What Are Pitch Fibre Pipes and Why Were They Used?
As a business owner on the South Coast, maintaining your property’s drainage system is essential for protecting your investment. But if your property was built between the 1950s and 1970s, you may be facing an invisible threat—pitch fibre pipes. These outdated pipes were once a popular drainage solution due to their affordability and ease of installation, but in 2025, they are a ticking time bomb.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what pitch fibre pipes are, why they fail, and what you can do about it—including the latest pitch fibre repair options and drain relining costs. With expert insights and actionable advice, this guide will help you take the right steps to safeguard your business.
Pitch fibre drainage pipes were introduced post-WWII as a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to clay and concrete pipes. Made from wood cellulose impregnated with coal tar pitch, these pipes served the housing boom across the UK, including commercial properties along the South Coast.
However, pitch fibre pipework was never intended to last more than 40 years. Today, many of these installations are well past their lifespan, resulting in widespread issues.
Common Problems with Pitch Fibre Drains:
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Delamination: Layers of the pipe start peeling away due to water pressure.
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Deformation: Pipes become oval-shaped or collapse under ground pressure.
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Blistering: Chemicals and heat from wastewater cause bubbles and weaknesses.
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Root Infiltration: Cracks invite tree roots to grow inside the pipework.
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