Understanding Sewer Pipe Materials
A comprehensive guide to different types of sewer pipes, their characteristics, and what to expect from each material.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Period of common use: 1984-Present
Black plastic pipe commonly used in residential plumbing. Known for its durability and ease of installation.
Advantages
- ✓Impact resistant
- ✓Good for cold temperatures
- ✓Easy to install
- ✓Lightweight
Disadvantages
- ×UV sensitive
- ×Can become brittle over time
- ×Limited chemical resistance
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Period of common use: 1970-Present
White plastic pipe that's become the standard for modern plumbing. Available in different schedules (thicknesses) for various applications.
Advantages
- ✓Corrosion resistant
- ✓Cost-effective
- ✓Smooth interior
- ✓Chemical resistant
Disadvantages
- ×Can crack under impact
- ×Not suitable for hot water
- ×Temperature sensitive
Variations
Gasketed PVC
Uses rubber gaskets at joints instead of glue. Common in main sewer lines.
- •More flexible
- •Better joint movement
- •Easier to repair
Glued PVC
Joints are permanently bonded with solvent cement. Standard in residential plumbing.
- •Permanent seal
- •Cost-effective
- •Wide availability
Clay (Vitrified Clay)
Period of common use: 1900s-1980s
Traditional sewer pipe material made from clay and fired at high temperatures. Still found in many older homes and city sewer systems.
Advantages
- ✓Extremely long-lasting
- ✓Chemical resistant
- ✓Heat resistant
- ✓Environmentally friendly
Disadvantages
- ×Prone to root intrusion at joints
- ×Heavy
- ×Brittle
- ×Expensive to install
Concrete
Period of common use: 1920s-1980s
Commonly used for large diameter municipal sewer lines and storm drains. Can be reinforced with steel for added strength.
Advantages
- ✓Strong
- ✓Durable
- ✓Good for large diameters
- ✓Cost-effective for large scales
Disadvantages
- ×Heavy
- ×Vulnerable to chemical erosion
- ×Rough interior
- ×Joint problems
Orangeburg (OGBG Paper Pipe)
Period of common use: 1945-1972
Made from wood pulp and coal tar pitch. Widely used post-WWII due to metal shortages. Known for frequent failures.
Advantages
- ✓Lightweight
- ✓Easy to cut
- ✓Inexpensive (at the time)
Disadvantages
- ×Extremely prone to failure
- ×Deforms under pressure
- ×Short lifespan
- ×No longer acceptable
If your home has Orangeburg pipe, replacement is strongly recommended.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
Period of common use: 1990s-Present
Modern pipe material often used in trenchless pipe bursting. Known for its flexibility and durability.
Advantages
- ✓Flexible
- ✓Chemical resistant
- ✓Long-lasting
- ✓Perfect for trenchless
Disadvantages
- ×Higher material cost
- ×Special fusion equipment needed
- ×Limited contractor availability
CIPP (Cured-In-Place Pipe)
Period of common use: 1990s-Present
Not actually a pipe, but a liner installed inside existing pipes. Creates a new pipe within the old one.
Advantages
- ✓No excavation needed
- ✓Strengthens old pipe
- ✓Smooth interior
- ✓Quick installation
Disadvantages
- ×Requires special equipment
- ×Higher cost
- ×Not suitable for all damages
Cast Iron
Period of common use: 1900s-1980s
Traditional heavy-duty pipe material, common in older homes. Known for durability but susceptible to corrosion.
Advantages
- ✓Very strong
- ✓Fire resistant
- ✓Good sound insulation
- ✓Long-lasting when maintained
Disadvantages
- ×Heavy
- ×Corrodes over time
- ×Expensive
- ×Rough interior when corroded
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