When it comes to choosing a pipe type for a drainage project, contractors tend to defer to what they are comfortable with.  &#;We only use corrugated&#; or &#;we only use PVC&#; is a mantra we at Central hear over and over again.  Being tied to a type of pipe is more a function of repetition than it is a function of analyzing what is the best choice for a project.  While cost is often the driving factor in deciding on the type of pipe to use on a project, performance, durability, longevity and availability should also be a part of the equation.  Below we will examine some of the good and bads when it comes to making an informed decision on choosing the pipe for a drainage project.

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Pros and Cons of Flexible Corrugated Pipe

The number one deciding factor in choosing to use corrugated is cost.  Rolls of corrugated pipe vs sticks of rigid smooth interior pipe are much less expensive.  While for some this is the end all be all in terms of selection, we have to consider all factors when choosing the right pipe.  Here are the additional pros for choosing to use flexible corrugated pipe.

Pros of using Corrugated Pipe beside cost:

• Ability to run curves or any shape you would like
• No need for fittings to make turns
• Ability to transport larger quantities in a work truck

Cons of Using Corrugated Pipe:

• Much lower flow rates
• Since the pipe is flexible, water can sit in low spots after rain events
• Have to be more precise to dig a flat and properly pitched trench before installing
• Durability (who hasn&#;t dug up a corrugated pipe filled with soil and roots?)
• Need to create more pitch in the trench to create positive downhill flow.

Pros of using Smooth Interior Pipe

• Better flow rates even with less slope
• More durable
• No standing water
• Less forgiving trench excavation
• Longer lasting

Cons of using Smooth Interior Pipe

• Higher cost of both pipe and fittings
• Less can fit into a truck for delivery
• Necessity to use fittings to make every turn

Flow Rates of Flexible vs Smooth Interior Pipes

The first thing to consider is that a flexible pipe will need more pitch than a smooth wall interior pipe.  Minimum slopes required are below:

Smooth Interior pipe is especially advantageous when you are working on a site without a lot of pitch.  Using smooth wall pipe will save you over a foot of digging over a 100-foot run.  Less digging means less labor which is something we all like to see.

The other big advantage of smooth interior wall pipe is very evident when looking at discharge rates.  Discharge rate is also explained as the gallons per minute (GPM) a particular pipe is able to move.  Referencing the below charts, we will focus on the 4 inch pipe as an example.  When installing a 4-inch smooth interior pipe at a 2% slope, we are able to move 157 gallons of water per minute.  When compared to corrugated, we are only able to mover 98 gallons of water per minute.  For reference, a 4 inch smooth wall pipe at a 1% slope will move more water than a 4 inch corrugated at a 2% slope.  See discharge rate tables below for more information on these and other pipe sizes below. The first is for smooth interior wall and the second is for corrugated.

Where Central Can Help

Choosing the right pipe for a project is not always a matter of cost.  The right pipe choice can save labor in terms of installation and create a system that performs better, moves more water more efficiently and creates a more durable system you will be able to count on for years to come.

At Central, we carry a wide variety of pipe sizes and types.  From coils of flexible corrugated, PVC sdr35, sch40, Dual Wall HDPE smooth Interior to PVC triple wall, we will be able to provide the pipe and fittings you need to insure proper performance.  As your drainage partner, we will help you in the making the right decision for your project and then provide the material in competitively priced in stock fashion.  Another huge part of the Central Difference is our ability to deliver direct to your shop or jobsite at no cost.  Sending crew members off the jobsite to pick up the forgotten items for a project can cost you thousands per year.  Let us help you with accurate project-based parts lists as well as stocking your shop with all of the commonly bought items you should never be running out of.   In a year where profits will be tougher to come by, having the right material in stock at your shop could make a huge difference in boosting your bottom line.

We understand there is a lot to consider when choosing the right pipe.  With knowledgeable account managers and branch personnel, we can make this decision an informed one and you will rest assured you choose the right pipe from your drainage project.  Central has the pipe you need along with all the accessories required to complete your project.  Please reach out to your local branch or rep to talk over how we can help!

Drainage Pipe Usage: Is PVC or Corrugated Better?

Choosing between a PVC and corrugated drainage pipe can be challenging. However, remember that easy access to water and efficient wastewater drainage is essential to every contracting project. Indeed, The material of the line you should use varies by each situation. In fact, corrugated, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), cast iron, copper, galvanized, and concrete are the most commonly used pipe materials for home drainage systems.

What is a Drainage Pipe?

To start, pipes that help drain away wastewater from homes and industrial areas are called drainage pipes. Then, this waste is further transferred to the nearest sewage treatment plant for disinfection before being released into water bodies. Also, Drainage pipes collect excess rainwater and reduce the harmful effects of soil erosion. Generally, drainage pipes with 3&#; to 6&#; thickness are used for residential purposes. Indeed, they are dug at least a foot deep underground. However, in cold climates, they need to be buried deeper to avoid freezing.

Kinds of Drainage Pipes

Notably, Drainage pipes in homes and small commercial complexes are designed to collect the following main types of runoffs:

Household waste drainage

First, know that drainage pipes carry wastewater from the home&#;s kitchen and bathroom to the main sewer pipe. Thus, choosing the right pipe is essential to maintain hygiene.

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Soil drainage

Next, wastewater from gardens is drained using soil drainage pipes. Indeed, a good drainage system ensures no waterlogging. Thus, crops can flourish.

Rainwater drainage

Also known as storm drains, these drainage pipes are installed to drain the rainwater runoff from residential areas and roads. Therefore, no blockages or flooding happens on roads.

What Makes a Drainage Pipe System Effective?

An effective drainage system allows wastewater to flow away from the property towards the main sewer pipe without getting clogged. For this, the wastewater must travel through the lines with sufficient velocity. This velocity is achieved using the correct material for pipe manufacture and the suitable diameter. Hence, the discussion regarding PVC vs corrugated drain pipe is of supreme importance, depending on the location and purpose. The drainage lines must also have adequate ventilation and a self-cleaning mechanism. Seal traps should be provided frequently to prevent any foul odor from spreading. If there is backflow, the drainage pipe should ensure that the discarded sewage does not reenter the property.

What are Corrugated Drainage Pipes?

Tubes having a parallel network of ridges and grooves on their surface are known as corrugated pipes. They are usually made of iron or steel and can be coated or lined. The sizes vary according to the application. For gutter drainage systems, small-sized corrugated pipes are employed. Large-sized corrugated pipes are used for more extensive drainage systems like culverts and storm drains.

Merits

• Due to their corrugated nature, they possess a high degree of flexibility. Hence, they can bend into tight spaces easily.
• They are lightweight.
• They are simple to manipulate, transport and store.
• They are available easily.
• The cost is economical.

Demerits

• They can get crushed underground since their walls are thin and flexible.
• Water movement inside them is limited.
• They can trap debris and cause a blockage and root growth inside.
• They have poor tolerance to high temperatures.
• The flow of water inside the pipes is significantly audible outside.

What are PVC Drainage Pipes?

Drainage pipes manufactured using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as the raw material are called PVC pipes. PVC is a multifaceted thermoplastic used to make conduits and fittings. It finds enormous applications in the plumbing industry. PVC pipes are commonly used in constructing sewage lines, irrigation systems, and sanitation networks. They come in different sizes and thicknesses depending on the water they are meant to transfer. Available in various dimensions and sizes, PVC pipes are used extensively for water supply to buildings, factories, and industries.

Merits

• Since ridges are absent, they do not slow down water velocity.
• Debris and solid material do not get trapped inside.
• They don&#;t break or get damaged easily.
• They are durable and rugged.
• They can last for a long time.
• They are easy to clean and maintain.

Demerits

• They are expensive compared to corrugated pipes.
• They are not flexible and may require additional fittings to adjust to the area.
• The installation process can be time-consuming.
• They are susceptible to cracking.
• They contain compounds that are not entirely eco-friendly.
• They may melt at high temperatures.

Which Drainage Pipe Should You Use?

The endurance of a property&#;s foundation and structure depends significantly on its drainage system. Proper drainage facilities can prevent almost 90% of structural damage to a building or basement area. The structure will last longer if water is not allowed to pool around the foundation. This feat is achieved by using the correct piping material to drain water away from the property.

If you want free-flowing water drainage with minimum blocks, PVC pipes are your best option. Though PVC pipes pose difficulties in installation, require skilled labour to lay them out, and are expensive, they are worth the investment. Here are the main reasons why PVC pipes are preferred over corrugated pipes for drainage systems:

• Water moves three times more in PVC pipes than in corrugated pipes.
• PVC pipes require minimum maintenance.
• PVC pipes keep wastewater moving without any clogs, unlike corrugated pipes.
• Corrugated pipes can get damaged when buried deep under, but PVC pipes withstand the pressure and last longer.
• PVC pipes can last up to 100 years when properly installed and have a low failure rate compared to other materials.
• PVC pipes require fewer manufacturing resources and can be recycled.
• PVC production is generally supervised by competent authorities who have set standards to oversee manufacturing. This ensures the generation of quality material.
• PVC pipes are resistant to corrosion and microbial growth compared to corrugated pipes.

Additional Uses of PVC Pipes

Apart from finding a vast degree of application in the drainage industry, PVC pipes are also used in the following areas:

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• Underground and rooftop rainwater harvesting systems
• Agricultural systems like sprinklers, irrigation devices, and pesticide and fertilizer applicators
• Multipurpose fire sprinkler systems
• Transportation of industrial substances and hazardous chemicals
• Shipping of chemical substances like organic acids, alcohols, hydrocarbons, alkalis, and ammonia to factories
• Valves and fittings
• Exhausts and air ventilation systems in infrastructure industries
• Cable insulations for electrical wires and circuit components

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