If you live in a house constructed between 1950 and 1970, chances are you are using pitch fibre pipes in your drainage system. Pitch fibre pipes were once a very popular material choice because of their low cost and versatility when installed. However, it has been associated with some weaknesses, which confront most homeowners with recurrent drainage problems. Whether you are experiencing issues with pitch fibre pipes or need some tips on how to clear blocked drain for the first time, now is the right time to start planning for a change for the better.
What Are Pitch Fibre Pipes?
Pitch fibre pipes were developed from wood cellulose and coal tar and were highly compressed, giving a cheaper piping solution. These pipes are unique and greatly lacking in durability as compared to current pipes. After years of use, they change their shape, can blister or even crack under pressure, and often cause blockages and other drainage issues.
Problem Areas with Pitch Fibre Pipes
1. Deformation and Collapsing
As much as we appreciate the benefits of pitch fibre pipes, the pipe undergoing deformation is a considerable demerit of the pitch fibre pipe. Over time, these pipes can warp or even break up completely, and this will only thwart the passage of water and waste. This deformation can cause a chronic blockage that cannot be cleared using conventional techniques within the scope of grounded theory.
2. Blistering
Blistering is characterized by swelling of the material due to the ingress of moisture into a pipe’s surface. Not only does this reduce its thickness and decrease the internal diameter of the pipe, causing further blockage.
3. Root Intrusion
Earlier pitch fibre pipes are more vulnerable to cracks and gaps, and then the roots find an entry point. They grow quickly inside, can choke the flow, and cause a great deal of damage.
4. Frequent Blockages
Deformations, blistering, and root intrusion cause blockage of drains. If you find yourself constantly looking for tips on how to clear a blocked drain, then it may be your pitch fibre pipes causing the problem.
The Long-Term Solution: Upgrading Your Pipes
Although there are quick ways to solve numerous problems, the only right approach is to change pitch fibre pipes to something more modern and secure. Here are your options:
· PVC Pipes
PVC pipes have very high strength, are not vulnerable to corrosion, and are not very expensive. They are widely used for the contemporary systems of drainage.
· HDPE Pipes
High-density polyethene (HDPE) pipes are another good type of pipe that is mostly used. They are versatile, durable, and capable of meeting all the clients’ residential and commercial drainage requirements.
Cured-in-Place Pipe Lining (CIPP)
When the very idea of changing the entire system appears too challenging, there is CIPP in store. This method entails pulling or packing a resin-lined tube into an existing pipe, where the resin cures to create a new pipe lining.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing a continuous deterioration of service due to pitch fibre pipes, it is high time to make a move. If, however, the reason for the blockage is rooted in outdated materials, then learning how to clear a blocked drain will only get you this far. It is also useful to know that the transition to contemporary pipes not only eradicates the present difficulties but also serves your house’s drainage system for many more years without failure. Please seek advice from a specialist now to find a way forward and purchase a stress-free future.
