Sewer pipes act as a mode to dispose of waste materials. Sewer pipes are made of different materials and are available in various sizes.
The primary function of sewer pipes is to carry the sewage or wastewater from homes or commercial buildings to the drainage system to be treated or removed. The sewage pipes can be damaged or decayed with time, requiring repairs or replacement.
Most sewer pipes are made of concrete, which is known for its durability. They are also rust-proof and usually last for 30 years or more.
Plastic pipes are more expensive, but they are also considered the future of sewer pipes. Plastic pipes are becoming more popular as they are eco-friendly and cost-effective. Here we have discussed some of the common types of these piping systems.
Types Of Sewer Pipes
Some types of sewer pipes are used to carry out solid waste, though some are currently not used due to their low efficiency and durability. But for a clear understanding, we have discussed all types of sewer pipes.
- Clay Sewer Pipes
- PVC and ABS Sewer Pipe
- Cast Iron Sewer Pipe
- Orangeburg Sewer Pipe
- Concrete Pipes
- Galvanized Pipes
- Copper Pipes
1. Clay Sewer Pipes
Clay sewer pipes are the most common type of sewer pipe. These are made of a mix of clay and shale and are capable of moving most waste.
They are also inert, which means they won’t catch fire. However, clay pipes are rust-proof but not as sturdy as reinforced concrete pipes.
These pipes are prone to cracking under immense pressure, but they’re the most affordable option.
Nowadays, these are very rarely used and are hard to find in the market because of more advanced and efficient material pipes.
2. PVC and ABS Sewer Pipe
PVC and ABS pipes are the most popular types of sewer pipes used in homes. These pipes are lightweight, flexible, and can be easily cut as per the requirements.
It comes in white and grey colors, is typically 8 feet long, and its diameter ranges from 1/2 to 4 inches. Its smooth interior and exterior make it resistant to tree roots and other harmful materials. Additionally, PVC pipes are inexpensive and easy to use.
They can be tied into existing clay pipe systems. While they are not suited for high-pressure environments, they are excellent choices for homes.
3. Cast Iron Sewer Pipe
This type of sewer pipe is commonly used in older homes. Sewer pipes made of cast iron are great, as they possess incredible strength compared to other sewer pipes.
It is said that a linear foot of 4 inches in diameter cast-iron pipe can withstand 2 tons of pressure compared to other pipes, ABS, PVC, and clay pipes also have the potential for breaking.
Though it has massive strength, it also has some disadvantages, such as it is not easy to use as they are heavy, and difficult to cut the pipe as per needs.
4. Orangeburg Sewer Pipe
Orangeburg pipe is a bituminized pipe constructed of layers of wood pulp fibers compressed and bonded by an adhesive water-resistant, impregnated by liquefied coal tar pitch.
It was widely used in the 1860s until the 1970s, after which it was replaced with PVC pipes to supply water and ABS pipes for drainage-waste-vent (DWV) uses.
Orangeburg sewer pipe, sometimes referred to as the fiber conduit pipe, is currently not used. It is instead used in a collapsed state during construction. The main advantage of these sewer pipes is that it is a water-resistant pipe.
In the plumbing system, plumbers tend to prefer this kind of pipe since it is easy to transport due to its lightweight. Also, these pipes can be cut to any size using a standard wood saw.
5. Concrete Pipes
Concrete pipe is another type of sewer pipe. While it is relatively durable, It is also susceptible to cracking and aging. But mostly, it can be inexpensive.
The advantages of concrete pipes are their durability, cost, and flexibility, and the downside of concrete pipes is that they have limited lifespans.
6. Galvanized Pipes
Galvanized pipes are engineered to last for a more extended period, and these are widely used in the home drainage system. Galvanized Pipes are dipped in molten zinc, which can increase their strength. In reality, they’re designed to resist rust.
Because the intricate method of making galvanized pipes is slightly more expensive than the other drain pipes, however, they can be used almost everywhere in your home.
7. Copper Pipes
These types of sewer pipes are considered to be more expensive when compared to other pipes. But, they are considered highly durable and have the highest degree of resistance to heat.
Copper pipes can be used where there is a possibility of the pipe’s walls expanding, and they can also be used if the sewer pipe is covered by concrete.
So, these were some common types of sewer pipes. I hope you now have enough knowledge about it. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments.