[Sacajaweau]

We actually replaced an old wooden pipe with a new wooden pipe..this was in the 1980's. The pipe was well over 100 years old.

It was about 48" in diameter...banded as you said. The wood swells when wet and makes a tight seal. It was easier and cheaper to replace with wood. One great job.

[SunkenCiv]

I watched the local gubmint replace the last ones on Main, there was a hole where the street for the old biz section is, and several of them were hosed down, dried off, and preserved in the museum. The cross street's wood pipes were replaced about thirty or so years earlier. If it ain't broke... :^)