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Learn about 4 major types of sewer line pipes
Digging up the ground to repair or replace a sewer line is a disruptive activity that destroys landscaping and costs a lot. Understanding the types of pipes and the working of sewer lines can save both time and energy. This knowledge can come in handy if you get unlucky and have a sewer line problem. It will be easier to determine if the pipe needs repair or replacement
How Sewer Line Work
- Sewer line usually consists of a single pipe that is used for transporting the wastewater from homes to the sewer mains located beneath the street. The pipes are installed a few feet below the ground in places like the front yard of the houses.
The material of the sewer pipes depends on:
- Age of your house
- Upgrade of sewage line
Types Of Sewer Line Pipes
Let’s have a look at the different types and materials of sewer pipes.
Orangeburg Sewer Pipes
- Orangeburg piping is built with wood pulp and sealed with coal tar for added strength. Also known as bituminous fiber piping, Orangeburg piping was used during World War II. The piping remained popular up until the 1970s due to cheap cost and lack of cast iron.
They were made for use in electrical and telecommunication purposes. They are easy to cut but are not long-lasting and are susceptible to deterioration.
Cast Iron Sewer Pipes
- Cast iron pipes are strongest and more durable than Orangeburg piping. They are installed with vertical drain systems. They last for as long as 30 years. They are related to older homes but are still used today due to their durability and strength.
Cast iron pipes are bulky, heavy, and are difficult to cut. They are safe to install in the house because they will not melt under the flame. With aging cast, iron pipes are however prone to rust or corrosion.
Clay Sewer Pipe
- Clay sewer pipes are made with a blend of clay shale. The good thing about these pipes is that they are resistant to chemicals due to clay’s inert nature. They are also environmentally friendly. But clay pipes are heavy and difficult to cut, therefore, they are not quite popular these days. These are mostly present in older homes.
Over time the brittle nature and porous surface of clay make it prone to:
- Tree root growth
- Cracking
- Leaking
- Snapping
PVC and ABS Sewer Pipes
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) are the most popular new generation sewer pipes. They are widely used in homes built after the 1970s. They are durable and long-lasting sewer pipes preferred by plumbers. They are made of plastic and are used in underground sewer lines.
PVC and ABS are a little different from each other in terms of adhesives and colors. PVC is quite flexible and is white. ABS piping adds strength to PVC and it is black. PVC and ABS Sewer Pipes have the following advantages over other pipes:
Rust-Proof
PVC and ABS piping is made with plastic so they are not susceptible to corrosion and rusting, unlike cast iron pipes.
Economical
Plastic is cheaper than iron or wood so they are fairly cost-effective and affordable.
Smooth surface
The smooth interior and exterior surface make them impenetrable by the tree roots.
Versatile
They are easily adjustable and versatile. They can be used alone or along with other piping such as cast iron or clay.
They are light in weight and easy to cut. However, they are not heat resistant. All in all PVC and ABS piping is the most popular form of sewer line pipes.
If you require plumbing and sewer line services get in touch with the Proline Plumbing team at 832-772-5501. We are located in Houston, Texas.