Types of Sewer Pipes and How They Hold Up Over Time

In this blog post, our professionals from Sure Plumbing will talk about which sewer pipes are in your yard and how they hold up over time.

Clay Sewer Pipes: Durable But Vulnerable to Nature

Clay sewer pipes were widely used for decades as they’re naturally strong, resist chemical corrosion, and hold up surprisingly well in the soil. You might have clay pipes if your home was built before the 1970s. Although the material itself lasts a long time, the joints between clay pipe sections are the real weak point. These joints attract invasive tree roots, which squeeze into small openings searching for moisture. Over time, those roots can crack the pipe, create blockages, and even collapse sections of your line. If your plumber in Columbus, OH discovers clay piping during a sewer repair, they’ll often recommend repiping or at least performing a trenchless solution to restore flow. Clay can last, but its battle with nature isn’t one you want to ignore.

Cast Iron Sewer Pipes: Strong But Prone to Corrosion

Cast iron sewer pipes became common in homes built after clay fell out of favor. If you live in a mid-century property, there’s a strong chance you have cast iron beneath your yard. These pipes are famous for their strength and ability to handle high water pressure, but their biggest weakness is internal corrosion. Over the years, cast iron rusts from the inside out, leaving the pipe rough, flaky, and narrowed. You may notice gurgling drains, foul odors, or even small sinkholes in the yard as corrosion weakens the structure. A plumbing repair service will often inspect cast iron lines with a sewer camera, and if the pipe walls are thinning, the long-term fix usually involves repiping before the pipe collapses. Cast iron was reliable for decades, but time catches up to it.

PVC Sewer Pipes: The Modern, Low-Maintenance Standard

PVC sewer pipes are the newest and most commonly used option today. If your home was built in the past 30–40 years or the sewer line was updated, PVC is likely what you have. It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and highly resistant to corrosion and root intrusion. Since PVC is installed in long, smooth sections, it creates effortless wastewater flow and reduces the risk of clogs. While PVC holds up exceptionally well, it can still crack under severe ground movement or if installed improperly. When your professional plumber performs a sewer repair on PVC, the issue is usually localized rather than widespread pipeline failure. PVC’s long lifespan and low maintenance make it the preferred pipe for modern homes.

How to Identify the Type of Sewer Pipe You Have

You typically won’t know what’s underground without professional help, but you can look at the age of your home for clues. Older homes usually have clay or cast iron, while newer properties lean toward PVC. If you’re unsure, a plumbing repair service can run a sewer camera through your line to give you a visual confirmation. Identifying the material helps you understand how urgent your repairs are and whether repiping might be worth considering. Knowing what you’re working with saves time, stress, and unnecessary guesswork.

Need a Reliable Company?

Are you in need of a plumber? Luckily, we at Sure Plumbing have dedicated workers ready at your service. Contact our representatives for more questions.