Pipe assessment is never an elective activity.
Often, the punch in of sewer pipe running through your yard corresponds with theage of your house.
Sewer Pipe in Newer vs.
The Spruce / Paige McLaughlin
In some rare instances, you may find older cast-iron or clay sewer lines at a new house.
Older homes might even have newer PVC or ABS plastic sewer pipes.
As the years wear on, sewer systems deteriorate.
Lee Wallender
When replacement happens, it typically will happen with whatever sewer pipe is in favor at the time.
For newer replacements, the sewer pipe will usually be PVC or ABS plastic pipe.
Do you oughta replace old sewer pipes?
Cast-Iron Sewer Pipe
A video line is sent down the sewer line.
Breaks and cracks can be detected.
In clean sections, the key in of sewer pipe can usually be identified, too.
Lee Wallender
Both types of pipe have smooth interiors for an excellent carrying capacity of solid waste matter.
The smooth exteriors also help resist (but not entirely prevent) root anchorage.
Yet PVC does have low pressure ratings: about 100 psi for 4-inch pipe.
thurdl01/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
As an added benefit, plastic pipe can be tied into cast-iron and clay pipe.
PVC sewer pipes are expected to last about 100 years underground.
One of the best things about cast iron pipe is its internal strength against high pressures.
A 4-inch diameter sewer pipe can withstand well over 350 psi.
By contrast, clay, ABS, and PVC pipe are all subject to breakage.
While sewer pipes are never pressurized, pressure ratings are a good indicator of overall pipe tensile strength.
Cast-iron sewer pipe is heavy and difficult for a do-it-yourselfer to cut.
Cast iron pipe is non-flammable.
This is not an issue for below-ground installations.
Clay pipe is heavy and tricky to cut.
While clay pipe may seem archaic, it is a viable form of sewer pipe.
Because clay sewer pipe has a porous surface, it tends to attract tree roots.
Roots that impinge on clay pipe may eventually cause the pipe to crack.
Leaks can attract roots.
Typically, you find Orangeburg sewer pipe in a collapsed state after you dig up your malfunctioning sewer line.
Builders and homeowners liked Orangeburg because it cost about two-thirds less than cast-iron pipe.
Most Orangeburg has a lifespan of no more than 50 years so it is rare to find it anymore.
Drain pipes are located indoors within the walls and floors.
Sewer lines are located underground.
The most common sewer pipe size is 4 inches in diameter.
ABS pipes are considered the better solution for outdoor underground sewer pipes for their durability.
PVC is also good for outdoor use but is more commonly used for indoor plumbing.
Ductile Iron Pipe vs. PVC.
Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association.
