Old homes are becoming commonplace in the United States, with the average home built 39 years ago. Old homes come with old fixtures and sewer line pipes; these old sewer pipe materials will likely fail after you purchase and move into the house. You can prepare for potential plumbing issues by understanding the types of sewer pipes used for your home’s plumbing.
Wastewater technology has improved by leaps and bounds over the previous decades, but your home may need to catch up with the times. Cast iron pipes have been replaced with newer options for sewer lines.
Fortunately, you’re in the perfect spot to learn more about the types of sewer pipes used in older homes and the benefits and risks they provide. Keep reading to consider swapping your cast iron pipes for the newest wastewater technology today!
Sewer Line Pipes in Old Homes
The sewer line pipes in old homes will use various materials to transport wastewater from your home into the sewer system. The pipes could be made from clay, cast iron, or a wood-fiber pipe called Orangeburg. Some older homes could also have more modern pipe options like ABS and PVC pipes.
The old pipes will deteriorate as time passes, and repair technicians used the best wastewater technology available during repairs. Clay and cast iron pipes can stay in the ground beneath your home as long as they continue carrying waste.
It’s also worth replacing the Orangeburg pipe if you have the ground dug up. It doesn’t matter if it’s functioning well; replacing it with modern wastewater technology is best.
Sewer Line Pipes in New Homes
Most homes built in the 1970s and beyond use PVC and ABS piping. Most new homes have the pipe installed in the home’s envelope and extending into the yard. The yard is where the old sewer line pipes will continue guiding your waste to the sewer system.
Most plumbers advise using PVC or ABS when building a new home. They’ll last longer than cast-iron and clay pipes from the past. Using pipe liner repair is the best way to maintain your sewer lines.
Types of Sewer Pipes
Now that you know the standard sewer line pipes in old and new homes, it’s worth exploring the pros and cons of each. Knowing your options will help you improve your wastewater technology and avoid plumbing issues in the future. Here’s a closer look at the old sewer pipe materials and the best upgrade options.
Plastic Sewer Pipes
Plastic is the modern go-to option for wastewater management for residential properties. You can choose ABS or PVC pipes to manage your waste with ease. They’re excellent options since they have smooth interior linings to help the liquid and solid waste travel into the sewer.
They provide significant carrying capacity compared to old sewer pipe materials. The smooth exterior of the pipe is also beneficial for standing up to roots from grass and plants. The primary drawback you’ll encounter with plastic sewer pipes is the lack of pressure they can handle.
Four-inch plastic pipe is the way to go if you’re installing new sewer lines for your home. It’s easy to use, install, and cut, making it the perfect option for DIY plumbing projects.
It’s also affordable if you’re upgrading your sewer line pipes. You can also use it with cast iron and clay pipes in your yard.
Cast Iron Pipes
Cast iron pipes were a popular option for homeowners in the past, though many homeowners prefer it today. The biggest reason behind the use of cast iron pipes for your home is the improved interior pressure in the pipes. They have the internal strength to manage high volumes of pressure.
A four-inch cast iron pipe can stand up to 350 pounds per square inch. Other types of sewer pipes will break when exposed to those pressure volumes. The pressure ratings are an excellent measure of tensile strength for your lines.
The drawback of cast iron pipes is their weight. They’re heavy and difficult to work with, and cutting them is a challenge if you don’t have the right tools.
It’s a fireproof option, which is perfect for interior plumbing options. You’ll enjoy peace of mind that your plumbing will remain intact in a house fire.
Clay Sewer Pipes
Clay sewer pipes are another option found in older homes in the US. They’re still laid today, and you can use them for DIY projects in your home. It’s heavy and challenging to cut, though it’s the best option if it’s the only option at your local hardware or home improvement store.
Clay pipes might seem ancient, but they’re a practical option when shopping for your home’s best sewer pipe types. One drawback to consider is the porous nature of clay. It will attract tree roots that intrude on your home’s plumbing system.
Leaks will attract roots, and roots will damage your sewer line pipes. Still, it’s a wonderful option when assessing your sewer lines and determining if you need to upgrade.
Orangeburg Sewer Pipes
Orangeburg sewer pipes were the PVC pipe before plastic sewer lines came to prominence. You won’t see pristine Orangeburg pipes often. They’re most often found when digging up your failing home plumbing system.
It’s a fiber that comes from wood fibers combined with a water-resistant coating. Orangeburg was popular with plumbers due to its lightweight and easy cutting. It was also the most affordable plumbing option on the market, though it won’t last 50 years for your home’s sewer lines.
Upgrade Your Old Sewer Pipe Materials Today
Investing in different types of sewer pipes is a wise investment when upgrading your home, especially if working with deteriorating old sewer pipe materials. Orangeburg is a rare sewer pipe material with a shorter lifespan, while clay and cast iron pipes will last for decades. You can also replace them with plastic pipes to improve your wastewater technology.
The progress of technology continues pushing the quality of life higher. Check out more of our technology blog content to upgrade your home today!
