Sewer Pipe Education
A comprehensive guide to different types of sewer pipes, their characteristics, and what to expect from each material
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Period of 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
Need Help With Your Sewer Line?
Whether you need an inspection or repair, our experts can help you make informed decisions about your sewer system based on these materials.