Have you ever faced a sudden disaster due to your pitch fibre drainage? This happens most of the time because you don’t know about the drainage until you face a real problem. To recover it, you have to spend extra money, as it is considered one of the worst types of drainage. Learn about the issues that may arise because of pitch fibre drain.
Do You Have Pitch Fibre Drains?
You cannot know about this type of drain, as long as you face any severe problem, such as weakening of the drainage system’s structure. A professional enquires and checks whether you are facing any drainage issues, but some signs should not be ignored, such as bad odours and unexpected blockages. The life expectancy of pitch fibre pipes is approximately 40 years.
What is Pitch Fibre?
The pitch fibre is one of the drainage pipes made from organic wood cellulose soaked in coal tar or bitumen. For the pipe’s strong structure, asbestos is perfectly suited.
Pitch fibre was widely used from the late 1940s to the 1970s as a cost-effective alternative to clay pipes. Its lifespan is approximately 40 years, but fats, oils, and hot water can damage it.
What is Pitch Fibre made of?
- Organic base: Wood cellulose fibres formed into a tube.
- Impregnation: Soaked in coal tar or bitumen for waterproofing.
- Reinforcement: Some pipes, particularly in the UK, were reinforced with asbestos for added strength.
Signs That Indicate There Is a Pitch Fibre Drainage
Signs of worsening pitch fibre drainage are usually similar to those of other failing drain types, mainly due to the pipe’s internal structure blistering, deforming, or collapsing.
- Visual Clues: Lifting the drain cover allows you to assess the condition of the pipe visibly. Various aspects are included in a visual inspection, such as checking the colour of the pipe, which may appear dull black. The shape of the pitch fibre pipe is round. Signs of patches above the drain or a change in shape are also warning signs. If your house was built between the 1940s and 1970s, consider the age of the pipes, as they have a lifespan of approximately 40 years.
- Repeating Issues: Temporary fixes don’t guarantee you will not face drainage problems. There is a high chance that water in these pipes gets trapped. Frequent slow blockages in sinks and toilets may lead to a full blockage in the drainage system later. Some other recurring issues include ongoing repairs and slow drainage caused by standing water in the pipes.
- Bad Odour: Ignoring the bad odour near your drainage system is not the right step. Leaking pipes or broken seals are the warning signs that you should not ignore. The gurgling sound signifies that the water in the pipes is not flowing properly.
- Ground Issues: Look for unexpected changes as well. Inside the pipe, the surface may get blistered, uneven, or bulge. Sinkholes also indicate a potential collapse. Notice the surface and whether it is smooth or too rough.
How to Check for Pitch Fibre Drains?
Before taking action, assess the severity of the problem.
CCTV Drain Survey
The most effective inspection method is a CCTV drain survey. A professional inserts a camera into the system to inspect the internal pipe condition, identify deformation, locate collapses and determine the best repair solution.
Once the problem is identified, you have two options for resolution:
- Pipe Replacement: Severely damaged pitch fibre pipes require excavation and replacement with modern, durable materials such as PVC or clay. Though disruptive and time-consuming, replacing the pipe provides a long-lasting solution and eliminates future risks.
- No-Dig Pipe Repair (CIPP Lining): When suitable, no-dig repairs are a cleaner and faster alternative. A resin-coated liner made from polyester or fibreglass is inserted and inflated to form a new pipe inside the old one. Once cured, the liner becomes a strong, long-lasting replacement.
If the pipe is misshapen, re-rounding may be necessary before lining to restore the original shape.
Wrapping Up!
Pitch fibre pipes remain hidden beneath many older UK homes, but failing to address early warning signs can lead to expensive structural and drainage issues. At Biotech Drain Solutions LTD, we offer CCTV surveys, patch repairs, pipe re-rounding and full pipe replacements tailored to the severity of your drainage system.Important Note: Identifying and repairing pitch fibre issues early ensures safer, stronger and longer-lasting drainage for your property.