Which pipe is best for drainage?

Author: Armand Ferry  |  Last update: Friday, July 4, 2025

PVC drainage lines are the most common type of drain pipe that's found in homes, and they're also available at low prices. ABS piping is similar but less commonly used. Therefore, if you need to have a drain pipe replaced, you'll usually need a PVC drainage pipe.

Should I use PVC or corrugated pipe for drainage?

Use PVC if you need a long-lasting, durable solution with better flow characteristics, especially for applications requiring higher performance. Use corrugated pipe for simpler, cost-effective drainage solutions in less demanding environments, such as yard drainage or agricultural applications.

What type of pipe to use for drains?

Material. Polyvinyl Chloride pipes are the most commonly used pipes for any drainage project. Due to the material's malleable properties, PVC pipes can come in almost any size. These types of pipes are great for drainage situations where the water and environment exert a great deal of pressure and weight.

What pipe is used for yard drainage?

You can use an inexpensive, flexible drainage hose if you need a curved drain or longer-lasting PVC pipe if you want a more durable system. If you choose the latter, drill holes about 6 inches apart along the length of the pipe.

What type of pipe should be used for foundation drainage?

To carry water away from the foundation, a footing drain system should be installed consisting of a perforated drain pipe (also called drain tile) that is located underground on the exterior side of the footings at a depth below the level of the basement slab or crawlspace floor.

PVC vs Corrugated Pipe - The Real Truth - Yard Drainage

What is the best pipe for underground drainage?

PVC pipes are widely used for underground drainage systems due to their high durability, flexibility, and ease of installation. They don't break or crack, and they can withstand extremely cold temperatures, unlike other materials, such as copper.

Should I use solid or perforated drain pipe?

If absorption and drainage are required, perforated pipe should be used. If pipe serves only to move water away from an area (such as downspout run-offs, etc.), non-perforated pipe is best because it will not dissipate water into the surrounding area.

What is best for drainage in a yard?

Our team at The Grounds Guys of Gettysburg wants to help you protect your landscape from excessive water and flooding with these attractive drainage ideas for your backyard.
  1. Utilize Plants and Mulch. ...
  2. Use Landscaping Rocks Under a Downspout. ...
  3. Dig Swales to Divert Rainwater. ...
  4. Incorporate Gravel in Edging. ...
  5. Design a Rain Garden.

Should you put gravel under a drainage pipe?

All drainage pipes should be placed on the gravel bed in the trench. PVC drainpipe, if used, should be placed in the trench with the holes facing down. Pipe connections shall not impair the overall function of the pipeline.

How deep should yard drainage pipe be?

Once you start digging your drain depth will need to be anywhere from eight inches to two feet, depending on your needs and available options.

What is the best material for drainage pipes?

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 size pipe is best for drainage?

A three-inch pipe is what's used in homes to pipe toilets. The four-inch pipe is used as the building drain under floors or in crawlspaces to transport all the wastewater from a home out to the septic tank or sewer. The four-inch pipe may also be used in a home if it's capturing two or more bathrooms.

What is the name of the pipe used for drainage?

PVC Drainage Lines

PVC drainage lines are the most common type of drain pipe that's found in homes, and they're also available at low prices. ABS piping is similar but less commonly used.

What should drainage pipe be laid on?

All pipes should be laid in a trench that is 300mm wider than the pipes themselves. In addition to this, all plastic pipe runs need to be laid on a 10mm layer of pea shingle or fine gravel. This will provide a base for larger grade material and backfill to be placed on top later.

What are the disadvantages of corrugated pipe?

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.

What is the black plastic pipe used for drain lines?

ABS: Short for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, this sturdy plastic was one of the first plastics used for residential plumbing. ABS pipes are always black and tend to be softer than PVC. They are mainly used for vent and drain lines, along with other outdoor underground uses where cold temperatures are common.

How deep to bury a 4 inch drain pipe?

The minimum cover required when the drainage system is in a traffic area with drainage pipe diameters from 100 mm through 1200 mm (4”-48”) must have at least 0.3 m (12”) of cover over the pipe crown, while 1500 mm (60”) pipes must have at least 0.6 m (24”) of cover.

What is the best pipe for underground plumbing?

What is the best pipe to use for an underground water line? You can use both PVC and PEX pipes for an underground water line. Both are able to be buried and can withstand high pressure. They are also resistant to rusting and corrosion.

What is the best aggregate for drainage?

Pea Gravel's reputation as the best option for drainage stems from its unique properties. These small, rounded stones have high permeability, allowing water to flow through easily and preventing accumulation. This makes it perfect for various applications, including French drains, garden beds, and pathways.

What is the most effective drainage system?

French Drains

The perforations in the pipe allow water to seep into the drain, and the gravel helps to filter out any debris. The soil on top helps to keep the gravel in place and also aids in the absorption of water. French drains are an effective way to reduce flooding and prevent water damage.

How do I fix poor water drainage in my yard?

Drainage and soggy lawns – what you should do now before the...
  1. Aerate your lawn. ...
  2. Amend the soil. ...
  3. Regrade your yard. ...
  4. Build a retaining wall. ...
  5. Install a French drain. ...
  6. Dig a dry well or catch basin. ...
  7. Install a dry creek bed or a rain garden.

What is the best landscape material for drainage?

Pea gravel is one of the best materials for landscape drainage because its small size allows for outstanding drainage. These rocks are only about ¾ inches in size. Pea gravel is available in a variety of shades, including brown, grey, blue, and red, making it a good choice for a number of different landscapes.

What type of pipe is best for yard drainage?

While 4-inch corrugated is the industry standard, there are several reasons why a 3-inch downspout pipe could be the right choice for particular drainage application. 3-inch corrugated pipe moves roof runoff water at a higher velocity.

Is PVC or corrugated pipe better for yard drainage?

While landscapers use “non-rigid corrugated NDS pipes,” we use drainage grade PVC pipe because it is more durable and longer-lasting, especially when buried under heavy materials like soil. The corrugated pipe is cheaper but not nearly as strong.

Should drain pipe be ABS or PVC?

An ABS pipe is more heavy-duty than a PVC pipe. This can make it an ideal choice for sewage jobs and other underground applications that may subject the piping to lower temperatures. PVC, on the other hand, is more commonly used for water lines and indoor plumbing.

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