Old Sewer Pipes in Historic Homes: What Lies Under Loveland's Older Houses

Older homes often still have older sewer pipe, and that pipe may be near the end of its life. In the West 5th Street Historic District, which covers 355 to 747 W. 5th Street, the city says the additions were platted between 1883 and 1919 and most houses were built from 1900 to 1910, with seven dating to the 1890s. Homes of that era were typically served by clay tile or cast iron sewer pipe, and many have had sections replaced over the decades, sometimes with Orangeburg, a fiber pipe used until the 1970s.

Every house is different. Some original lines have already been replaced; others have never been looked at. A camera inspection is the only way to know which materials are under your yard and what shape they are in.

Loveland has a long history to protect. The Downtown Loveland Historic District covers nine blocks centered on East 4th Street, and History Colorado lists its period of significance as 1878 to 1965. A citywide survey in 1999 looked at more than 2,300 historic properties. The city has treated wastewater since 1902, so many older homes have been tied into a public sewer for well over a century.

That long timeline means a single house can have several generations of plumbing: an original lateral, a repaired section from mid-century and newer plastic inside after a remodel. Knowing where each material starts and stops is the first step toward a sensible repair plan.

Clay tile (vitrified clay) resists chemicals well and can last a very long time, but it was laid in short sections. Every joint is a spot where roots can enter or where shifting soil can open a gap.

Cast iron is strong and quiet, but it corrodes from the inside over many decades. Scale and rust build up, the bottom of the pipe can thin or crack, and the rough interior catches debris.

Orangeburg pipe was made from wood fiber and coal tar. It was used until the 1970s and has an expected life of about 50 years at best. Over time it softens and deforms, often going from round to oval or collapsing, which makes it one of the more urgent findings on a camera inspection.

An old line with one bad joint may only need a spot repair. A line that shows cracks, heavy corrosion, roots at many joints or deformed Orangeburg along much of its length is usually a candidate for full replacement or a full-length liner. The camera video, with distances, is what tells you which situation you are in.

Our page on sewer line replacement Loveland explains the difference between digging a new line and trenchless methods, and when each tends to fit. Ask any provider to show you the specific footage behind their recommendation.

Orangeburg was cheap and easy to install, so it was used widely in the decades after World War II and remained in use until the 1970s. Because its life expectancy is around 50 years at best, any Orangeburg still in service is likely past its prime. It can blister, flatten and eventually collapse, and roots can push through it.

Orangeburg also needs careful handling. Aggressive cleaning can damage pipe that is already weak, so tell the provider if you know or suspect it is present. In many cases, the long-term fix is replacing the affected section rather than repeatedly clearing it.

While you are thinking about the sewer side, remember the water side. Loveland Water and Power says the water service line from the street main into the home is owned by the customer, and that lead service lines were common in homes built before 1960. If your home is that old, it is worth finding out what your water line is made of, especially if you are already planning excavation in the yard.

Old sewer pipe does not always mean an emergency. Many historic homes have lines that work well with occasional maintenance. The goal is to know what you have before it fails, so you can plan any repair on your schedule instead of during a backup.

Remember that, per a City of Loveland newsletter, clogs in the home's sewer lines are the homeowner's responsibility, and the exact split near the street should be confirmed with Loveland Water and Power at 970-962-3000. Building work generally needs a permit, and the city allows a homeowner affidavit for owners doing their own work on a primary residence.

Loveland Drain Clean is a free referral service. Call (970) 693-9705 to be connected with an independent local provider who can inspect the line and explain the options. For more on the historic core, see our Downtown Loveland drain cleaning page.