Properties built in New Jersey between 1945 and 1972 may have been constructed with Orangeburg pipes. While at the time this building material seemed like a valuable solution to account for the growing housing boom, it has since proven to be more of a burden for home and building owners because the pipes do not last as long as projected. Replacing sewer pipes can seem like an overly complex project that some property owners wish to put off. A cost-effective solution for treating Orangeburg pipes is cured-in-place pipe lining, and it’s accessible for homes and commercial buildings.
At Arrow Sewer & Drain, we perform professional residential plumbing and commercial plumbing services to clients across north and central NJ, including Edison, Middlesex, and Somerset Counties. Here, we discuss how Orangeburg pipes can benefit from cured-in-place pipe liners to help you decide if this is the right solution for your needs.
What Are Orangeburg Pipes?
Named after where it was originally mass-produced, Orangeburg pipes were manufactured by the Fiber Conduit Company (which later changed its name to the Orangeburg Manufacturing Company). They were made by combining wood fibers and asbestos fibers with bitumen. During World War II, when most building materials were directed toward the war effort, builders needed to come up with an available material that still met housing demands. Their answer was Orangeburg pipes.
Why Are Orangeburg Pipes a Concern?
Reliable and sturdy are not terms often linked to Orangeburg pipes. That’s because Orangeburg pipes have been known to deteriorate over time, creating a horrible scenario for property owners.
Once installed, it was thought Orangeburg pipes would last at least 50 years. However, because of how they were made, Orangeburg pipes absorb water, causing them to break down at a much more rapid pace than originally thought. This situation creates a very fragile sewer pipe. Because of how weak Orangeburg pipes can become, they are much more susceptible to losing their integrity under the weight of the soil on top of them. This can lead to a host of problems for property owners.
Why Pipe Lining Is Ideal for Orangeburg Pipes
The way Orangeburg pipes were originally laid, they usually ran below a sidewalk, driveway, or other infrastructure. Because of this, replacing them usually requires a fair bit of excavating. This type of work can make some NJ property owners reluctant to make the change. Fortunately, this concern is eliminated when property owners opt for trenchless sewer repair methods such as cured-in-place pipe lining.
An effective solution for correcting many risk factors associated with Orangeburg pipes, sewer pipe lining doesn’t require large-scale excavation or heavy machinery. Instead, the process uses robotic equipment to insert the coated liner into the pipe.
Once the liner’s position is verified, the system is reinforced by masking all the cracks, fissures, and breakages by using a curing agent to harden the resin within the liner. Essentially, the goal is to create a new, sturdy pipe within the old Orangeburg pipe, extending its lifespan without needing total replacement.
Those who choose to have their Orangeburg pipes treated with cured-in-place pipe lining can expect the following:
- Pipes are restored to a like-new condition
- Pipes can once again be used to their full capacity
- Better maintenance of their landscape
- Fewer repairs needed in the future
- Faster, more cost-effective process compared to replacing
Cured-in-Place Pipe Lining Offered at Arrow Sewer & Drain
Don’t wait until it’s too late to have your Orangeburg pipes treated. Instead, turn to the plumbing specialists at Arrow Sewer & Drain. Our team offers a variety of professional sewer and drainage services, including cured-in-place pipe lining. Clients in north and central New Jersey can contact us today to learn more about our services.
