Orangeburg pipes were the most widely used home and sewer pipe for properties built from early 1940s to 1972. Made out of a mixture of hot pitch and wood pulp, these pipes are known for their structural complications after prolonged usage. Once fitted, standard Orangeburg pipe lines were expected to last for a whopping 50 years time. However, nothing can long last for such a long time and many systems begin to falter after a mere 30 years of use. For buildings or homes that have installed it in the late 60’s or early 70’s, is a signal that your pipe failure due to deterioration or structural issues may be imminent and unavoidable.
If you notice a decreased water flow, high water bills, or moist indentations on your property, it may be high time to have your Orangeburg pipe systems inspected for damages and leak detection. In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about Orangeburg pipe systems, as well as the best ways to repair or replace them when the time comes.
Lightweight and easy to produce, Orangeburg pipes were produced solely by the Orangeburg Manufacturing company, following the World War II, during the massive housing boom that started after the war. The fibrous, wood-and-pitch composition, made Orangeburg pipes an affordable alternative, to other iron or clay pipe lines.
The structure of the pipes was such that it was typically made with diameters between 2 and 18 inches. But the brand fell out of popularity in the early 1970s, as more reliable, efficiently produced pipe materials became available. The reason was the lifespan of the pipes, while the manufacturer provided a life expectancy of 50 years, many Orangeburg pipe systems were susceptible to failure in as little as 10 years, due to the brittle materials used and poor withstanding strength.
Now out of date, Orangeburg pipe systems are still present in many older homes, slowly giving way to the pressures of time. In these a scenario, taking a proactive approach to repair and replace Orangeburg pipe can prove more effective than waiting for systems to finally fail.
If you are facing any such with your Orangeburg or even PVC pipes, contact A-General for the best possible service. The best plumbing service company in New Jersey, A-General provides residential plumbing service in New Jersey.
