There are several types of drainage pipes on the market, all with different uses and applications, so you could be forgiven for not knowing where to start.
Throughout this blog, the specialists in plastic drainage solutions at BP Plastics explain the types of drainage pipes on the market and their uses.
Drainage pipes – what are they, and why are they installed?
Simply put, a drainage pipe transports wastewater from one location to another.
Drainage pipes are installed in our homes and land to move wastewater into main and off-main drainage systems, such as sewers and septic tanks.
The different types of drainage pipes
There are drainage pipes designed for small-scale domestic applications and large-scale industrial projects. Many are versatile and can even be applied across both settings.
Domestic drain piping
In households, wastewater from our bathtubs, sinks, toilets, and gutters all need an outlet for convenient, hygienic, and efficient drainage.
Without it, households would resort to old methods of collecting wastewater and tipping it outside, leading to foul smells and pooling water that damages lawns and shifts house foundations.
Push Fit and solvent weld drainpipes both redistribute household wastewater, only differing in their installation.
Push Fit drainpipes
Push fit drainage pipes are highly popular because they’re affordable, don’t require adhesive to fix together, and can be dissembled – which is handy for removing blockages.
The piping is pushed and locked into fittings, creating a watertight seal to prevent leaks. Due to easy application, those with no plumbing experience can install this piping.
Push fit is available in a variety of materials, including PVC, which is ideal for household waste systems. PVC plastic piping is corrosion-resistant and lightweight, increasing longevity, and making the pipes easier to install.
Solvent weld drainpipes
Solvent weld drainage pipes are just as resistant to corrosive materials as push fit. Instead, however, they’re made from high-quality MuPVC (modified unplasticised polyvinyl chloride), a more durable form of traditional PVC plastic that require special adhesives to connect them, which takes time to apply and set. For this reason, they are considered a more permanent option and are less likely to fall apart.
Underground drainage piping
Underground drainage pipes connect channel drains, grids, and plumbing on properties to drainage and waste systems such as soakaways and septic tanks.
Plastic underground drainage pipes are most popular as they’re lightweight and resist corrosion that can occur in moist conditions beneath the soil.
Underground drainpipes are available in different sizes, so there’s an option for every application. They even have their uses on large-scale projects – for example, channel drain systems on car parks that collect significant volumes of water.
Heavy-duty drainage pipes
In the event of heavy rainfall in industrial settings, heavy-duty drainage pipes installed beneath the surface pipes transport excess water to and from drainage systems or even disperse it into the ground.
Land drainage pipes
Land drainage pipes are perfect for sports facilities with grass pitches, school fields, and other soil-based lands.
Permeable grounds, such as sports pitches, garden lawns, and fields are highly susceptible to flooding because often water collects above the surface when the soil can’t absorb anymore.
Perforated land drainage pipes are an affordable and simple way of dispersing excess water from above the ground.
These pipes are installed below the surface and have small holes in their structure to gather rainwater, which gradually disperses between backfill shingle into the ground.
Twinwall drainage pipes
Twinwall drainage pipes are installed beneath motorways, railways, agricultural settings, and landfill sites rather than standard piping. As they’re made from high-quality MDPE, Twinwall pipes are incredibly strong and can withstand heavy-duty applications.
Part of this strength comes from the distinct ribbed outer frame, which increases its durability.
In domestic applications where more reinforcement is required, for example, if the pipe will run beneath a concrete patio, these pipes can be used instead of underground drainage pipes..
Selecting the best drainage pipe for your application
Whether you’re looking for simple domestic piping or industrial-scale pipes, there’s a pipe type tailored to your needs.
Costs vary depending on extra materials required to install, sizes, and pipe length. For example, perforated land drains should be wrapped in a geotextile membrane to prevent dirt from entering the pipe, which may add to the cost.
However, cost shouldn’t be your motivation for selecting a drainage pipe for your project. Instead, choosing the most appropriate piping will ensure the longevity of your drainage system and ensure it is secure for years to come.