What Atlanta-area homeowners need to know about their sewer lines.
The Atlanta metro area has some of the most varied residential sewer pipe stock in the Southeast — from pre-1960s clay tile in historic neighborhoods to modern PVC in newer suburbs. Understanding what is likely in the ground at your property helps you maintain it appropriately.
Pipe materials by neighborhood age
Pre-1960s neighborhoods (Decatur, Kirkwood, Candler Park, Grant Park, Inman Park, older Marietta neighborhoods) — most likely clay tile sewer laterals with gasketed joints. Clay tile is brittle, vulnerable to root intrusion, and has been in the ground for 60–80+ years. Camera inspection is strongly recommended if you have not had one.
1960s–1970s construction (most of inner Cobb County, established DeKalb suburbs) — a mix of clay tile (earlier builds), cast iron (common in this era), and early PVC installations. Orangeburg pipe appears in some properties from this era. Camera inspection is warranted.
1980s–2000s construction (Cherokee, Forsyth, newer Gwinnett, outer suburbs) — predominantly PVC. These pipes are in better shape than older materials but are not immune to root intrusion or blockage.
Root pressure in Metro Atlanta
The Atlanta area’s combination of clay soil, abundant rainfall, and abundant tree cover creates significant root intrusion pressure. Sweetgums, water oaks, willows, and ornamental maples are common in residential neighborhoods and have aggressive root systems. Properties with mature trees anywhere near the sewer line path should have periodic camera inspections.
The Orangeburg problem
Orangeburg pipe — a paper-based material used from the 1940s through the early 1970s — fails predictably with age. It softens, deforms, and eventually collapses. If your home was built between 1945 and 1972 and the sewer line has never been camera inspected, checking for Orangeburg is important. We find it regularly in older Metro Atlanta homes that have never had a sewer inspection.
Pre-purchase inspection in Metro Atlanta
Given the age of pipe stock in many Atlanta neighborhoods, sewer camera inspection before purchasing a home is strongly recommended. We schedule pre-purchase inspections quickly and provide footage you can use in negotiations.
Call Sunburst Environmental at 678-799-4389 for same-day service across Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, or request a free estimate online.