Beneath your lawn and foundation runs one of the hardest-working parts of your home—the sewer mainline. This buried pipe moves wastewater from every shower, sink, toilet, and laundry load out to the city system. When buildup, cracks, or tree roots block the line, that flow stops and so does daily life inside your home.
For homeowners across Brighton, Howell, Ann Arbor, and nearby Michigan communities, sewer problems are more common than you might think. A clog, break, or collapse can cause sewage backups, property damage, and expensive emergency repairs. What many homeowners don’t realize is that the type of pipe beneath their home plays a major role in how soon those issues appear.
Different pipe materials have different strengths, weaknesses, and lifespans—and many were popular in specific decades. By understanding what your sewer line is made of, you can anticipate potential problems, plan ahead for maintenance, and make informed decisions if replacement ever becomes necessary.
Common Sewer Line Materials in Southeast Michigan
From historic homes in Brighton to newer builds around Ann Arbor and Howell, local sewer lines come in a mix of materials. Each type of material behaves differently underground, especially through Michigan’s freeze-and-thaw cycles. Here’s a closer look at the most common sewer line materials you’ll find around Brighton and the surrounding areas—and what each means for your home.
Orangeburg Pipe
What it is: Orangeburg, made from layers of wood pulp and tar, was a low-cost pipe material used from the 1940s through the 1970s.
What to know: While it was once considered innovative, Orangeburg hasn’t aged well. It’s soft and easily deforms under soil pressure, often collapsing or blistering over time. Most Orangeburg pipes have long outlived their lifespan of 30–50 years.
If your home in Howell, Hartland, or other mid-century neighborhoods still has its original sewer line, a full replacement is strongly recommended. Many homeowners don’t realize they have this material until a major failure occurs.
Cast Iron
What it is: Cast iron pipes were widely used in homes built before the 1970s. The material is heavy, durable, and helps muffle sound—a big plus for busy households.
What to know: Cast iron can last 50–75 years, but it eventually rusts and corrodes. Moisture and waste wear down the inside of the pipe, creating rough surfaces that trap debris and slow drainage. Over time, sections can weaken or collapse entirely. Cast iron is also heavy, which makes repairs more labor-intensive.
If your home in Ann Arbor, Plymouth, or any area with mid-century housing is more than 50 years old, there’s a good chance cast iron is part of your system.
Vitrified Clay Pipe
What it is: Clay pipes were a go-to choice until the mid-1900s. They’re made from fired clay ceramic which is strong, rigid, and surprisingly long-lasting.
What to know: Clay holds up well to chemicals and often lasts 50–60 years or longer. But its biggest weakness is its joints. Clay pipes were installed in short sections sealed with mortar, which can crack over time. These tiny openings invite tree roots—a major issue in mature neighborhoods across Brighton and Ann Arbor, where large trees line older streets. Once roots get inside, they can cause blockages and break the pipe.If your home was built before the 1950s and you’ve had recurring drain problems, root intrusion in your clay pipe could be the culprit.
Plastic (PVC and ABS)
What it is: PVC (white) and ABS (black) are modern plastic pipes that became the standard for sewer installations starting in the late 20th century.
What to know: Both are lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and have smooth walls that prevent buildup. Their sealed joints make them watertight and durable—often lasting 75–100 years when properly installed. PVC is the most common choice in newer subdivisions across Livingston and Washtenaw Counties, while ABS also appears in some systems thanks to its strength and resistance to cold temperatures.
If your home was built or remodeled in the last few decades, you likely have one of these materials.
How to Identify Your Sewer Line Material
Now that you know how each material behaves, the next question is simple: what’s under your own yard? The type of pipe running from your home to the city sewer tells you a lot about its condition and how soon it might need attention.
Most homes follow a pattern based on when they were built—older properties often have clay or cast iron, while newer ones are made of PVC or ABS. But repairs and partial replacements over the decades mean many homes have a mix of materials.
That’s why the only reliable way to know what’s really happening underground is with a professional sewer camera inspection. It shows both the type of pipe you have and its current condition, giving you a clear picture of what’s working well and what may need attention.
Signs of a Failing Mainline
Even the toughest sewer lines have a lifespan. The key is catching problems early, before they turn into a backup or costly repair. Here are a few signs to watch for around your home:
- Slow drains or repeated clogs throughout the house
- Sewage backups in lower-level drains or the basement
- Bright green patches on your lawn (sewage leaking underground)
- Persistent foul odors around your yard or drains
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. homeowners collectively spend billions each year repairing damage caused by aging water and sewer systems. Catching issues early is always less expensive—and less disruptive—than waiting for a full collapse.
Why You Need a Professional
Sewer repair isn’t a DIY project. The materials are heavy, the lines are buried deep, and handling wastewater requires specialized tools and safety precautions.
A drain technician can:
- Identify your sewer line material and its current condition
- Recommend maintenance, repairs, or full replacement
- Offer modern trenchless repair options, which fix or replace lines with minimal digging and less disruption to your yard or driveway
AAA Service Network has helped Brighton and Southeast Michigan homeowners with sewer and drain problems for nearly 50 years. Our experienced plumbers use the latest camera technology and repair methods to handle everything from small blockages to full line replacements—always with clear communication and upfront pricing.
Proactive Care for Long-Term Peace of Mind
Your sewer mainline may be out of sight, but it plays a vital role in keeping your home safe, sanitary, and functional. Knowing what kind of pipe you have—and giving it the right care—can prevent messy, costly emergencies down the road.
A professional inspection gives you answers, peace of mind, and a plan for the future. Whether you live in Brighton, Howell, Ann Arbor, Plymouth, or nearby, the team at AAA Service Network is here to help you stay ahead of sewer problems before they start.
Schedule your sewer inspection today and protect your home from backups, property damage, and unnecessary stress this season.