When renovating a property for rental, the plumbing might not be the first aspect that comes to mind. Failure to inspect it, however, can leave you open to problems. Older residential buildings often feature deteriorating Orangeburg pipes that could collapse at any time. Arrow Sewer & Drain provides sewer and drain services throughout north and central New Jersey. Here, we discuss these pipes and explain why Orangeburg pipe replacement is necessary to prevent expensive sewer failure.
What Are Orangeburg Pipes?
Orangeburg pipes are a 20th-century invention. Unlike other pipes, which are typically made of metal, PVC plastic, or hardened clay, Orangeburg pipes are made of bituminized fiber. This material features layers of ground-up wood fiber and asbestos, compressed and impregnated with tar pitch. The pipes were cheap to make and immune to corrosion, making them appealing for inexpensive construction projects like housing developments.
Cast iron was scarce during the 1940s due to demand for it during World War II. At the same time, the post-war housing boom created a high demand for construction. The affordable Orangeburg material skyrocketed in popularity as a result. Until the 1970s, it was among the most common drainage materials used in residential construction. Many older buildings still contain Orangeburg pipes.
So, What’s the Problem with Orangeburg Pipes?
Orangeburg is a cheap material, and its cheapness shows in its quality. The layers of wood pulp are prone to soaking up moisture. As they do, the walls soften and warp. The soggy, deformed material is structurally unstable. In some cases, it can even flatten under the weight of soil above it. This makes Orangeburg pipes vulnerable to a host of concerns:
- Tree rot intrusions where softened walls cannot deflect growth
- Blockages when misshapen pipes restrict flow
- Sewage backups that may cause damage and health concerns
- Total collapse and system failure
Because of its many issues, Orangeburg is no longer considered an acceptable material for sewers. Not only are buildings with Orangeburg pipes at risk of sewer failure, but they may also be violating local building codes. Violations can mean fines and make it impossible to secure insurance coverage when repairing damage caused by a backup.
Repair and Replacement Options
If you own an older residential building, especially one that hasn’t been recently renovated, then it may still use Orangeburg pipes in its sewers. Replacing them before you take on renters is in your best interest to avoid expensive breakdowns. Fortunately, companies like Arrow Sewer & Drain can help. We use a special sewer scope to examine sewer pipes without any digging. After evaluating the problem, we can suggest the best answer for repair:
- Cured-in-place pipe lining: This solution delivers great results when Orangeburg pipes are still in good condition. This method reinforces existing pipes with a liner of resin-reinforced textile.
- Pipe bursting: If the Orangeburg pipe has severely degraded, it will need to be replaced. Our method uses robotic equipment to break down and replace pipes with minimal digging.
Our experienced specialists and advanced repair techniques can address issues efficiently. Depending on the project size, we can finish in less than a day. Meanwhile, we preserve the yard or nearby structures to help you maintain your property’s value. The results last up to 50 years – the same as brand-new PVC.
Replace Your Orangeburg Pipes Today
If you own a residential building with old Orangeburg pipes, now is the time to schedule a replacement. Act now and avoid expensive problems down the road. Arrow Sewer & Drain is in Middlesex, NJ, serving north and central New Jersey with high-quality sewer repair services. Contact us to learn more about our Orangeburg pipe solutions or to request an estimate for replacement.
