For most exterior drainage lines like French drains and downspout runoffs, perforated or solid PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) are the best choices.
Due to its flexibility, corrugated piping systems can easily withstand natural settlements without suffering cracks or leakages.
PEX is significantly more vulnerable to UV than PVC. While brief exposure to sunlight during installation is acceptable, it cannot be used in above-ground or outdoor applications. PEX fixtures, on the other hand, are solely limited to indoor or underground outdoor use.
A: PVC pipes are the preferred choice for house drainage due to their affordability, lightweight nature, resistance to corrosion, and long lifespan. HDPE pipes are another excellent option, known for their flexibility and durability, making them ideal for underground drainage systems.
Houses built since the 1960s are considered to have “modern” drain lines usually made from black ABS plastic. This is a huge improvement over cast iron and clay pipes, and if undamaged should last 100 years.
Polyvinyl chloride or PVC is the most popular option for drainage pipes. This is mainly due to its strength, durability, longevity, malleability, and resistance to water, chemicals, and corrosion.
If your plumbing needs replacing or you're building a new home, we recommend choosing PVC plumbing and drainpipes because of their cost, durability, longevity, and efficiency. PVC drainpipes will ensure proper drainage of your water for decades in the future and are easily repairable in case something goes wrong.
Bury drainage pipes 12 to 18 inches deep for basic downspouts or yard drains. However, this depth can change based on your local climate, pipe purpose, and the weight of traffic passing over it.
The most common sewer pipe types include clay, cast iron, Orangeburg, PVC, and ABS. Each material has different strengths, different weaknesses, and different long-term repair considerations.
Dig-up test results in the U.S. and around the world indicate that PVC pipe can be expected to provide reliable service in excess of 100 years. The average water main is failing at 4 7 years. Corrosion is the major cause.
Myth: PEX tubing has a short life span. Fact: The life span of PEX tubing can vary based on frequency of use, water quality and water temperature and has an average life expectancy of 40-50 years.
Mistakes During Underground Installation
One of the most common mistakes is not following the required burial depth. According to the NEC (National Electrical Code), the minimum burial depth for rigid nonmetallic conduit (PVC) in most residential applications is 18 inches.
Estimate the length, width and depth of the trench based on what you need to install underground. For instance, a 4-inch pipe for a French drain should be installed in a trench 6-12 inches wide and 18-24 inches deep. In that case, you will need a 24-inch trencher.
PVC is most commonly used for drain, waste, and vent lines. It is not recommended for use in potable water lines because it can leach chemicals into the water. CPVC is most commonly used for potable water lines.
Underground drainage pipes, often referred to as sewer pipes, plot drainage or house drainage, typically use 110mm drainage pipe and fittings. For larger capacity use JDP's 160mm drainage pipe and fittings. For more information on fitting underground drain pipes, please see our installation and principles article.
Surface and Sub-Surface Drainage Systems
This is achieved using open drains and piping – the water gathers in open drains and flows into the piping which directs the water away from the house. Sub-surface drainage consists of underground drains and pipes which remove excess water from the soil.
Pipe for conveying liquids susceptible to freezing should be buried no less than 12" below the maximum frost level. Permanent lines subject to heavy traffic should have a minimum cover of 24". For light traffic, 12" to 18" is normally sufficient for small diameter pipe (typically < 3" diameter).
PVC and CPVC pipe filled with water, sealed and placed in a freezing environment typically will not crack. The pipes will expand to absorb the net volumetric expansion of ice.
The 135 rule means horizontal drain pipes cannot connect using a fitting that creates more than a 135-degree change in direction. In plain terms, you cannot use a standard short-turn 90-degree elbow between two horizontal drain lines. Plumbers use two 45-degree elbows, a long-sweep 90, or a wye-and-eighth-bend instead.
CPVC pipe, a type of plastic pipe, is rigid with thicker walls than copper. However, it won't lose heat as quickly, making it a better solution. This plastic pipe is also less rigid than copper. CPVC will expand a bit, minimizing the pressure on its walls and keeping it from bursting as quickly as copper.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is the most widely used material in residential sewer line installations today – and for good reason. It's durable, lightweight, cost-effective, and meets or exceeds most local plumbing codes. Many professionals consider PVC to be the best sewer line material.
Though copper and other plastic pipes have been around for decades, PEX — cross-linked polyethylene — has offered a more reliable plumbing solution in the U.S. for over 35 years.
A layer of gravel (see below for size recommendations) should be placed in the trench to a minimum depth of 1 inch. It may be deeper, as necessary, to ensure minimal slope requirements. All drainage pipes should be placed on the gravel bed in the trench.
Technically, the answer is yes: there's nothing stopping a toilet and shower from evacuating water via the same drain. But when it comes to hygiene and practicality, it's generally not a good idea to have a shared drain for your toilet and your shower.
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