Orangeburg Pipes
Home Inspections

Sewer Scopes for homes built between 1940-1975

  • Mar, 25 2022
  • doublehinspection

Was your home built between 1940 and 1975? If it was there is a very high likelihood that you have an Orangeburg sewer line. Why is this important you might ask? Orangeburg was a wood fibrous and tar material that was brought to prominence after World War 2 when metal was in short supply. This paper-like material had a life expectancy of 30-50 years which puts basically all of it well past its life expectancy.

When Orangeburg pipes begin to fail they can exhibit a crushing or squishing as the pipe becomes soft. This will lead to constriction of the pipe and eventual collapse. It can also exhibit what we call “eggs” where large bumps typically from rocks push into the side of the pipe as it weakens.  These will all eventually lead to a complete failure of the line in the form of a collapse of blockage of the line.  Repairs to these pipes can range from a few thousand to ten thousand dollars or more depending on the exact conditions. This is not something you want to be surprised by when buying a home.  I strongly encourage anyone who is buying a home in this age range to add a sewer scope to your home inspection to make sure you aren’t surprised with a sewer line failure in the near future.

If you live in a home in this age range I can come out and provide you with a stand-alone sewer scope. This will let you know if you have this type of sewer line and what condition your line is in. This can prepare you for a repair before a complete failure and sewer backup that can add thousands of dollars to the repair and cleanup costs.

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doublehinspection

Was your home built between 1940 and 1975? If it was there is a very high likelihood that you have an Orangeburg sewer line. Why is this important you might ask? Orangeburg was a wood fibrous and tar material that was brought to prominence after World War 2 when metal was in short supply. This paper-like material had a life expectancy of 30-50 years which puts basically all of it well past its life expectancy. When Orangeburg pipes begin to fail they can exhibit a crushing or squishing as the pipe becomes soft. This will lead to constriction of the pipe and eventual collapse. It can also exhibit what we call "eggs" where large bumps typically from rocks push into the side of the pipe as it weakens.  These will all eventually lead to a complete failure of the line in the form of a collapse of blockage of the line.  Repairs to these pipes can range from a few thousand to ten thousand dollars or more depending on the exact conditions. This is not something you want to be surprised by when buying a home.  I strongly encourage anyone who is buying a home in this age range to add a sewer scope to your home inspection to make sure you aren't surprised with a sewer line failure in the near future. If you live in a home in this age range I can come out and provide you with a stand-alone sewer scope. This will let you know if you have this type of sewer line and what condition your line is in. This can prepare you for a repair before a complete failure and sewer backup that can add thousands of dollars to the repair and cleanup costs.