Guide

Orangeburg and Cast Iron Pipes in Older Knoxville Homes

Many mid-century and older homes in Knoxville and the surrounding towns still have original sewer pipe. Two materials deserve special attention.

Orangeburg

This pipe is made of layered wood fiber and pitch. It softens, deforms and collapses with age. If your home dates from roughly the 1940s to the 1970s, an inspection is wise.

Cast iron

Cast iron lasts a long time, but it scales inside, rusts through and cracks at joints. Scale reduces flow, and rust-through can leak.

Clay

Clay pipe has many joints, and those joints are where roots enter.

What works

Orangeburg is usually replaced with pipe bursting. Cast iron and clay are often good lining candidates once cleaned.

How to find out

A camera shows the material, joints and condition. Ask for the video to keep.

Want a pro to look? We will camera your pipe, show you the video and give you a plain written plan with a Free Estimate. Request it now or call (865) 433-0958.
Keep reading

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