Sewer Pipe Materials - What Are Your Pipes Made Of? -PipeLT.com (2023)

Pipes are one of the keys to our modern civilization. They provide water for our homes, schools and businesses. They allow us to drink and cook with clean water when needed, as well as bathing and washing comfortably. They also transport waste from our homes and communities to sophisticated treatment centers, keeping our buildings free of germs and airborne illnesses. Without pipes, our lives would be very different! However, as our building structures age, the pipes age with them and eventually need to be repaired and replaced. The lifespan of any tube depends on many factors, including location. Pipes in colder climates can freeze, while pipes in coastal areas can age more quickly due to their proximity to corrosive salt water. In addition to location, material is another determining factor in the performance and longevity of a given pipe. Today we're going to take a look at common pipe materials and discuss their properties, benefits, and risks.

1. Orangeburg Whistles –Orangeburg pipe refers to the bituminous fiber pipe that was popular between the 1940s and 1970s, before PVC and ABS became the materials of choice. They were originally designed as empty pipes and eventually became the standard sewer pipes of their time. Orangeburg whistles were formed by forming several layers of wood pulp and treating them with a special tar to create the shape. One of the first companies to mass produce the tubes was the Fiber Conduit Company, based in Orangeburg, New York. In 1948, the company changed its name to the Orangeburg Manufacturing Company. Orangeburg tubes were a cheaper alternative to metal for sewer pipes and became popular during World War II due to the need for cast iron materials to withstand warfare. They were marketed as "non-corrosive" tubes, but the material proved to be less durable than metal and didn't perform as well. Early on, manufacturers and installers recognized that if pipes were not properly "bedded" or supported during installation, they would deform and collapse. But even those properly bedridden did not escape the intrusion of tree roots, which had the same effect. While they were a preferred material and met mid-20th century modern building standards, in most cases they are no longer considered acceptable by US building codes. The life expectancy of Orangeburg tubes is up to 50 years, but they also failed in just 10 years. If your home or building was built before 1980 and you think you have Orangeburg plumbing, schedule an inspection with a professional plumber. Only a professional inspection can help you determine the nature of your pipes and their condition.

2. Cast iron pipes– Capable of withstanding 4,800 pounds per linear foot, cast iron piping is known for its strength, durability and density, which can help reduce noise. These factors made it a common material of choice almost everywhere in the 1900's. Despite its obvious advantages over an inferior material like Orangeburg pipe composite, cast iron comes with its own set of risks and challenges when used in pipe. of sewage - most of them age-related. As cast iron ages, it can corrode and deteriorate. As the material progressively degrades, the pipe itself will fail, leading to leaks and worse. In coastal areas, and particularly in South Florida, the proliferation of condominiums and high-rises that required noise reduction ductwork boosted demand. But longevity was not what was promised. Structures within a mile of the ocean are individually unique and building materials are heavily influenced by salt and water. Additionally, Florida has many seasonal residents who only use their condos a few months out of the year. This means that the tubes are only used for a few months of the year. This wet/dry polarizing cycle accelerates natural oxidation, causing the tube to age faster. Fortunately, there are ways to replace your cast iron pipe before it becomes a problem. Learn more here.

3.ABS tubes– Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, also known as ABS, is commonly used in waste drainage (DWV) piping systems and sewer systems. It is also sometimes used in electrical and chemical applications. The material is a thermoplastic known for its durability and rigidity, as well as its resistance to abrasion. The material works well in cold and warm temperatures, but has been known to warp with prolonged exposure to the sun. ABS is comparable to PVC, but not as flexible and the techniques for joining the materials are different. The decision to use ABS or PVC pipe in sewer lines is a matter of application and circumstances.

4. Clay Whistles –Clay was one of the first materials used for whistles, with artifacts dating back thousands of years. It's also the greenest option on this list, typically made with water and organic ingredients. Unlike iron, clay is non-corrosive and unaffected by acidic sewage, making it a seemingly more attractive alternative. When properly installed and unaffected by shifting soil or tree roots, clay pipes can last for millennia. But they are not risk-free. First, they are difficult to work with compared to something more traditional like ABS or PVC. They are also very heavy, which can result in high shipping and transportation costs. Clay is also susceptible to root intrusion. Over time, tree roots can turn into loose clay joints that expand and break up the clay as the roots grow, leading to cave-in and failure. Clay has high compressive strength, which means it is unlikely to crush, but it also has low tensile strength, which means it can crack under extreme pressure. These problems can be avoided by wrapping the vitrified clay pipes in a protective layer of concrete, but this also increases material and labor costs.

5. Galvanized Tubes -Prior to about 1960, galvanized steel pipe was a common material for piping in homes and buildings. Steel and iron pipes were dipped in a protective zinc coating to prevent corrosion and rust. Unfortunately, that plan didn't quite work out as planned. While galvanized materials have replaced many lead pipes, the natural zinc in the coating is impure, which has allowed small amounts of lead and other metals to enter the piping system. If there were connections for lead pipes somewhere, the lead problem would be even more dangerous. Furthermore, despite these efforts to prevent corrosion from galvanizing, which has actually extended the life of many tubes, the tubes eventually rusted from the inside, leading to poor performance, leaks and health problems. Ultimately, galvanizing does not prevent corrosion, it just adds a layer to help. Rust can still build up and eventually the tube can still corrode and need to be replaced.

6. PVC drain pipe -PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a hard, durable plastic and is the third most produced synthetic plastic polymer in the world. PVC is a great choice for drain pipe because it is suitable for high temperature applications and is resistant to the acids and alkalis found in wastewater. PVC drain pipes come in a variety of sizes, are extremely durable and can withstand high pressures, making them ideal for certain environments and most drainage applications. Like ABS, PVC is an excellent choice for sewer pipe applications, especially new pipes. Once installed, pipes are typically impervious to soil displacement and root growth, making PVC a more attractive choice than its predecessors such as clay and iron. However, unlike ABS, PVC is more flexible, making it an ideal choice for certain installations. For thousands of years, we've relied on tube technology to modernize our world. While they provide us with the modern conveniences we've grown accustomed to, they can also wreak havoc when they fail. If you're worried about your pipes, don't wait until you have a problem. Schedule a consultation with Pipelining Technologies today.