Springfield Sewer Backups: What Your Neighbors Wish They Knew Sooner

I’m Dennis Rollins — And I’ve Seen What Happens When People Wait

I’m a retired U.S. Navy Chief, and now I run Veteran Plumbing Services right here in Northern Virginia. I’ve helped a lot of folks in Springfield over the years, and when I see sewer problems in older homes, there’s one usual suspect: Orangeburg pipe.

What’s Orangeburg — and Why It’s Trouble

Back in the 1950s to 1970s, builders used a material called Orangeburg. It’s layers of tar paper rolled into a pipe. It didn’t age well. Over time, it collapses or breaks down, and once tree roots find a way in, you’re in for more than just a slow drain.

Here’s What I’ve Seen Firsthand in Springfield Homes

• Raw sewage flooding finished basements
• Black water bubbling up into bathtubs and showers
• Thousands of dollars in water damage
• And most of the time, insurance won’t cover it without a special policy add-on

How You Can Avoid a Sewer Disaster in Springfield

Here’s what I recommend to every Springfield homeowner with an older home: get a sewer camera inspection. It’s fast, it’s affordable, and it gives us a clear view of your sewer line. We’ll see what kind of pipe you’ve got — Orangeburg, clay, PVC — and whether there’s any damage or root intrusion.