Clay Sewer Pipe Repair: Pros & Cons

Most older plumbing systems – installed prior to 1900 – used clay pipes. With the number of new materials available, clay pipe is no longer the number one preferred choice. Most sources claim PVC is now the most widely used drainage system for both residential and commercial applications.

Modern vitrified clay sewer pipes are stronger and more efficient than old clay plumbing, so the material is still used in some public sewer systems. These modern installations are often encased in concrete to protect the clay pipes from root intrusions and ground shifts. If properly installed, the clay sewer lines can last many years.

What we most often see; however, is when an existing clay system fails, it is replaced with a more reliable material, such as PVC.

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.

Whenever it comes to 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. Learn more about sewer line repair or call 216-749-3478.