Wooden Water Pipes Explained from Installation to Types

Wooden water pipes have been used for centuries, but their installation process is often misunderstood. Typically, wooden water pipes are installed underground, where they can last for decades without needing replacement.

To install wooden water pipes, a trench is dug and the pipes are placed inside, often using a mixture of sand and gravel to support them. This helps prevent damage and ensures a long lifespan.

The most common types of wooden water pipes are made from cedar, cypress, and redwood, each with its own unique characteristics. Cedar is particularly resistant to rot and insects.

These types of wood are chosen for their durability and resistance to decay, which is essential for a water pipe system.

There are several types of wooden water pipes, each with its own unique characteristics and uses.

Horizontal wooden water pipes are often used for irrigation systems and can be made from a variety of woods, including cedar and cypress.

Vertical wooden water pipes, on the other hand, are commonly used for indoor plumbing and are typically made from durable woods like oak and maple.

Wooden water pipes have been used for centuries, with some of the oldest known examples dating back to ancient civilizations in Greece and Rome.

The Greeks used cedar wood for their pipes, which was resistant to rot and decay.

These pipes were often made from a single piece of wood, carefully shaped and smoothed to create a functional and durable water supply system.

In contrast, the Romans used a combination of wood and lead for their pipes, with the lead providing a more durable and long-lasting material.

Despite their limitations, wooden water pipes remained a common choice for many centuries, particularly in areas where other materials were scarce or expensive.

To install log pipes, you'll need a long, straight log, preferably pine, and an auger at least half as long as the pipe.

Garnett Lovell used an auger made by his grandfather Elijah to drill through one end of the pipe as far as the auger would go, then did the same thing on the other side.

You'll need to drill clear through the center of the log to create a hole for the pipe.

The tapered end of the pipe fits into the bored-out end of another pipe, creating a joint that minimizes leakage. Garnett wrapped a rag around the joint to prevent leaks.

To link the pipes together, simply fit the tapered ends into each other.

Some of these underground log pipe lines could last as long as 60 years.