If your home was built between the 1940s and early 1970s, there’s a chance your sewer line is made of Orangeburg pipe—and that can be a serious problem.

Orangeburg pipe is no longer used today because it fails over time, often without warning. In this post, we’ll explain what Orangeburg pipe is, why it causes issues, and what your options are if your home still has it.

What Is Orangeburg Pipe?

Orangeburg pipe is a type of sewer and drain pipe made from wood pulp fibers and tar (bitumen). It was popular after World War II because it was cheap and easy to install compared to cast iron or clay pipe.

Unfortunately, what made it inexpensive also made it weak.

👉 Orangeburg pipe is not plastic, not clay, and not metal—it’s essentially compressed paper soaked in tar.

Why Orangeburg Pipe Fails

Orangeburg pipe was never meant to last forever. Most of these pipes were rated for 30–50 years, and many are now well beyond that lifespan.

Common failure issues include:

  • Pipe collapse due to soil pressure
  • Softening and deformation over time
  • Bubbling, blistering, or delamination inside the pipe
  • Root intrusion (roots easily crush the weakened walls)
  • Chronic backups and slow drains

Unlike modern PVC, Orangeburg pipe cannot be reliably repaired once it starts failing.

Signs You May Have Orangeburg Pipe

Homeowners often don’t realize they have Orangeburg pipe until problems start. Warning signs include:

  • Frequent sewer backups
  • Slow or gurgling drains throughout the home
  • Sewer smells indoors or in the yard
  • Sinkholes or soft spots in the lawn
  • Repeated drain cleanings that don’t last

The only way to know for sure is with a sewer camera inspection.

Can Orangeburg Pipe Be Fixed?

Short answer: not permanently.

Temporary fixes like snaking or hydro jetting can actually make things worse, because the pipe walls are soft and can collapse under pressure.

The only long-term solution is replacement—usually with modern PVC sewer pipe.

Replacement Options

Depending on the layout of your property, replacement may involve:

  • Traditional excavation
  • Trenchless replacement (where possible)
  • Partial replacement if only a section has failed

A camera inspection helps determine the safest and most cost-effective option.

Why This Is a “Time-Sensitive” Issue

Orangeburg pipe doesn’t usually fail gradually—it often fails suddenly.

That means:

  • Emergency backups
  • Property damage
  • Higher repair costs
  • Possible foundation or yard damage

If your home is the right age, it’s better to inspect early rather than wait for a failure.

Need Help Identifying Your Sewer Line?

At Chaud Company Plumbing, we help homeowners identify and replace failing sewer lines before they become emergencies.

✔ Sewer camera inspections
✔ Honest assessments
✔ Modern, code-compliant replacements
✔ Local, reliable service

Call or text 208-760-9407 to schedule an inspection or ask questions.

Your satisfaction, our success.