When to use corrugated pipe?

PVC vs Corrugated Pipe:  Choosing the best Conveyance for your project

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.  Cost is often the deciding factor on what type of pipe to use, but having the information to make an informed decision will go a long way to making a determination on what pipe is the best to use for a particular project. Central&#;s new Category Director for Drainage, Eric Cummings, walks you through the pros and cons of PVC vs Corrugated Pipe so you can get ahead.  

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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 pipe are way 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. 

• 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

Some disadvantages are as follows 

• 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.

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.

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.

Finally,

At Central, we carry a wide variety of pipe sizes and types. From coils of flexible corrugated, pvc sdr35, N12 smooth Interior to PVC triple wall, we will be able to provide the pipe 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. 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!

READ MORE EXPERT DRAINAGE ARTICLES!

About Eric Cummings

Do you have areas in your yard that stay wet all of the time, or low spots where rain collects and never dries completely? Poor drainage can damage house foundations, trees, and plants. Poor drainage can also keep your lawn muddy and unusable. Installing a drainage system can eliminate wetness, and help resolve those issues by redirecting that standing water, and depositing it somewhere else. There are several drainage options available including downspout drains, French drains, surface and subsurface drainage systems. Each option typically uses either corrugated or PVC pipe, or sometimes a combination of both.

Corrugated pipe is a flexible material, built with alternating ridges and grooves. It is used in drains where flexibility, durability and strength are important. Corrugated pipe can be used at your home to carry water runoff from gutters and eaves. PVC pipe is a rigid material, made from a combination of plastic and vinyl material. PVC piping is commonly used in underground water drainage systems.

Pros of Corrugated

Less expensive

Lightweight

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Bendable - allowing easier production of joints, bends, and crests when installing.

Cons of Corrugated

If not buried underground it can be easily damaged by lawn mowers, foot traffic and pets.

Roots can easily grown in to the pipe.

Debris can collect in the ridges which slows water flow, and can cause clogs.

Pros of PVC

Available in many lengths, diameters and thickness.

Durable and not penetrable by roots, so there is less likelihood of issues when buried underground.

The walls of PVC are smooth, and less likely to catch debris or have issues with clogging or slow water flow.

Cons of PVC

More expensive

It has hard, thick walls, which do not allow for any natural bend in the pipe.

It is more difficult to install than corrugated pipe.

McBrayer Landscapes installs many different types of drainage systems, using both corrugated and PVC piping. Often, a combination of different systems are used in order to completely eliminate the drainage problem. We are innovative in our approach to unique drainage issues we encounter.

For questions regarding Drainage Solutions, contact McBrayer Landscapes at

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Define Corrugated. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.