Orangeburg pipe--possible to repair?

[Linda Swearingen]

Is is possible to repair a leaking joint on orangeburg-type pipe? I just saw an installation with the pipe exposed through the crawl space and looking pretty much OK, but 2 joints are leaking. Can the joints be repaired instead of replacing the pipe? It actually doesn't look in bad condition even though it's close to 60 years old. (Of course, I was only seeing the outside.) It was labeled as Bermico, and dated '53 and '54.

[Ron Hasil]

With Orangburg pipe, its best to have it televised to see what condition it is in underground. Over the years it will go oval, and crush. If the line is still round, you can have the Orangburg pipe lined.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y292/SewerRatz/Plumbing%20pics/sewers_1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y292/SewerRatz/Plumbing%20pics/pipe-lining-renovation.jpg

Orangburg pipe is one of those things that where approved in plumbing codes, have the needed certifications (ASSME) to be installed as a sewer pipe but was a bad idea. Around here its known as 20 year pipe, all it is , is layered tar paper, what it really is bitumenized fiber pipe made from layers of wood pulp and pitch pressed together.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y292/SewerRatz/Plumbing%20pics/orangeburg.jpg

[Scott Patterson]

Is is possible to repair a leaking joint on orangeburg-type pipe? I just saw an installation with the pipe exposed through the crawl space and looking pretty much OK, but 2 joints are leaking. Can the joints be repaired instead of replacing the pipe? It actually doesn't look in bad condition even though it's close to 60 years old. (Of course, I was only seeing the outside.) It was labeled as Bermico, and dated '53 and '54.

I would have to say that it is not possible to repair it and then think that it will provide trouble free service. Heck it is basically cardboard!
I would do as Ron said and have it scoped. Anytime I have a home that is over 50 years of age I recommend that the main line should be scoped.

Orangeburg pipe is so problematic that it falls in to my automatic replacement category along with K&T wiring, FPE and Zinsco panels.

[Ron Hasil]

Here is a PDF Note from the City of Ann Arbor about Orangburg Pipe. http://www.a2gov.org/government/communityservices/planninganddevelopment/building/Documents/building_info_orangeburg.pdf
It brings up some valid points about how the pipe can be damaged on the inside and look good on the outside.

And another one for the City of Tempe AZ, Residential Properties Developed between 1940 and 1970 (http://www.tempe.gov/bsafety/Orangeburg/Orangeburg.htm)