What type of PVC for downspout drain?

Author: Prof. Joesph Deckow  |  Last update: Thursday, December 18, 2025

Standard schedule 40 PVC will work fine, the size depends on how much water you expect to pass through the pipe over a period of time, but commonly it's around 4" for buried underground drains.

What is the best PVC pipe for downspouts?

Rigid PVC Pipe - This is the most commonly used PVC pipe for gutter drains. The nonperforated interior allows for rainwater and debris to pass through easily. However, it can be more challenging to install, because the rigid design won't be able to bend around obstacles like root systems or irrigation lines.

What type of pipe is used for downspout drainage?

Choosing the wrong downspout pipe, like a perforated pipe, defeats the purpose and allows water to leach through the line near the home's foundation. Instead, homeowners should use a solid corrugated pipe when burying downspouts. Solid pipe is the best option because it's flexible and can be run in one piece.

Can I use schedule 40 PVC for drain?

Schedule 40 PVC pipes are typically used for water supply lines, sewer lines, and drains. Why Use 1 1/2 Schedule 40 PVC Pipe?

What type of PVC to use for drainage?

SDR 35 thick-wall PVC piping is the best material for drainage system piping. Compared to the black, corrugated drain lines you're probably used to, our thick-wall PVC doesn't bend, sag, leak water, or get crushed. When properly installed, PVC drain lines will deliver decades of performance.

PVC vs Corrugated Pipe - The Real Truth - Yard Drainage

What is the best pipe for rainwater drainage?

PVC pipes are the best option for most drainage projects due to their strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install. PVC pipes are strong enough to withstand the weight of soil and water and are not easily damaged by roots or debris.

What is the difference between Type A and Type B PVC pipe?

Type A — for use in ventilation pipe work and rain water and rain water harvesting applications. Type B — for use in soil and waste discharge systems.

What schedule PVC for drainage?

PVC Schedule 40 DWV Pipe & Fittings | Drain, Waste & Vent.

Where can Schedule 40 PVC be used?

In commercial buildings, Schedule 40 PVC conduit is used to route electrical and communication cables through walls, ceilings, and floors. It's ideal for office spaces, retail stores, and public buildings, offering a cost-effective and easy-to-install solution for both new construction and renovations.

Can you run hot water through schedule 40 PVC?

PVC pipes come in 2 different classes. Schedule 40 & Schedule 80 are the most commonly used PVC pipe for water distribution. However, choosing a PVC pipe for hot water is not ideal. PVC has 57% chlorine hence it is normally used for cold water distribution and is not the best pipe for hot water lines.

Can I use a 3 inch pipe for downspout drainage?

Using 3 in downspout pipe will give your roof runoff system a higher velocity. And bonus – it's also the easiest pipe for DIYers to install. To keep that water moving, we're also going to teach you to drop shingle gravel into your catch basin and how you can increase your odds of catching all the shingle gravel.

What material is used for downspout pipes?

Downspout Materials

The most used materials are aluminum, vinyl, steel, and copper. Aluminum downspouts are lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. Aluminum is the most popular material for gutters and downspouts. A vinyl downspout is easy to install and does not rust.

How deep to bury a downspout drain?

The trench should be at least 12 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate your pipe.

Is schedule 40 PVC good for underground?

PVC pipe schedules can range from 10 to 160 but schedules 40, 80, and 120 are the most commonly used for underground applications. The higher the schedule, the thicker the pipe wall.

What is the life expectancy of a PVC downpipe?

Because PVC is immune to corrosion, a minimum service life of at least 100 years can be expected. This figure is supported by a number of independent studies, as well as the experience of many long-term users of PVC piping systems.

When to use schedule 40 vs 80 PVC?

Schedule 40 PVC pipe works best for low water pressure applications. By contrast, Schedule 80 PVC is usually gray in color and has thicker walls; therefore, it can handle higher water pressures. Schedule 80 PVC is well suited for industrial and chemical applications.

What is schedule 40 PVC used for?

You are probably most familiar with schedule 40 PVC pipe. It's the white pipe you see used for drainage around buildings, and it can be found in local hardware stores. This pipe is best suited for drainage, irrigation, and other cold water systems.

Which pipe is stronger, SDR35 or Schedule 40?

Initially Schedule 40 looks better on paper. All around it is stronger, harder to crush.

What type of PVC is used for drains?

PVC pipes are often the pipe of choice for many different applications. It's typically a better choice for indoor uses as it's soundproof, so you won't hear the water flow through the piping system. Regular schedule 40 PVC pipe (here) is perfect for drains and wastewater.

What is the difference between GREY and white Schedule 40 PVC pipe?

The main differences between white PVC pipe and grey PVC conduit can be summarized as follows: Application: White PVC pipe is primarily used in plumbing systems for water supply and drainage, while grey PVC conduit is specifically designed for electrical installations.

Is schedule 40 or 80 thicker?

Wall Thickness – Schedule 80 pipes have a thicker wall than Schedule 40 pipes for the same NPS. The increased wall thickness makes Schedule 80 pipes more robust and able to handle higher pressure and heavier loads.

What is Type B pipe used for?

The Amerivent all-metal, double-wall gas vent is listed as Type B by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and is approved for such residential and commercial applications as Category 1 water heaters, boilers, furnaces, space heaters, or wall heaters.

What do the different colors of PVC pipe mean?

Blue: Potable Water| White: Irrigation and Water. Green: Sewer. Purple: Reclaimed Water. Gray: Electrical Conduit.

What is the strongest grade of PVC pipe?

PVC Schedule 80

Schedule 80 is commonly used for high-pressure applications and is able to withstand higher PSI (pounds per square inch) – making it ideal for industrial and chemical applications. Since schedule 80 PVC has a thicker wall, it is heavier than comparable schedule 40 pipe and fittings.

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