Pitch Fibre Drains: Everything You Need to Know

If your property uses pitch fibre drains, you may not know until a problem arises.

This form of drainage is common in older UK properties and has been associated with many structural defects likely to lead to drainage problems sooner or later.

It's important to know if your property uses pitch fibre pipes, understand the problems they can cause, and learn how regular maintenance can help prevent further damage.

Our guide on where to find the drains on your property can help you locate them if you need help.

In this guide, the drainage experts at Lanes Drainage Services will explain what pitch fibre pipes are, the issues they cause, and what to do if your system fails.

What are pitch fibre pipes?

Pitch fibre was developed in the 1940s, during the Second World War, when other materials were in short supply.

Made from wood cellulose and coal tar, it was a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to traditional clay pipes.

Pitch Fibre Pipe Uses

Pitch fibre pipes were widely used in UK properties from the late 1940s to the 1970s, particularly in housing estates, schools, and hospitals. However, over time, it became clear that pitch fibre drains had structural weaknesses.

While pitch fibre drainage is no longer used for new installations, many properties built during this period still rely on it.

If your home was built in this era, it's crucial to understand how to maintain pitch fibre pipes to avoid common issues.

What are the known problems with pitch fibre systems?

Pitch fibre pipes were phased out because of several issues, mainly their short lifespan and vulnerability to damage. Here are some of the most common problems:

• Collapsed pipes: Pitch fibre drains are prone to collapse under external pressure, and the pipe walls are more susceptible to root damage than modern systems.


• Delamination: When exposed to hot water or fats, oils, and grease, pitch fibre pipes can develop internal blistering that weakens the structure. This can lead to blockages that are difficult to repair.


• Limited lifespan: Pitch fibre pipes typically last around 40 years, which means many systems are past the end of their practical life.


• Insurance issues: Many insurance companies are reluctant to cover the cost of repairs for pitch fibre systems due to their reputation for errors.

How should you maintain and repair pitch fibre pipes?

If your property has pitch fibre pipes, you’ll likely need to deal with maintenance problems at some point. These systems can occasionally block, and in the worst cases, they may collapse.

However, there are several repair options available to keep these drains functioning. At Lanes Drainage Services, we don’t recommend replacing the entire system unless necessary.

Instead, it’s better to follow best practices to minimise potential problems. Here are some standard methods used to maintain and repair pitch fibre pipes:

• CCTV surveys: A professional drainage contractor can perform a CCTV survey to inspect the inside of your pipes, identify any damage, and confirm whether you have pitch fibre drains.


• Unblocking: If your pitch fibre pipe is blocked but not damaged, we can use mechanical rodding or high-pressure water jetting to clear the obstruction.


• No-dig repairs: If the pipe is damaged or deformed, we can repair it using a no-dig method. This involves re-rounding the pipe with a CCTV survey and installing a resin liner that is cured with ultraviolet light to create a stronger pipe within the existing system. A simple patch lining may be more suitable for smaller areas of damage.

Contact us at Lanes Drainage Services, and we will recommend the best solution.

CCTV Drain Surveys for Pitch Fibre Drains

If your property has pitch fibre drains and you want to assess their condition, contact Lanes Drainage Services today to arrange a CCTV drain survey.

Our home buyers' drain survey is also a great way to check the drainage system when purchasing a property.

If you’re already experiencing problems with your pitch fibre pipes and need repairs, our drain relining service offers an effective solution.

We are one of the UK’s leading drainage contractors, and our drain relining materials are rigorously tested, providing a design life of up to 100 years.

Call us today at 0800 526 488 to learn how we can help with your pitch fibre pipe repairs.