Orangeburg Sewer Pipes: Everything Tempe Homeowners Should Know
If your home was built between 1940-1970, it may have been built with Orangeburg sewer pipes, a sewer pipe made of bituminous fiber. Nowadays, homeowners are noticing these pipes beginning to deteriorate in the Tempe, AZ area. Broken or clogged sewage pipes are a homeowners worst nightmare. If you're one of the unlucky ones currently dealing with Orangeburg sewer pipes, here's everything you should know.
What Are Orangeburg Sewer Pipes?
They are pipes made from wood pulp and tar, and are commonly known as "no-corrode" pipes. Because these pipes are so brittle, they're easy to break. In fact, they're often described as being made out of paper with an inner coating of tar. We don't often think of paper as being very strong and long-lasting, especially when water is involved. It's quite the miracle that they have lasted this many years already, considering.
How Long Are They Built To Last?
Surprisingly enough, Orangeburg sewer pipes can last up to 50 years. However, more often than not, we see them failing closer to around 10 years. If you have these sewer pipes still in your home, then chances are, they are very close to deterioration - of they aren't already.
How Do I Know If I Have Orangeburg Sewer Pipes?
If your home was built before the 1940's or after the 1970's, then it's probably safe to say you don't have to worry about having these sewer pipes. They stopped using these specific pipes in 1972. However, if you are located in the part of the city that was developed between 1940 and 1970, then you may have these sewer pipes. To find out which areas may have been built with these pipes, check out the map here.
How Will I Know If My Orangeburg Sewer Pipes Have Failed?
Like with any sewer pipes, it's hard to miss the signs. If your pipe has a crack, you may notice sewage leaks on your property but if your pipe is collapsed, you may notice sewage backups such as in your bathtub or other parts of your house. If left unaddressed, this can cause significant damage to your home. Not only that, but it can also cause serious health problems.
What Should I Do If I have Orangeburg Sewer Pipes?
Unfortunately, the city of Tempe did not keep record of which houses were built with these sewer pipes. Even by looking at the map, you can't know for sure - unless you have a licensed plumber out to take a look and have them investigate your piping. The plumbers at Wolfgangs Cooling, Heating and Plumbing are just one phone call away!
Don't Let Your Orangeburg Sewer Pipes Ruin The Day! Contact Wolfgangs Cooling, Heating and Plumbing In Tempe, AZ Today!
If you need a plumber to investigate your pipes, contact the pros at Wolfgangs Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing. We are here to help with all your sewer pipes needs. We’ve been providing superior comfort and quality since 1982. Contact us today at 480-719-7776 or fill out our online form here so a team member can be in touch with you soon.
