Pitch Fibre
Pipe Repair
Got pitch fibre pipes? We know exactly how to deal with them.
Pitch fibre pipes were widely used in housing built between the 1940s and late 1960s. They were cheaper and lighter than clay at the time — but they were never built to last. Most pitch fibre pipes are now well past their design life, and problems are increasingly common.
At South Coast Drains, we specialise in pitch fibre repair and have 20+ years' experience diagnosing and fixing these systems. If you're in an older property — or buying one — it's worth knowing what you're dealing with.
The Problem
Why Pitch Fibre Pipes Fail
Pitch fibre pipes were made from wood cellulose soaked in coal tar. Over time, they absorb water and deform — squashing inwards rather than cracking outwards. This causes the pipe bore to collapse, which leads to:
- Slow drainage and persistent blockages
- Delamination of the inner surface (flaking debris inside the pipe)
- Blistering and further deformation caused by hot water
- Complete collapse in severe cases
Insurance companies often won't cover pitch fibre repairs, so catching problems early matters.
Our Solutions
How We Repair Pitch Fibre Pipes
CIPP Re-Rounding & Relining
In many cases, we can fix pitch fibre pipes without digging. We use cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology to re-round the deformed pipe and install a new structural lining inside it. The result is a sound, smooth pipe within the original — no excavation needed. This is our preferred approach where the pipe condition allows it.
Full Pipe Replacement
Where the pipe is too far gone for relining, we'll excavate and replace it with modern plastic pipework. We only recommend this when relining isn't a viable option, and we'll always explain why before starting work.
Buying A Property?
Get A Drain Survey First
If you're buying a home built before 1970, we strongly recommend a homebuyers drain survey before you exchange contracts. We use a CCTV camera to inspect the full drain run and give you a written report on what's there and what condition it's in. It could save you a significant repair bill — and give you useful leverage in price negotiations.
More About CCTV SurveysWe're specialists in pitch fibre repair
With over 20 years in the trade, we work across the South Coast and London — give us a call for an honest assessment.