The Different Types of Sewer Pipes

April 10, 2021 · 4 min read

Curious about the different kinds of sewer pipes? Well, be curious no longer! This time on the Economy Plumbing Services blog, we’re covering just that. The different types of sewer pipe, when they’re used and more. So let’s talk about that!

Sewer Pipe

Sewer pipe is the workhorse of your plumbing system. It’s what carries all the waste water from your home. For most folks, you won’t know what kind of pipes you have unless you’ve bought your home, just built and that info was provided, or if you have had to do repairs in the past. Digging up your yard, replacing pipes is never a fun time, so we don’t blame ya!

Knowing what kind of pipe you do have however, can make the process of repairs easier, or at least take the sting out a bit as you’ll know ahead of time what kind of pipes are running through your yard and what you’ll need to do when it’s time to repair them.

For the most part, the easiest way to estimate what kind of sewer pipes you have? The age of your house.

Newer Builds – 1970s to Now

Homes built in the 1970s til now are more likely to use plastic sewer pipe. If the home is built in the 70s there may still be older clay or cast iron pipes. Regardless, these new pipes will extend from the home a few yards where they meet with the city sewer main. If the home has been remodeled, or had pipes repaired, there may be some old style sewer pipe that connects the sewer main to the new home pipes.

If you were to have a home built today, you’re likely going to be looking at PVC or ABS plastic pipe. Plastic pipe is infinitely easier to work with (though it may not have as long of lifespans)

Older Builds – Pre-70s

Older buildings, especially those built pre 1950, you may find a few different kinds of sewer pipe. Clay, cast iron, or even a type of pipe called Orangeburg. If you were to do some digging and found clay or cast iron piping, no worries! Both of those pipes can stay in the ground, so long as they’re still working. Orangeburg however is a problem and you should look at replacing it. We’ll get into that more later.

It’s just as possible to find newer plastic sewer pipes in an older home! Over time, the wear and tear on sewer pipes will need replacement and using newer plastic piping is often way easier to install after the fact than older style pipes.

Plastic Sewer Pipes

We talk about plastic pipes all the time here at Economy. When it’s inside the home we’re talking PEX, when we’re looking at the heavy duty sewer pipe we’re talking about PVC and ABS. Both of these sewer pipes have incredibly smooth surfaces to allow for easy carrying of waste to the sewer main, as well as for resisting roots from finding any place to grab ahold.

Cast Iron

Cast iron, while an older staple can sometimes still be used today. Cast iron makes for incredibly strong sewer pipes, able to withstand tons of pressure without breakage. It’s also nonflammable, which while not a problem when it’s buried underground, if you do use it in your home you can feel safe it won’t melt in a fire.

Clay

Clay piping is an old, old style but can still be used today. Clay pipe is inert, meaning it is more resistant to chemical degradation. However, where plastic pipes are smooth, clay sewer pipes are porous, giving tree roots something to grab ahold on and break though.

Orangeburg

Now this is one you probably have never heard of before today! Orangeburg is a type of pipe made up of wood pulp and pitch. It was a water resistant pipe, but it doesn’t have staying power. Back in the day it was used because it was easy to carry and cut, but these pipes won’t last long. Their upper limit is 50 years, could fail in 10. Most building codes have taken it off as an acceptable building material.

There you have it! The four different types of sewer pipe that might be in your hard right now! Remember, start first by looking at the age of your home and that’ll narrow down what to expect when you break ground and start digging.

If you need help running new lines in your home, you know who to call. Economy Plumbing will come out, diagnose the problem and get it sorted – whether or not you know what kind of pipe ya got!

If Water Goes Through It Or To It, We Do It!

Sep 03, 2026

Tankless or Traditional: What’s the Best Water Heater Option for Your Home?

The decision between tankless and traditional models for replacement water heaters in Tucson can make a real difference in your daily comfort and long-term costs. Let's take a closer look at how each type works, which will help you pick the right fit for your household. Traditional Heaters more Traditional tank-style water heaters store a set amount of water, usually 40 to 80 gallons, in an insulated tank and keep it hot constantly using either gas or electricity. When you turn on the faucet, hot water flows from the tank while cold water refills it at the bottom. Tankless Heaters These heaters only give you hot water when you need it. Cold water passes through a heat exchanger inside the compact unit, and out comes hot water, nearly instantly. Pros of Both Let's consider the pros of the traditional heaters first: They're cheaper up front Installation is simpler because most homes already have the connections in place When it needs replacing, it's simple and often same-day They can handle a high flow rate (lots of usage simultaneously) The pros list for the tankless heater is also enticing: Less wasted energy from water being heated when it's not needed No running out of water, no matter how many people take showers Longer tank lifespan Takes up less space Cons of Both Here's the downsides to be aware of with traditional heaters: They use more energy (much more, in some cases) They run out of hot water, and you have to wait while they refill They're bulky and need more room for placement They need to be replaced sooner than tankless As for tankless heaters, be aware that: Installation costs are usually higher Initial purchase price is higher Flow rate is lower unless you invest in a bigger (or multiple) units Scale can form inside the heat exchanger faster than in a tank model Best Water Heaters in Tucson: Local Factors There are a few local factors that might also influence your decision. We have hard water, so that means scaling is more of an issue. Both types of heaters need to be flushed to prevent buildup, but the tankless might need it more often. We've also already got high energy bills with the hot summers we have here, so trimming that with a tankless model can make a big difference over time. Tankless water heaters pay for themselves in energy savings in about seven years, and if you take care of your model, it can last up to 20.If you're still weighing the options for your specific setup, give us a call at Economy Plumbing Service LLC here in Tucson at 520-885-3510. We're a family-owned business with more than seventeen years of honest, no-pressure service here in Tucson. We'll walk through your usage, space, and water conditions to help you choose the heater that actually fits your home and lifestyle. We also serve clients in Vail, Rita Ranch, Oro Valley, Green Valley, and surrounding areas.

Gas line repair and inspection in Pima County, AZ.

Aug 06, 2026

Are Your Gas Lines in Safe? Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

We rely on our gas lines in Tucson to heat our homes, give us instant hot water, power our stoves, and more. Keeping your gas line safe is a serious responsibility, because the dangers of a problem in the gas line can be deadly. Here's some warning signs to look out for. Warning Signs That Gas Lines in Tucson Are in Trouble Emergency Signs more Some warning signs are emergencies, and you cannot ignore them. Call your gas provider or emergency services and leave the area immediately if: You smell a sulfurous odor in or immediately around your house People in the house are suddenly and inexplicably experiencing headaches, dizziness, nausea, or shortness of breath If gas is escaping into the house, it can cause you and your family serious physical harm. The gas, as you breathe it, begins to displace the oxygen in your blood. You gradually asphyxiate or suffocate if you are exposed to too much for too long. Non-Emergency There are other warning signs that are less immediately serious, but you need to pay attention to them, regardless, as they could quickly turn serious: Corrosion Always inspect your pipes regularly, and if you see rust or other corrosion on them, be sure to call a qualified contractor right away. There may also be an issue if you notice flaking or bubbling of paint near your gas lines or a lot of dampness and residue around the fittings. A professional can seal joints and even replace a bad section of pipe if needed. Hissing If you hear hissing near a gas appliance or a meter, it likely means that gas is escaping. Even a little bit of a leak can increase your bills, of course, and indoors, it can create a very dangerous condition. Contact a professional contractor right away to take a look. If it's a single appliance, turn off the gas to that appliance. Bigger Bills If your habits haven't really changed, but the cost of your gas bill keeps going up, try turning off all your gas appliances and writing down the meter reading. Then, wait for an hour or two and check the meter again. If it has gone up, you have a leak. Low Pressure If the flame on your stove or in your furnace doesn't have the power it should have, then you could have a leak somewhere in the line leading to that appliance, or there could be a blockage. There also could be a faulty regulator in the appliance itself or corrosion in the piping. If several appliances seem to be affected, then the issue could be farther down the line and could be either your responsibility or something that your utility company needs to deal with. A contractor can investigate the situation and help you figure out what's going on. If you're noticing any issues with your gas line, schedule an appointment with us at Economy Plumbing Service LLC in Tucson or call us 24/7 at 520-885-3510. We also serve Vail, Rita Ranch, Oro Valley, and Green Valley.

Jul 15, 2026

Signs Your Home Needs Repiping: When Tucson Homeowners Should Replace Old Pipes

Most homeowners do not think about their plumbing pipes until there is a major leak or a sudden drop in water pressure. However, aging pipes can create ongoing problems that repairs may only temporarily fix. If your Tucson home has older plumbing, whole house repiping may be the right solution to improve reliability and prevent future damage. Economy Plumbing Service, LLC helps homeowners identify when their plumbing system needs more than another repair. Knowing the warning signs can help you address problems before they become expensive emergencies. more What Is Whole House Repiping? Whole house repiping involves replacing old or damaged plumbing pipes throughout a home. Instead of repairing one failing section at a time, repiping replaces aging pipes with new plumbing materials designed to provide better water flow and long-term performance. Many older Tucson homes still have original plumbing systems that may be affected by corrosion, mineral buildup, and years of use. Signs Your Home May Need Repiping Frequent Pipe Leaks If you are regularly dealing with leaking pipes or repeated plumbing repairs, the problem may be the age and condition of your entire plumbing system. Multiple leaks in different areas of your home often indicate that the pipes are reaching the end of their lifespan. Low Water Pressure Low water pressure throughout your home can be a sign of restricted or deteriorating pipes. Mineral buildup from Arizona’s hard water can collect inside plumbing lines over time, reducing water flow and making faucets and fixtures less effective. Discolored Water Brown, rusty, or cloudy water may indicate corrosion inside older pipes. While occasional discoloration can happen for several reasons, ongoing issues should be inspected by a professional plumber. Noisy Pipes Banging, knocking, or rattling pipes can point to underlying plumbing problems. While some noises are minor, consistent sounds may indicate aging pipes or pressure issues that require attention. Older Plumbing System The age of your home is an important factor when considering repiping. Many older homes in Tucson have plumbing materials that can become more vulnerable to leaks, corrosion, and reduced performance over time. Why Tucson Homes Can Have Unique Plumbing Issues Arizona plumbing systems often deal with hard water, which can contribute to mineral buildup inside pipes. Over years, this buildup can restrict water flow and place additional strain on your plumbing system. For older Tucson homes, replacing outdated pipes can help improve water pressure, reduce repairs, and provide a more dependable plumbing system. Is Repiping Better Than Constant Repairs? If you are frequently repairing leaks or dealing with ongoing plumbing problems, replacing your pipes may be more cost-effective than continuing temporary fixes. A complete repipe can provide: Improved water pressure Fewer plumbing repairs Reduced risk of leaks More reliable water delivery Schedule a Repiping Inspection in Tucson, AZ If your home has frequent leaks, low water pressure, or aging pipes, Economy Plumbing Service, LLC can help determine whether repiping is the right option. Our Tucson plumbing team provides professional repiping services and whole house pipe replacement to help homeowners protect their homes and improve their plumbing systems. Contact Economy Plumbing Service, LLC today to schedule a plumbing inspection and find out if your Tucson home needs repiping.