No matter what kind of material your home you are thinking about buying or even already own, the type of pipe you have may or may not be a major issue that's a several thousand dollar gamble.
Many choices exist for sewer lines over the last hundred years. Some are painfully costly like Orangeburg, Clay and even others.
Septic systems are a crucial component of any property that is not connected to a municipal sewage system. They help to safely and efficiently process wastewater from a property's drains and toilets, preventing contamination of the local environment. One of the most important considerations when installing or maintaining a septic system is the choice of pipe material. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most common pipe materials used in septic systems, including Orangeburg pipe, HDPE, PVC, clay, and others.
Orangeburg Pipe
Orangeburg pipe, also known as bituminous fiber pipe, was commonly used in septic systems in the mid-20th century. This type of pipe is made from a mixture of wood pulp and coal tar pitch, which is compressed into a dense, lightweight material. While Orangeburg pipe was initially popular due to its low cost and ease of installation, it is no longer recommended for use in septic systems due to its poor durability and susceptibility to deformation and collapse over time.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
HDPE is a popular choice for septic system pipes due to its high durability and resistance to corrosion, abrasion, and impact damage. This type of pipe is made from high-density polyethylene resin, which is extruded into a strong, flexible material that can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions. HDPE pipes also have a low coefficient of friction, which helps to prevent clogs and backups in the septic system.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC is another popular choice for septic system pipes due to its low cost, high durability, and resistance to corrosion and impact damage. PVC pipes are made from polyvinyl chloride resin, which is extruded into a strong, lightweight material that is easy to install and maintain. PVC pipes also have a smooth inner surface, which helps to prevent clogs and backups in the septic system.
Clay
Clay pipes were commonly used in septic systems in the early 20th century, and some properties still have these pipes installed. While clay pipes are durable and resistant to corrosion, they are also susceptible to cracking and breaking over time. They are also heavier and more difficult to install and maintain than other pipe materials.
Other Materials
Other materials that may be used in septic system pipes include cast iron, copper, and stainless steel. While these materials are durable and resistant to corrosion and impact damage, they are also more expensive and may be more difficult to install and maintain.
When selecting a pipe material for your septic system, it's important to consider factors such as durability, resistance to corrosion and impact damage, ease of installation and maintenance, and cost. By choosing the right pipe material for your septic system, you can help ensure that it will function safely and efficiently for many years to come.
Please consider talking to me while you're making a purchase and we can help reveal what the risks are for you and the potential costs may be.
I have clients who have purchased homes with all of these materials and even cast iron which you may think should last a lifetime or even two, can fail (a client recently ended up spending over $14k for a replacement)
Call me soon for more info, so you too can learn the ins and outs of how to navigate sewer line issues and the related high costs.
Thinking about moving? Call or text me today! 303-520-0070
I’d seriously enjoy having the opportunity to talk to you about your plans if you’re moving, or if you know someone who is considering a move, and needs some straight answers.
Also, I’m never too busy for your referrals. As a real estate professional intent on giving back to the community, my relationship-based approach is exactly what you’ve been looking for in a helpful RE/MAX Professional.
Zachary Epps
GRI®, ABR®, MCNE®, CLHMS®, SRES®, REALTOR®,
RE/MAX Hall of Fame, RE/MAX Platinum Club