What is in this Article?
- Drainage Systems-Is PVC Or Corrugated Pipe Better For Drainage?
- What is a Drainage Pipe?
- Kinds of Drainage
- Household waste drainage
- Soil drainage
- Rainwater drainage
- What Makes a Drainage System Effective?
- What are Corrugated Pipes?
- What are PVC Pipes?
- PVC vs Corrugated Drain Pipes – What to Choose for Drainage Systems?
- Additional Uses of PVC Pipes
- Get Access to Advanced Drainage Solutions
Drainage Systems
Drainage Systems-Is PVC Or Corrugated Pipe Better For Drainage?
Drainage Systems
Easy access to water and efficient wastewater drainage is essential to every contracting project. It involves the installation of drainage pipes. The material of the line to be used varies according to the situation. Corrugated, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), cast iron, copper, galvanized, and concrete are the most commonly used pipe materials for home drainage systems.
Titan Construction offers premium drainage installation, repair, and replacement services in and around Plainfield, St. Charles, Orland Park, and Lombard. Request a free quote here. Before we find out which pipe is most preferred for drainage, let us learn the basics of drainage pipes and systems.
What is a Drainage Pipe?
Pipes that help drain away wastewater from homes and industrial areas are called drainage pipes. This wastewater is further transferred to the nearest sewage treatment plant for disinfection before being released into water bodies. Drainage pipes also help collect excess rainwater and reduce the harmful effects of soil erosion. Generally, drainage pipes having 3″ to 6″ thicknesses are used for residential purposes. They are usually dug at least a foot deep underground. But in cold climates, they need to be buried deeper to avoid freezing.
Kinds of Drainage
Drainage pipes in homes and small commercial complexes are designed to collect the following main types of runoffs:
Household waste drainage
Specialized drainage pipes carry wastewater from the home’s kitchen and bathroom to the main sewer pipe. Choosing suitable materials and installing seals at appropriate points are essential to maintain hygiene.
Soil drainage
Wastewater from gardens, vegetable-growing plots, and agricultural estates is drained using soil drainage pipes. An efficient soil drainage system ensures no waterlogging and creates a favorable environment for plants and crops to flourish.
Rainwater drainage
Also known as storm drains, particular drainage pipes are installed to drain the rainwater runoff from residential areas and roads. It ensures no blockages and flooding.
What Makes a Drainage 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 pipes 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 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 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.
PVC vs Corrugated Drain Pipes – What to Choose for Drainage Systems?
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 labor 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:
- 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
Get Access to Advanced Drainage Solutions
Now that you know the clear winner of PVC vs corrugated drain pipes, your next question is, “where to find dependable PVC drainage pipe installation services near me?” At Titan Construction, we provide you with the best-in-the-field drainage and plumbing technicians in Plainfield, St. Charles, Orland Park, and Lombard, who undertake an in-depth survey of your property. They then suggest the most workable solutions to ensure adequate wastewater drainage.
Contact us for a free consultation. We will furnish you with suitable corrective measures for your drainage systems. Write to us at info@mytitanconstruction.com for further queries.
