of sewer pipes were typically installed with vertical drain systems, and they tend to last about 30 years.

Despite their durability, cast iron sewer pipes are prone to corrosion and rust, as well as waste buildup due to their uneven interiors. That means that, as cast iron piping ages, it can be far more susceptible to:

• Clogs
• Cracking
• Holes
• Collapses

Clay Sewer Pipes

Clay sewer pipes are another type of piping used before and during the World War II era. These pipes, made of a clay-shale blend, can last for 30 or more years. They are environmentally friendly and inert, making them resistant to chemicals and acids.

Despite their advantages, however, clay pipes are brittle and porous, making them susceptible to:

• Leaking
• Tree root infiltration
• Crumbling over time
• Cracking and snapping, especially under extreme pressure

Concrete Sewer Pipes

Concrete has been used both as an encasement for clay piping and as a piping material itself. Concrete sewer pipes are extremely durable and have an average service life of about 30 years. Along with plastics, concrete is considered a new-generation material for sewer pipes.

While concrete sewer pipes are not immune to damage or aging that can trigger the need for repair or replacement, this type of sewer piping is currently popular because of its affordability, strength, and longevity.

PVC & ABS Sewer Pipes

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) are also among the new-generation piping that’s been widely used in homes built since the 1970s. As one of the most durable and long-lasting pipes, PVC and ABS piping is:

• Rust-proof: PVC and ABS piping won’t corrode over time.
• Cost-effective: Plastic sewer piping is extremely affordable.
• Smooth: The even, smooth interiors and exteriors of these pipes make them resistant to root intrusion.
• Versatile: PVC and ABS piping can be used alone or with cast iron or clay piping.

While this type of sewer piping is not heat-tolerant—and it can be susceptible to cracking if the walls are thinner, it’s still one of the most popular options for sewer line pipes.

Types of Sewer Piping: The Bottom Line

When it comes to sewer line pipes, the bottom line is that:

• If your home was built before the 1970s and it has Orangeburg, cast iron, or clay sewer pipes, your piping has likely reached the end of its life span, and you should consider sewer pipe replacement before your sewer line breaks.
• If you do experience a sewer line failure and you need to replace your sewer piping, PVC and ABS are likely your best options for a new sewer line.
• Len The Plumber is the team you can rely on for all of your sewer line needs!

Call 800-950-4619 for emergency sewer line service and a 2-hour response time. We never charge extra for after-hours service, and we always provide FREE estimates for sewer line service.

You can also contact us online for non-emergency sewer line service.

With Len The Plumber, you can always expect:

• Upfront pricing
• First-class service
• Top-quality solutions from experts who truly care about restoring your plumbing and sewer system!

Len The Plumber has been offering exceptional plumbing services throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. for more than two decades. That’s just one reason why we’re a top-rated local plumbing company!

We invite you to experience our excellence for yourself, and we look forward to helping you with any of your plumbing needs!