Orangeburg Pipe and Why Should You Replace It ASAP
June 8, 2018 5:18 pm Leave your thoughtsWas your home built before 1972? If so, your piping system is likely made of Orangeburg pipe. As a property owner, it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards of this kind of pipe. Here’s the full scoop from your plumber in Colorado Springs, CO.
What is Orangeburg pipe?
Also known as fiber conduit, Orangeburg pipe is a type of pipe made of wood pulp and pitch. The name is derived from the town in which the pipe was originally manufactured: Orangeburg, New York.
Does your house have Orangeburg piping?
This style of piping was used from the 1860s until the 1970s, and became especially popular in the World War II era. In fact, between 1945 and 1972, a majority of homes built included Orangeburg pipes. If your property was constructed during this time period, it likely has Orangeburg pipes.
What’s wrong with Orangeburg piping?
Orangeburg piping gained popularity due to its affordability. Unfortunately, it was economical because it’s not high quality or durable. Made of wood and pitch, it’s brittle and lightweight. It is known for structural degeneration after extended use, offering a life expectancy of about 50 years. Some Orangeburg pipes have been known to fail in as little as a decade.
When more reliable, efficiently produced materials came into use in the 1970s, Orangeburg pipes became obsolete. However, for the properties that were constructed 50 or more years ago, pipe failure is likely imminent.
Why should I replace my Orangeburg pipe now?
If you don’t seem to be experiencing plumbing issues, it might be tempting to ignore this situation. That could prove to be a costly mistake. If you wait until the Orangeburg pipes completely collapse, you will have a serious mess on your hands as well as expensive repairs to perform. By contacting a plumber in Colorado Springs, CO before this happens, you can take a proactive approach to your plumbing repairs.
The plumber can examine your pipes to determine their current condition. If failure is imminent, they can take steps to make repairs to prevent further damage. Modern methods of trenchless pipe lining offer a simple and affordable option to recover from failing Orangeburg pipes.
How can you know if your Orangeburg pipe is failing?
To determine whether you have Orangeburg pipes and if they are starting to crumble, contact a plumber in Colorado Springs, CO. You can also look for the warning signs of pipe failure: frequent clogs, water damage, water indentations on your property, low water pressure, lush patches of grass on your lawn and increased water bills.
What should I do if I have Orangeburg pipe?
Since this piping is known to fail, it’s important to replace it with heavy-duty plastic PVC as soon as possible. Contact your plumber in Colorado Springs, CO to update your home before you suffer a plumbing disaster.
Who should I call to replace my Orangeburg pipes?
To get the job done right the first time, contact the experts at Affordable Rooter Plumbing, Sewer, and Drain. With extensive expertise and superior service, we are the go-to plumber in Colorado Springs, CO for these jobs. Contact us today with any additional questions or to schedule an appointment.
Categorised in: Plumber
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