Drainage experts South West Drains offer drainage services throughout Camborne, Liskeard, Redruth and St. Austell.
Here South West Drains outline the common problems that arise with Pitch Fibre Pipework.
Pitch Fibre Pipework was commonly used in the
1960’s, this was because pitch fibre pipes were considered ideal due to the fact that they were inexpensive and were also much easier to handle than traditonal clay pipes.
Pitch fibre is made of wood
cellulose fibre impregnated with carefully
refined inert coal tar pitch, under vacuum and
pressure (about 25% fibre to 75% pitch by
weight).
Although considered
suitable for foul drains and sewers, it was not
considered suitable for drains running large
amounts of hot water or for wastes containing
pitch solvents such as fats, petrol, oil
etc.
Over the years South West Drains have encountered various problems with pitch fibre pipework when used as foul drinage, here are a few of those problems.
1. Over a period of time the
pipework can deteriorate through being poorly
laid, age, weakening weight stress and chemical
erosion.
2. The pipework can become
porous, allowing water to leak out. Subsoil is
then washed away from around the pipe causing
subsidence.
3. If the pipework leaks it may
attract tree or shrub roots causing further
damage.
4. Pitch fibre pipework is
prone to deterioration from within by
blistering, causing obstructions and eventually
closing up the pipe.
5. The usual forms of pipe
maintenance carried out on pitch fibre pipework
may actually cause further damage due to its
delicate nature.
By our high standards, pitch
fibre is a very poor drainage material. It has a
limited lifespan, but nobody knows how long as
each run is different.
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Here is an example of what can happen to pitch fibre pipework over time. |
If you are considering buying a house in Cornwall and you think it could have pitch fibre pipework, please contact threeways drain clearance on 0800 8 247 248 or 07866 910 670 for advice and more information.
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