Drain Cleaning

Clogged Drain?

Is your sewer backing up? We offer different types of drain cleaning services. Whether it's a kitchen sink clog or your main sewer is backing up, we can take care of the problem for you. Our equipment gets the job done right the first time. Whether it's TREE ROOTS, FEMININE PRODUCTS, or just a simple blockage, we can handle it. If you are having a sewer backup, we specialize in drain cleaning services so why not give us a call? 


Tree root removed

Tree root removed

Orangeburg Pipe

What Is It??

Orangeburg is sewer piping material that was used from the 1950's to the 1960's as it was cheaper and easier to install than cast iron. It was also used as conduit for electric wires and cable. It wasn't uuntil the 1970's when PVC first become available when they stopped using orangeburg and switched to PVC. It is original name is "Fiber Conduit Pipe."


What Is It Made Of? 

The piping wall was made of ground cellulose (wood) fibres bound together with a water resistant adhesive and coal tar pitch. 


How Long Does It Last?

Fiber conduit pipe that was properly bedded in sand and pea gravel to reduce stress will last longer than poorly prepared installations. Most Orangeburg has a lifespan of no more than 50 years. 


What If It's In Your House?? What Do You Need To Know??

If you’re already settled and are unsure whether you have Orangeburg piping, the previous homeowner or city documents may have the answer; if not, it’s again best to bring in a professional plumber who can do an inspection for you.


However, there are a few warning signs to watch out for:

  • Slow draining
  • Frequent toilet back-ups
  • Foul sewer odors inside the home
  • Mold issues
  • Lawn patches that appear greener than others
  • Dips or indentations in the lawn
  • Sinkholes in the foundation

Orangeburg Pipe

Orangeburg Pipe 

cast iron

Cast Iron

Information

 

Cast iron was a popular choice for sewage pipes in the 20th century for a number of reasons:

  • Plastic (PVC) piping hadn’t been invented yet
  • Cast iron pipes have a long life and were built to last for anywhere between 80-100 years
  • Cast iron plumbing is durable and can withstand heavy loads
  • The material deadens the sound of flowing water and sewage very well

In spite of their durability, it might be time for you to the replace cast iron pipes in your home. Why is that?

If you have a home that was built in the 30's or 40's; chances are, the pipe has come to the end of it's life expectancy. Other major factors are: extreme weather changes, type of soil, and water quality will also affect plumbing longevity.

If you have mature trees in the yard, their root systems may grow extensively underground. At times, they can spread into the plumbing system and damage the pipes.

It’s not always easy to know if your pipes are damaged because most of them are hidden behind walls or in crawl spaces like the basement.

Terracotta Pipe

What is it?

Terracotta, also known as Vitrified Clay Pipe, has been around for centuries. It is one of the oldest type of pipe known to man. The pipe is smooth on the inside and the outside which made it a great transportation for sewage and rain water. The pipe came in 2-foot sections and was joined by a rubber gasket and mortar which was it's greatest down fall. 

The Problem

The biggest problem for Terracotta are tree roots. As trees develop, as do the tree roots. When these tree roots find the sewer pipe, they squeeze through the mortar and if you are lucky, clog the sewer. Most of the time when tree roots enter the sewer pipe, they grow and break the pipe as Terracotta is a very delicate pipping material.