What is Orangeburg?

With every great invention comes with a million failed attempts. Unfortunately, there have been some types of waste and sewer piping that do not not stand the test of time. A somewhat common type of this inferior piping is called “Orangeburg”( or “No Corrode”, “fiber conduit”, “bituminous fiber pipe” or “Bermico” piping). It is essentially made out of wood pulp, adhesive, and tar for a penetrative coating. Orangeburg piping was named after the largest initial town it was manufactured in, Orangeburg, New York, and was first put into production in the 1860s and was continually used until the 1970s when PVC piping was introduced to the plumbing world.

This Orangeburg pipe is highly susceptible to collapsing. The paper like walls of Orangeburg also allows roots to easily penetrate the shell of the pipe in search of what is essentially manure. To top it off, it is near impossible for your plumber to repair sections of this material, and cleaning the lines with cables or water jetting will almost certainly collapse the line on itself. When Orangeburg is found to be serving a residence, it is always an absolute requirement to replace it with new material as soon as possible.