What to Do After Your CCTV Inspection
After a CCTV inspection, it is crucial to act on the findings. First, understand the report and prioritise issues by urgency: urgent problems, those needing prompt attent…
Pipe Guide · AC
Asbestos Cement (AC)
Asbestos cement (AC) pipe appears in many 1950s–70s Brisbane properties for sewer, stormwater and flues. It works fine until it is disturbed — broken AC releases fibres, so it must only be handled by licensed removalists.
Quick Facts
- Typical lifespan
- 70 years
- Common installation period
- 1940s–1980s
- Typical diameter
- DN100+ sewer & stormwater
- Root resistance
- Corrosion resistance
- Relining suitability
- Encapsulate only
- Typical repair methods
- Licensed asbestos removal and replacement, Relining to encapsulate, Never cut or grind dry
- Failure risk
- High (hazardous)
Typical Lifespan
70 years
050 yrs100+ yrs
50–70 years; becomes fragile with age
Where You’ll Find It
Homes built 1940s–1980s
Sewer and stormwater lines
Some downpipes and flues
Post-war suburbs
Where It's Used
- Mid-century sewer and stormwater
- Some downpipes and flues
How It Fails
- Cracking and softening
- Fibre release when broken (health hazard)
- Joint failure
Warning Signs
- Recurring blockages on mid-century properties
- Crumbling pipe fragments
Common Repair Methods
- Licensed asbestos removal and replacement
- Relining to encapsulate
- Never cut or grind dry
Advantages
- Corrosion-resistant
- Can be encapsulated by relining without removal
Disadvantages
- Becomes fragile and cracks with age
- Breaking it releases hazardous fibres
- Must never be cut or ground dry
Preventative Maintenance
- Never DIY-cut or drill AC pipe
- Use licensed asbestos removalists for any work
- Relining can seal it in place safely
Did You Know?
Intact asbestos cement pipe is not dangerous underground — the risk comes only when it is broken, cut or ground, which releases fibres.
Relining can encapsulate AC pipe in place, avoiding the disturbance of digging it out.
Can Asbestos Cement (AC) be relined?
Encapsulate only. Relining installs a new pipe inside the old one without digging. Whether it suits your Asbestos Cement (AC) depends on the pipe’s diameter and condition — a CCTV inspection confirms it. Overall repairability: Encapsulate only.
Learn about pipe reliningBrisbane Field Notes
Present in many 1950s–70s Brisbane properties. Must be handled by licensed removalists — relining can encapsulate AC pipe without disturbing it.
Chermside, Zillmere, Inala and Salisbury and other 1950s–70s suburbs.
What we usually find on CCTV: Softening and fine cracking of the pipe wall and failing joints; inspection is done carefully so the fragile pipe is not disturbed.
Asbestos Cement (AC) Pipes — FAQs
What are asbestos cement (AC) drain pipes?
Asbestos cement (AC) pipes are rigid cement pipes reinforced with asbestos fibres. They were commonly installed in Brisbane between the 1940s and 1980s for sewer and stormwater drainage systems.
How long do asbestos cement drain pipes last?
Asbestos cement pipes can last 50 to more than 80 years, although age, soil movement, tree roots and weathering often lead to cracking and deterioration over time.
Are asbestos cement drain pipes dangerous?
Undamaged asbestos cement pipes generally present a low risk. The greatest risk occurs when pipes are cut, broken or disturbed, potentially releasing asbestos fibres. Damaged pipes should only be handled by appropriately licensed professionals where required by law.
What are the most common problems with asbestos cement pipes?
Common issues include cracking, joint failure, ground movement, tree root intrusion, pipe collapse and material deterioration caused by age.
Can asbestos cement drain pipes be repaired?
Depending on their condition, some asbestos cement pipes can be repaired using trenchless pipe relining or localised replacement. A CCTV inspection is recommended to assess the most appropriate repair method.
Should asbestos cement pipes be replaced?
If asbestos cement pipes are badly deteriorated, collapsed or repeatedly failing, replacement with modern drainage materials such as uPVC or HDPE is often the preferred long-term solution.
How are asbestos cement drain pipes inspected?
CCTV drain camera inspections allow plumbers to assess the internal condition of asbestos cement pipes without unnecessary excavation or disturbance.
Can tree roots enter asbestos cement pipes?
Yes. Tree roots commonly enter asbestos cement pipes through cracked sections, deteriorated joints and damaged connections, eventually causing recurring blockages.
How do I know if my property has asbestos cement pipes?
Homes and properties built between the 1940s and 1980s may have asbestos cement drainage pipes. A CCTV inspection and professional assessment can help identify the pipe material without unnecessary disturbance.
Can asbestos cement pipes be relined?
Many structurally sound asbestos cement pipes can be rehabilitated using trenchless pipe relining, avoiding the need to remove the existing pipe. Suitability depends on the condition of the pipe and should be confirmed by a CCTV inspection.
Other Pipe Materials
Photo Gallery
Real photos, CCTV stills and repair images that illustrate the guide above.
Real Pipe Photo 2
Not Sure You Have Asbestos Cement (AC)?
Three ways to confirm it — no obligation.
