Most homeowners seldom encounter the buried sewer pipes on their property. It’s uncommon for anyone to choose to excavate their yard merely to inspect the sewer line. Evaluating the pipes is not something people typically do voluntarilyit usually becomes necessary when toilets back up and wastewater rises instead of draining, or when urgent drain cleaning is required.
Excavating and replacing your sewer line is a significant undertaking that can damage your landscaping and incur substantial expenses, yet it ultimately restores your normal routine. Knowing the type of sewer pipe you possess can alleviate some of the stress, as it informs you whether you can keep the existing pipe or need to opt for a different one. Typically, the type of sewer pipe installed in your yard is linked to the age of your home.
Contents
Sewer Pipes in Modern versus Traditional Residences
- Polyvinyl chloride tubing
- ABS tubing
- Ceramic tube
- Iron pipe made of cast iron
- Orangeburg
- Retroactive sewer pipe made of PVC or ABS
Sewer Lines Discovered in Recently Built Houses
Houses constructed from the 1970s onward typically feature sewer pipes made of plastic materials like PVC or ABS. Occasionally, you might encounter older cast-iron or clay sewer lines in newer homes. Generally, new homes, as well as some that have been renovated, will have updated pipes installed within the structure and extending a short distance into the yard. It is in the yard where the older sewer pipes will resume, extending all the way to the municipal sewer main.
In many recent sewer line projects, you are likely to be directed towards using PVC or ABS plastic pipes instead of traditional clay or cast-iron options. Although plastic pipes are generally more convenient to handle, clay and cast iron offer advantages, including greater durability and, in the case of iron, enhanced strength.
Sewer Lines Discovered in Older Residences
In older buildings constructed prior to the 1950s, you may encounter buried clay pipes, cast iron pipes, or fiber conduit pipes known as Orangeburg.
Older residences may contain modern PVC or ABS plastic sewer pipes. Over time, sewer systems can degrade. When it comes time for replacement, it generally involves the type of sewer pipe that is currently preferred. In recent upgrades, the sewer pipes are often made of PVC or ABS plastic.
Are you considering replacing outdated sewer pipes? Clay and cast-iron pipes are traditional materials that can stay underground as long as they are effectively transporting waste without any leaks. However, if you have access to the area, it’s advisable to replace Orangeburg sewer pipes, even if they seem to be in decent condition.
If you’re unsure about the state of your sewer pipe, you have the option to request a non-invasive video inspection. A camera is inserted into the sewer line, allowing for the detection of any breaks or cracks. Additionally, the type of sewer pipe can often be determined in the clean areas.
Five Varieties of Sewer Pipes
Fundamental Categories
- PVC: A slender, white plastic with a thin wall.
- ABS: Slim black plastic with a thin wall.
- Cast iron: A dense metal that frequently shows signs of corrosion.
- Clay: A ceramic substance resembling that of a flower pot.
- Orangeburg: A type of conduit made from wood fibersuncommon yet occasionally encountered.
Plastic Sewer Pipe (PVC and ABS)
Underground sewer pipes made of plastic come in two varieties: ABS and PVC. Each type features a smooth inner surface, ensuring efficient transport of solid waste.
The sleek surfaces also aid in resisting, though not completely eliminating, root penetration. However, PVC pipes have relatively low pressure ratings, approximately 100 psi for 4-inch diameter pipes.
A 4-inch diameter plastic sewer pipe is often favored by DIY enthusiasts due to its lightweight nature, ease of cutting, affordability, and widespread availability at home improvement stores. Additionally, plastic pipes can be connected to cast-iron and clay pipes, providing versatility. PVC sewer pipes are anticipated to have a lifespan of approximately 100 years when buried underground.
- Sleek surfaces both inside and outside.
- Root-resistant
- Simple to slice and lightweight.
- Inexpensive
- Low-pressure classification
- Readily breaks down due to chemical interactions.
- Includes chemical substances
- May shatter when subjected to freezing temperatures or distort under high heat.
Cast Iron Drainage Pipe
Cast-iron sewer pipes, similar to clay pipes, are often linked to older residences, but they continue to be used in modern installations as well.
One of the key advantages of cast iron piping is its remarkable internal strength when faced with high pressure. A sewer pipe with a diameter of 4 inches is capable of enduring pressures exceeding 350 psi. In comparison, pipes made of clay, ABS, and PVC are more prone to damage.
Although sewer pipes do not operate under pressure, their pressure ratings serve as a useful measure of their overall tensile strength.
Cutting cast-iron sewer pipes can be quite challenging due to their weight, making it hard for someone to handle it on their own. To effectively cut a cast-iron pipe that is buried underground, a soil pipe cutter is required. This specialized tool is available for rent from supply stores at a modest cost.
Cast iron piping is fire-resistant, making it suitable for underground applications. If you choose to extend it into your home, you can rest assured that it will not succumb to melting in the event of a fire.
- Incredibly powerful
- Non-flammable
- Extended longevity
- Still in use today
- Heavy
- Challenging to slice.
- Corrodes/oxidizes
- Expensive to substitute
Ceramic Drainage Pipe
Vitrified clay sewer pipes are still installed today, but as a homeowner looking to tackle a DIY project, you might want to avoid selecting this material for replacing your sewer line. Clay pipes are quite heavy and can be difficult to cut. Typically, your options for sewer pipes are limited to what is available at your local home improvement store, and most major retailers do not stock clay pipes.
Although clay pipes might appear outdated, they remain a practical option for sewer systems. A significant advantage of clay pipes compared to plastic ones is their inert nature, which provides excellent resistance to chemical deterioration.
Due to the porous nature of clay sewer pipes, they often draw in tree roots. When roots invade the clay pipes, they can lead to cracking over time. Additionally, any leaks in the pipes can further entice roots. Once a crack forms in the clay sewer system, it creates an opportunity for roots to penetrate the pipe.
- Resilient against chemical breakdown.
- Eco-friendly material
- Economical
- Robust and resilient
- Heavy
- Challenging to slice and connect.
- Permeable, draws in roots.
- Can break
Orangeburg Drainage Pipe
It’s rare to encounter an immaculate, untouched Orangeburg sewer pipe. Usually, when you excavate a malfunctioning sewer line, you discover Orangeburg pipe in a state of collapse.
Orangeburg, a type of fiber conduit pipe, was created using wood fibers that were bonded together with a unique water-resistant adhesive, followed by a treatment with liquefied coal tar pitch. Many plumbers of that era preferred Orangeburg due to its lightweight nature, making it easy to transport, and its simplicity in being cut with a standard wood saw. Additionally, builders and homeowners appreciated Orangeburg for its affordability, as it was roughly two-thirds cheaper than cast-iron piping.
The peak period for Orangeburg sewer pipe spanned from 1946 to 1972, as shown by various newspaper ads that highlighted the product. A 1949 advertisement states: Once installed, it provides a lifetime of service for connections from the house to the sewer or septic tank, as well as for other non-pressure applications. This durability is due to the pipe’s construction from materials that withstand the test of time.
A fiber conduit pipe that has been correctly installed with a bedding of sand and pea gravel to minimize stress will have a longer lifespan compared to installations that are not adequately prepared. Typically, Orangeburg has a maximum lifespan of around 50 years, making it increasingly uncommon to encounter.
- Lightweight
- Simple to slice
- Low-cost
- Brief lifespan
- Seldom seen in residences.
- Easily bends, twists, and breaks down.
What Type of Sewer Pipe Is Best for Your Home?
Selecting a pipe for renovations or a new construction project is influenced by local regulations, the layout of your property, the ease of replacement, and the overall expense. Typically, you will be encouraged to use PVC sewer pipes for various drainage tasks, as this material is robust, long-lasting, resistant to corrosion, and budget-friendly.
