The Advantages and Disadvantages of Sewer Pipe Materials

The type of sewer pipe material your home uses will mostly be determined by its age. Older homes often have clay or cast iron pipes, while newer homes are most likely to use plastic. However, as older sewer lines are replaced, it's becoming more common to find plastic sewer lines in older homes. [CTA href="https://www.4abc.com/contact-us/" button_text="Contact Us Today!"]

Clay Sewer Pipes

Clay is one of the oldest pipe materials still in use today. Its main advantage is that it's inert and therefore resistant to chemical degradation. The downside of clay sewer pipe is its porous surface, which makes it a magnet for tree roots. Clay is also more brittle than some other pipe materials.

Cast Iron Sewer Pipes

As with clay pipe, cast-iron sewer pipe is more commonly found in older homes, although it is still commonly used today. The main advantage of cast iron is its long lifespan and strength. A 4" diameter sewer pipe can withstand almost 5,000 pounds of pressure per linear foot. By comparison, a plastic sewer pipe can be damaged by a person standing on it! Cast iron's main disadvantage is cost and weight.

Plastic Sewer Pipes - PVC and ABS

Plastic sewer pipe is made from either ABS or PVC. Its smooth surface provides excellent carrying capacity of waste and makes it resistant to tree root intrusion. It must be installed carefully, however, as plastic is not as strong as other materials and can bend or collapse if not sufficiently supported with sand or gravel.

Orangeburg Sewer Pipes

Orangeburg is a pipe material you're unlikely to encounter today, and for good reason. Made from cellulose wood fiber held together with adhesive and impregnated with liquefied coal tar, Orangeburg pipe was lightweight and easy to work with but was also weak and prone to failure, which has resulted in many sewer lines being replaced prematurely over the years. Have a question about your sewer line? Call ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric. [CTA href="https://www.4abc.com/contact-us/" button_text="Contact Us Today!"]

Our Blog

VIEW ALL BLOGS

A man standing at his sink, which is surrounded by plants, filling up a black tea kettle.

How to Fix a Blank White Rodgers Thermostat

You might have experienced the worry that comes with discovering your White Rodgers thermostat has gone blank. The good news is that usually, the unit can be brought back to life. In this blog, let's look at some ways to get your blank White Rodgers thermostat operating again.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Water Heater Designs

To help you narrow down the options and hone in on the best new water heater for your Chicago home, here's a useful comparison guide, highlighting the pros and cons of some of the most popular water heater designs.
READ MORE
What Causes Pink Stains on Toilets and Bathtubs?

The blog explains that pink stains commonly found in bathrooms are caused by a bacteria called Serratia marcescens, which thrives in moist environments. When diluted by water, this bacteria produces a red-orange pigment that results in pinkish stains on surfaces like bathtubs, toilets, and showers.
READ MORE
AC Maintenance Guide

The blog talks about the importance of maintaining your AC unit and provides advice on how to maintain older units. It also suggests replacing units when the cost of repairs becomes too high. Finally, it provides information on how to schedule AC maintenance with ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling & Electric in Chicago and the surrounding areas.
READ MORE