The truth about the condition of Orangeburg sewer lines in the Spokane and surrounding area
Older homes and businesses in the Spokane and surrounding area contain sewer lines that were made of wood fibers and hot tar, known as “Orangeburg” pipe. This brittle, lightweight fiber sewer line—commonly used for homes built or connected to the sewer around the 1950s—has a life expectancy of 50 years, but issues often begin after 30 years.
What is the Big Deal?
Local Orangeburg is hitting its lifetime and could be putting your home at risk. Once Orangeburg pipe begins to break down, clogged lines, tree root invasion, and total pipe collapse are inevitable. In fact, once deterioration starts, tree roots easily break and shred through Orangeburg—and sewer liquids and gases can seep into the ground or backup into your home.
How do you know if your home was built using Orangeburg? If you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions, it is time to call the professionals like Action Drain & Plumbing for an assessment and possible main sewer line repair or replacement.
1. Was your house built before 1972?
2. Do you have frequent clogs or backup issues?
3. Do you see indentations in the front yard where the sewer should be?
4. Do your neighbors have Orangeburg sewer lines?
Action Drain & Plumbing uses state-of-the-art, high-definition equipment to locate and trace sewer lines and possible damage. We provide honest advice about the condition of the sewer line and whether it needs replacing or cabling regularly. Our skilled crews will take you through your options to repair or replace, including solutions that feature trenchless pipe-bursting—the process of pulling a new pipe through the current damaged line and bursting out the old line as a result.
Orangeburg pipe problems are not a matter of if, they are a matter of when—because Orangeburg will deteriorate eventually. If you choose not to address the problem, when your sewer line fails—as it likely will within the next decade—repair costs could reach 4-figures. Be proactive and contact Action Drain & Plumbing to address Orangeburg issues today!
Request a quote or contact us for more information. Our Washington service area includes Spokane, Airway Heights, Deer Park, Cheney, Spangle, and Liberty Lake.