Orangeburg Pipes: Do You Have Them and Should You Replace Them?
Sewer Line
During and after WWII, metal was scarce. Builders used 'Orangeburg' pipe—essentially wood pulp and layers of tar paper pressed together. It was cheap and easy to install, but it was never meant to last 60+ years.
The Problem
Orangeburg pipe absorbs moisture over time. It eventually bubbles, blisters, and flattens into an oval shape under the weight of the soil. It is structurally similar to wet cardboard.
Do You Have It?
If your home was built between 1945 and 1972, you might. The only way to know for sure is a camera inspection. If you have Orangeburg, total replacement is mandatory. It cannot be patched or lined; it must be dug up or burst.