When Did Clay Sewer Pipe Stop Being Used?

Clay pipes were a common choice in ancient times. In the United States, they came to be used very early on and were still very popular until relatively recently. Clay pipes started being phased out in the 1960s and 1970s when plastic sewer pipe options such as ABS and PVC were developed.

Are clay sewer pipes still used?

It's still routinely used in public sewer systems today. Modern installations include encasing the clay pipes in concrete to protect against root intrusion and damage from ground shifting. You might be surprised to learn that some still-functioning clay pipe systems in America were installed over 100 years ago.

What replaced clay drainage pipes?

While there are still many homes that use clay or terracotta drainage systems, nowadays, there are far more durable options available, such as polyvinyl (better known as 'PVC'). Replacing old or deteriorating clay sewer pipes with PVC strengthens drain lines and adds to their longevity.