Orangeburg pipe (also called No-Corrode or Tar Paper Pipe) is made up of layers of tar paper that are laminated (glued) together. This pipe material was used in the 1950’s and has a life expectancy of 40-50 years. After 40-50 years Orangeburg pipe has a high risk of quick deterioration. Over time the pipe begins to deteriorate due to moisture getting into the layers of paper (delamination). This causes layers of pipe wall to bubble into the pipe. Similar to a collapse the bubbling will block off the pipe flow and can cause back-ups.  If you have Orangeburg pipe, the delaminated areas can be maintained to an extent by augering. The auger will cut the bubbles out and restore flow, however the cutting will also speed up the deterioration. As the layers of paper are cut away it exposes more layers of the pipe wall to moisture. As the more layers delaminate and are cut out, the pipe walls are thinned. This compromises the structural integrity in the pipe and drastically increases the risk of complete collapse which could lead back-up or even a complete loss of use of the service. Augering also poses a risk of punching through thinned areas which could also lead to complete collapse, or if equipment becomes stuck in the pipe wall, excavation could be required to retrieve it. Leaving the pipe to deteriorate further may also eliminate the possibility of trenchless replacement in the future. We have had a lot of success lining severely deteriorated no-corrode pipes in Calgary. We have specialised cutting tools that we use to ream out the existing delaminated sections and can often install a CIP (Cure In Place) liner into the existing pipe, extending the life of the sanitary service 60-100 years without any excavation. The liner would need to be done right after the reaming (the same/next day) as the reaming can reduce the structural integrity of the pipe.