CP398 Transfer of Pitch Fibre Pipes to Sewerage Undertakers
UK manufacture of pitch fibre pipes started in 1952 and increased rapidly, but from the early 1970s the popularity of pitch fibre pipes began to wane and production fell dramatically. UK pitch fibre pipes are known to contain asbestos fibres and best estimates are that there is over 50,000 km of pitch fibre pipe buried within the UK. Problems with pitch fibre pipes make up a substantial portion of the drain repair and replacement claims handled by insurers.
In the event of transfer of responsibility and ownership of private sewers and lateral drains to the Water and Sewerage Companies in England and Wales, current company estimates indicate that this will increase their sewerage infrastructure length by between 70% and 100%.
This will consist of small diameter pipes of unknown condition, including substantial lengths of pitch fibre pipes.
WRc are currently running a Portfolio project that will provide participants with guidance on managing pitch fibre pipes to comply with UK legislation and specify the best technical rehabilitation solution for specific applications.