My Home Still Has Clay Sewer Pipes: Should I Have Them Replaced?

Trying to decide whether or not to replace old clay sewer pipes is no simple decision. After all, an undertaking like sewer pipe replacement can pose a number of serious issues for any homeowner.

From the sheer cost of performing this type of home repair to the potential damage it can inflict on your home and surrounding yard, making the decision to replace old clay sewer pipe requires careful thought and consideration.
That’s why understanding your options, and the newer, more cost-effective methods of accomplishing this task, is imperative to not only saving money and time but also avoiding potential headaches along the way.

How Long Do Clay Sewer Pipes Last?

Clay pipes were commonly used between 1900 and 1980. They provided an economical way for builders and sewer workers to create main sewer lines for all building types and locations.
While there are some instances in which clay sewer pipes can last as long as a century – when no root obstructions or complications impact their durability – their more common longevity falls in the range of 50 to 60 years.

Average Life Expectancy of a Sewer Pipe for Cleveland Area Homes

Of course, the average lifespan of a sewer pipe depends on the material it’s made of, and not all homes in the Northeast Ohio area were built with clay pipes.

In Cleveland, OH, sewer pipes are overwhelmingly made of two materials: clay and PVC.

Old homes, or homes built prior to 1980, will most likely have clay sewer pipes.
PVC pipe, which became more prominent after 1980, typically lasts longer at approximately 100 years.

Regardless of the type, all pipes wear over time, and while they are estimated to last a certain amount of time, that does not mean they necessarily will.

3 Typical Clay Sewer Pipe Problems

1. Susceptible to root intrusions and leaks

The smallest hole, crack or separation can allow roots as tiny as the width of a human hair to invade your clay sewer pipe.
These roots enter into your existing sewer lines and begin to grow, expanding the original hole or crack and enables larger roots to enter and continue inflicting damage.

2. Low areas or “bellies” along the line

Commonly referred to as a sag, a low spot or belly in your sewer line interferes with the normal flow of wastewater through the pipe.
This can lead to backups and other problems because the water and sediment collects in the belly and slowly clogs the line.
A number of issues can impact the formation of a belly in your clay sewer line, including proper bedding compaction, correct slope, major tree roots and even cold weather fluctuations.

3. Pipe corrosion, calcification and scale

Over time, water and other waste materials can corrode and build up in older clay sewer pipe, leading to restricted water flow and leaks.
This can easily result in a backup of sewage and wastewater in the home that can require extensive cleaning and repair to properly correct.
While paying to have piping cleaned or replaced is never ideal, addressing the situation before catastrophe hits can end up saving you money in the long run.

Clay Sewer Pipe Repair and Replacement: When Is It Time?

The simple fact is that no matter how well you care for your sewer lines, a time will come when the piping will need repaired or replaced.
It is never an ideal option to invest in a total sewer line overhaul preemptively, but being aware of the signs indicating a potential problem is essential to addressing the issue before it becomes disastrous.
Some of the more obvious telltale signs indicating your clay sewer pipe may be experiencing issues include:

Foul or strange odor in your front yard
Foul odor in your home, like an odor coming from drains in the bathroom or from air vents
Strange gurgling sound in your bathroom, kitchen or laundry room
Sludge in your bathtub
Organic material in the bathtub or sink
Water backup or flooding around your property

Being aware of these signs can enable you to catch the problem early and potentially save you time and money.

Replacement Process: Relining Clay Sewer Pipe

If you notice any of the above-mentioned issues, or any other concerning sights, sounds or smells in relation to your sewer lines, it is imperative to contact a sewer line professional immediately.
If caught early enough, trenchless sewer repair is a viable option to correct your clay sewer line issues – which can help you avoid invasive digging and preserve your home interior and landscaping.
The trenchless repair option works by essentially creating a new pipe within your existing pipe with modern pipe-lining materials that are more durable and resilient than your existing clay sewer pipe.
A qualified professional will identify the problem you are experiencing by first conducting a video pipe inspection to determine the extent of your issues and the most cost-effective method of correcting the problem.
This allows them to walk you through the specific sewer line issue you are experiencing in real-time to quickly recommend the best option for your sewer line needs.

Clay Sewer Pipe Repair: Pros & Cons

When deciding whether a clay sewer line should be replaced with a different material, there are several unique factors that must be considered. If you’re unsure of what’s best in your situation, our plumbing technicians are always available to walk you through a discussion of your options.

The pros and cons of replacing clay sewer pipe are briefly outlined below.

Pros

Clay pipes are environmentally friendly – they are the most green choice for plumbing systems.
Clay pipes are not affected by acids.

Cons

Compared to lightweight PVC, clay pipes are incredibly heavy and more difficult to transport.
Clay pipes are more susceptible to root intrusions than PVC because they have joints, while PVC is seamless. When tree roots enter a clay pipe joint, they grow bigger and start to break up, or crumble, the clay.
Clay pipes have low tensile strength, meaning they snap easily under extreme pressure and are more easily affected by ground shifts than other pipe materials.

 
Experts in Sewer Pipe Repair & Replacement: Let Invisible Excavations Help You Achieve Peace of Mind with Your Home’s Sewer System

A home with old clay sewer pipes can weigh heavy on a homeowner’s mind. You know the pipes are old and that clay piping doesn’t last forever – so do you wait for something to happen or get them replaced before you have an issue on your hands?
Let the expert team at Invisible Excavations partner with you and find the right solution for your home.

After a quick and effective video pipe inspection, we will be able to tell the condition of your pipes and if there are any immediate issues that need addressed. From there, we can discuss replacement options.

As expert plumbing and sewer line technicians with extensive experience and knowledge in trenchless technology, we guarantee straightforward recommendations, top-quality work, and honest, affordable pricing.
Get in touch with us today to schedule a video pipe inspection or to request asecond opinion. Call (216) 749-3478 or fill out our online form: Schedule Video Pipe Inspection