For thousands of years, sewer lines have been constructed from clay, even going as far back as ancient civilizations. These pipes were also commonly found in homes built up through the early 1900s in the United States as plumbers found that this material was easy to procure, were natural, and did not cost a fortune. These pipes were also effortless to shape. What’s more, once you bake the clay in an oven, it can last underground for decades in the right conditions. Even still, these pipes have their weak points.
Clay pipes can withstand a significant amount of pressure; however, they are brittle at the same time. As time passes, these pipes become more vulnerable to root intrusion, and they can crack as the roots press against them. Freezing temperatures and soil shifting can also cause these pipes to shatter.
Cast Iron: A Heavy-Duty Shift
Cast iron pipes made their debut in the late 20th century. Plumbers favored these pipes because they perform much better than clay under pressure, and they last a whole lot longer. Cast iron can last around 100 years. They also do not leak as much because there are much tighter seals between sections. Many homes built in the 1950s and 1960s still have cast iron plumbing today.
On the flip side, these pipes have their challenges. For instance, this material will rust over time, which causes the pipes to become narrower and possible be blocked. This can lead to property damage that can be expensive to mitigate, especially if the water damage leads to mold growth. Plumbers also have a more difficult time cutting and fitting cast iron pipes, so repairs take longer and cost more money.
Orangeburg: A Shortcut That Didn’t Last
Shortly after World War II took place, Orangeburg pipes surfaced. This material was formed by coating several layers of wood pulp in hot tar, and it was cheaper and easier to install because of its light weight. These pipes were supposed to last for 50 years; however, several of them began failing after 30. If your home was built in the 1940s or early 1950s, chances are high that you have Orangeburg sewer piping, which means that it is at risk of failing at any time.
PVC: The Modern Standard
Modern homes are built with PVC piping. PVC is not vulnerable to rust, and the risk of cracking is low. What’s more, this material is durable and flexible, and plumbers love how easy it is to install. They can cut and glue these pipes with little fuss, which makes repairs simple and affordable.
If your home is more than 30 years of age, it will be advantageous for you to have your sewer line inspected by a licensed plumber. Such an inspection will enable you to know the kinds of pipes you have in your home. Getting your plumbing replaced before a problem arises can save you a whole lot of stress and money. To schedule a sewer line inspection for your home in Corvallis, OR, call Evenflo Plumbing straight away.
