What is pitch fibre?
Pitch fibre pipe is made from wood pulp or paper soaked in bitumen. Builders used it widely in post-war housing, as a cheaper option than clay. Sources differ on exact dates, but it was common from the 1950s into the 1970s.
Unlike clay, it can soften over time. It may also lose its round shape under load from the soil. For that reason, a camera check is wise on homes of this age.
Signs of trouble include repeat blockages in the same drain and slow flow in several fittings. Damp ground along a drain run can also be a clue. If you notice these, book a survey, because the cause may be the pipe and not the waste.
How to identify pitch fibre
You cannot tell from above ground whether your home has pitch fibre drains. A camera survey is the best way to find out. On camera, the pipe often looks dull and dark, and it may look oval.
The inner surface may also peel in layers. Ask the surveyor to say what material they see. Our guide to pitch fibre warning signs lists what to watch for.
What are your options?
If the pipe is only slightly out of shape, relining may help, since it needs little digging. A liner forms a new pipe inside the old one, which means little digging. If the pipe has collapsed, you may need to dig it up and replace it.
Ask for options in writing, because each drain differs. Our guide to pitch fibre pipes explains more.
What to do now
If your home dates from the post-war decades, consider a drain survey. Early checks give you more choices, since repairs are simpler when found early. Keep the report in case you sell, because buyers may ask for it. You can ask for a free quote on our site, and we will pass your details to a local drainage engineer.
