🕳️ What Are Pitch Fibre Pipes?
Between the 1950s and 1970s, pitch fibre pipes were widely installed in homes and housing developments across the UK — including right here in Portsmouth. They were seen as a cheaper, lightweight alternative to clay and cast iron pipes.
These pipes are made by compressing wood cellulose fibres with coal tar pitch (a sticky, petroleum-based substance). Once formed into a pipe, the material was left to cure, creating a lightweight but rigid structure that was easy to transport and install.
Sounds innovative? At the time, it was. But today, pitch fibre drains are now considered one of the biggest long-term liabilities in domestic drainage systems.
⚠️ The Problem With Pitch Fibre Drains
Decades later, the reality of these pipes has surfaced — and it’s not good news. If your home was built during that era, you may already be dealing with the symptoms of failing pitch fibre drains without even knowing it.
Common Problems Include:
- Deformation: The inner walls of pitch fibre pipes soften and collapse under pressure.
- Blistering: Gas and chemical reactions inside the pipe cause blistering and delamination.
- Root Ingress: These pipes are brittle and prone to root intrusion at joints and weakened points.
- Blocked Drains: As the pipe narrows and collapses, blockages become more frequent and severe.
- Structural Failure: In time, the pipes can fully collapse, causing ground movement and drain flooding.
If you’re experiencing blocked drains in Portsmouth, especially recurring ones, there’s a good chance pitch fibre is the hidden cause.
🔍 How to Identify Pitch Fibre Pipes
Not sure what type of drainage your property has? Here’s what to look for:
- Your home was built between 1950–1980
- You’ve had repeated blockages despite jetting or rodding
- There are signs of pipe collapse or soft ground near drains
- A CCTV drain survey has identified deformation or blistering
At Portsmouth Drains24, we use CCTV inspections to detect pitch fibre pipes and assess their condition without excavation.
✅ The Modern Solution: CIPP Lining
The good news? You don’t need to dig up your whole garden or driveway to fix failing pitch fibre drains. With CIPP drain lining (Cured-In-Place Pipe lining), we can reline the inside of your existing pipe, creating a brand-new, structurally sound pipe within the old one — without any digging.
Benefits of CIPP Lining:
- Minimal disruption to your home or garden
- No excavation required in most cases
- Seals cracks, deformations, and joints
- Stops root ingress and leaks
- Lasts 40–50 years or more
- More affordable than full pipe replacement
For many homeowners across Portsmouth, CIPP lining is the go-to drain solution for restoring their pitch fibre systems without the mess or expense of traditional repairs.
💸 Why It Saves You Money
Replacing old pitch fibre pipes via excavation is time-consuming and expensive — especially if the drains run beneath driveways, patios, or extensions.
CIPP lining is trenchless, faster, and far less costly. In fact, many of our clients in Portsmouth have saved thousands of pounds by choosing relining instead of replacement.
And because relined pipes are far more durable and resilient, you’ll save even more in the long term with fewer blockages, less maintenance, and greater peace of mind.
📍 Local Pitch Fibre Drain Experts in Portsmouth
At Portsmouth Drains24, we’ve repaired hundreds of pitch fibre drainage systems across:
- Southsea
- Hilsea
- Cosham
- North End
- Fratton
- Port Solent
- Drayton
- Farlington
Whether you’re in a council-built property from the 60s or a private home with an older system, our team can carry out a CCTV inspection, assess the condition of your pitch fibre pipes, and recommend the best solution.
📞 Book Your Pitch Fibre Drain Assessment Today
If you suspect your home has pitch fibre pipes — or you’re simply tired of dealing with blocked drains in Portsmouth — we’re here to help.
Contact Portsmouth Drains24 to arrange a no-obligation survey and get expert advice on how CIPP lining can restore your drainage system quickly, affordably, and without the mess.
✅ No call-out charges
✅ Trusted local engineers
✅ Long-lasting, trenchless drain solutions
Call now or book online. Fix your drains for good — without digging.
