“Clay” for sanitary sewers has been used since Babylonian times, roughly 4000 BC. Numerous documented “clay pipe” sewers are thousands of years old. Some, dating back as far as the 19th century, are still in use today. This unprecedented longevity has not been without challenge.

Concrete pipe, ductile iron, cast iron, bituminous fiber, you name it, the goal to equal Vitrified Clay Pipe has been relentless. In recent years materials such as polyethylene, fiberglass resin, polymer concrete and PVC have challenged the clay domain.

 

Why is it that VCP is still the material of choice in the Los Angeles County Sanitation District, Orange County Sanitation District, the City and County of San Francisco, the cities of Oakland and San Jose, and many other areas throughout the state. The combined population of these jurisdictions using clay pipe is well over 15 million people. Numerous other communities have also done their homework and concluded that VCP, the product with a demonstrated 100 year service life, is their best choice for value, corrosion resistance, structural integrity, long term performance and environmentally pure.

 

It is the goal of the Vitrified Clay Pipe industry to contribute some of the key reasons why we believe clay has truly endured the test of time and is still the best choice today for sanitary sewers. We would also like to share with you the improvements we have made as an industry over the last several decades.

 

As an industry that has served our communities since the American Revolution, we welcome any comments or questions you may have. Addressing the long term benefits on how Vitrified Clay Pipe may continue to serve you is a desirable goal that the clay industry has pursued for more than 100 years and will continue to strive towards.

San Jose, CA

San Francisco, CA

Los Angeles, CA

Ancient Greek

NCPI Western Region, © 2005