What is vitrified clay pipe used for?

Vitrified clay pipe (VCP) is a sturdy conduit widely used in gravity sanitary sewer collection mains and is the longest-lasting pipe material to date. It is manufactured using clay and shale as raw materials and largely remains unaffected by age and abrasive effluents.

How is vitrified clay pipe made?

VCP is made from a blend of clay and shale that has been kiln baked to high temperature to achieve vitrification, a water resistant inert ceramic.

Is vitrified clay pipe porous?

Vitrified clay pipe (VCP) Terracotta, a type of clay pipe, is a clay-based unglazed or glazed ceramic, where the fired body is porous which is a very common pipe in sanitary sewer piping prior to 1940.

Is vitrified clay pipe still used?

Modern vitrified clay sewer pipes are air dried for 24 hours and then fired in a kiln for 50 hours, creating a ceramic-like end product. This material, also referred to as terra cotta, is stronger and fits together more tightly than older clay plumbing. It’s still routinely used in public sewer systems today.

How long does vitrified clay pipe last?

between 50-60 years
Clay pipes typically last between 50-60 years, while PVC pipes are expected to last 100 years before requiring replacement.

What does VCP stand for in sewer pipe?

Vitrified clay pipe (VCP) is pipe made from a blend of clay and shale that has been subjected to high temperature to achieve vitrification, which results in a hard, inert ceramic.

Which pipe is best for sewer line?

PVC Pipes
PVC Pipes. PVC is the material of choice for drainage experts, builders and homeowners because of its cost and ease of use. It’s very lightweight and malleable, making it the easiest to install, but it also has a good strength that makes it very durable.

When did they stop using clay pipes for plumbing?

Clay pipes started being phased out in the 1960s and 1970s when plastic sewer pipe options such as ABS and PVC were developed.

What is clay sewer pipe called?

Clay sewer pipes, also called terra cotta sewer pipes, began being replaced by plastic sewer pipes in the 1960s. Advancements in plastic pipes provided more durable, reliable, lightweight, and flexible options such as ABS and PVC.

What is the strongest sewer pipe?

Cast Iron Sewer Pipe
Cast Iron Sewer Pipe One of the best things about cast iron pipe is that it is incredibly strong. A four-inch diameter sewer pipe can withstand well over two tons of pressure per linear foot.

What type of PVC is used for sewer lines?

PVC 2729 sewer pipe is for sewer and storm drainage applications only. It is used in gravity fed waste elimination systems. PVC 2729 sewer pipe is highly resistant to chemicals commonly found in sewage and industrial waste and has a smooth internal surface for minimum flow resistance.