If your home has clay sewer pipes installed you are probably worried about how long they will last. In this article we will teach you everything you need to know about clay sewer pipe lifespan and life expectancy – plus a few ways increase the lifespan and prevent a sewer problem with proper care and maintenance
Your sewer line is responsible for hooking your house up to the city plumbing lines to drain away waste water. Sewer line repair is expensive so it is important to know how long your clay pipe will last so you are prepared to repair or replace the clay plumbing.
Clay Sewer Pipe Life Expectancy
The average clay sewer piping will last about about 50 to 60 years. There are a number of factors that can impact the lifespan like the type of soil, average amount of rainfall, and tree roots that can damage the drain line.
Most homes built in the United States have their original clay sewer line or have only had it replaced once – so if you are a homeowner it is a good idea to monitor your drain pipe for problems.
| Recommendation | Description |
|---|---|
| Replacing sewer lines | How to replace a sewer line |
| Radon Sump Pump Guide | How to prevent Radon gas in the basement |
How to Extend the Lifespan of Clay Pipes
Replacing clay sewer lines is expensive so we recommend taking care of you current pipes and performing yearly maintenance. By avoiding flushing large pieces of food, garbage and fat or grease down the piping you can extend the life of the clay sewer line.
Raw sewage and pipe bursting tree roots are the main problems that crack clay piping. We recommend watching large tree roots and moving them so they grow around the existing pipe. If you live in a cold area you will also need to make sure the pipe does not freeze – but one of the main benefits of clay is that it is robust and hard to freeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace clay sewer pipe?
Clay sewer lines do not need replacing unless there is a problem or leak. If you are replacing the drain line we recommend choosing pvc pipe because it has a longer lifespan and is more durable – last almost 100 years rather than 50 years.
Are clay sewer pipes good?
Clay sewer piping is just as effective as PVC, cast iron pipe or orangeburg pipe. They are effective at carrying water and have a long lifespan.
When should a clay sewer pipe be replaced?
Clay pipes should be replaced every 50 years, if you are replacing your drain pipe that connects to the main sewer line we recommend installing a PVC sewer line replacement to replace the old pipe.