What Kind of Sewer Pipes Are Under Your Yard? (And Why It Matters)
PVC, Cast Iron, or Clay? What’s Really Under Your Yard
Your home’s sewer line material matters more than you think.
Whether you live in an older home in Thomasville, a 90s build in High Point, or a newer development in Trinity, there’s a good chance your drain lines aren’t all the same. The material of your pipes affects how long they last, how prone they are to root intrusion, and how we clean them.
Let’s take a quick look at the three most common pipe types buried across the Piedmont Triad — and how to tell which one you might have.
Clay Pipes (1900s–1960s)
Clay pipe was the standard for decades and still exists in many older Piedmont neighborhoods, especially in Lexington, Thomasville, and Archdale.
Pros:
Long-lasting (some still work 75+ years later)
Natural material
Resists chemical corrosion
Cons:
Extremely brittle and crack-prone
Vulnerable to tree roots at every joint
Hard to jet safely at high pressure
Easily misaligned from shifting soil
If you’re in a home built before the 1970s and experiencing frequent backups or soggy yards, your sewer line may be clay — and it might be time for an inspection.
Cast Iron Pipes (1950s–1980s)
Used heavily in mid-century homes, cast iron is strong and was seen as an upgrade from clay. You’ll often find these in downtown High Point homes, older Clemmons neighborhoods, and Lexington duplexes.
Pros:
Durable and strong
Quieter than PVC
Good for vertical stacks inside the home
Cons:
Rusts and scales on the inside
Prone to pinhole leaks and corrosion
Inner diameter shrinks over time
Can trap grease and waste easily
Our jetting equipment is specially calibrated to handle cast iron lines without damaging them, using rotary nozzles and lower PSI when needed.
PVC Pipes (1980s–Today)
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is today’s go-to for sewer lines and drainage in newer homes, including in Trinity, Midway, Seagrove, and Stokesdale.
Pros:
Lightweight and long-lasting
Smooth inner surface prevents buildup
Flexible and easier to install
Resists most chemicals and root intrusion
Cons:
Can crack from heavy shifting soil or improper backfill
Sunlight weakens exposed sections
Not immune to clogs or improper slope
If your home was built in the last 30 years, you likely have PVC — but improper installation, grease, and debris can still cause backups.
How We Handle Each Pipe Type
At C&C Environmental Services, we always assess your pipe type before jetting. We don’t just “blast and go” — we choose the right pressure, nozzles, and cleaning approach for:
Fragile clay lines (avoiding collapse)
Scaled cast iron (cleaned safely with descaling tools)
Grease-heavy PVC (jetting with degreasing agents)
We also offer camera inspections so you can see what’s buried and make informed decisions.
Not Sure What Pipes You Have?
We’ll help you find out. Our team serves Davidson, Randolph, and Forsyth Counties, including:
Thomasville
Lexington
High Point
Trinity
Denton
Randleman
And surrounding areas
Call or text (336) 549-8990 to schedule a visit, or ask about our jetting + inspection bundle. Knowing what’s under your yard is the first step to protecting your property.