The Problems With Orangeburg Pipes

Orangeburg pipes were advertised as a low-cost pipe alternative in the early 20th century that didn’t live up to its billing. Our professional team at Next Level Pipe Lining, which specializes in trenchless pipe lining in Concord, NC, takes a look at some of the common problems that homeowners encounter with Orangeburg pipes and how we can help.

What is an Orangeburg Pipe?

Orangeburg was presented as an inexpensive pipeline alternative, especially during World War II, when cast iron went to wartime efforts. The pipe, named after its town of origin, Orangeburg, New York, is made from a mix of wood fiber, paper and tar and was expected to last 50 years. In reality, these pipes started deteriorating within 30 years.

Why Is Orangeburg a Poor Product?

Because of its construction, the Orangeburg pipe is very brittle and lightweight. Despite containing tar, Orangeburg absorbs moisture. Soil pressure over time tends to lead to bubbling up and deformation in a way that could be compared to a toilet paper tube. Orangeburg is also easy to break and penetrate, leaving it vulnerable to tree roots and system collapse. Over time, homes with Orangeburg pipes would need sewer pipe lining to restore the structural integrity of their sewer lines.

What to Do About Orangeburg Pipes

Because the last Orangeburg installations were in the 70s, a number of homes will be due for replacement or restoration by pipe lining companies. Ways to tell if a home has Orangeburg pipes include checking a home’s historical paperwork, experiencing frequent sewer backups or observing sinkholes or green spots in the lawn.

An effective restoration technique that doesn’t involve entire excavation and replacement is sewer or CIPP pipe lining. If the pipe system isn’t too destroyed, trained technicians at Next Level Pipe Lining can effectively line the entire interior with a sturdy epoxy resin, creating a tough new pipeline that will hold up against corrosion, breaks and tree roots for decades.

At Next Level, we’re pipe lining specialists offering top-quality services, including Orangeburg and cast iron pipe lining. If your Orangeburg sewer system is due for a replacement, contact Next Level Pipe Lining today.