Understanding Drainage & Storm Water
Properly handling storm water is the most important aspect of any project. Under most circumstances, you have one opportunity to make sure this is done correctly. Standing water can cause irreversible damage to structures and poses a threat to personal safety during freezing temperatures.
Remember, water will always win if not handled properly!
Under no circumstances should corrugated flexible pipe be used for gutter and underground drainage.
Corrugated pipe is weak in compressive strength with thin walls, making it susceptible to tree root punctures and cave-ins.
The interior 'corrugations' or 'ribs' restrict water velocity. Leaves and silt from gutters cannot effectively exit the pipe.
The preferred pipe for underground storm water is rigid smooth wall pipe. Referred to as 'SDR-35' or 'Triple Wall Smooth', these pipes are considerably stronger in strength and thickness.
Hence the name, rigid smooth pipe has no interior obstructions, allowing the pipe to be self cleaning.
SDR-35 pipe is required by code in most municipalities for exterior sewer.
Deliberately placed washouts or 'access ports' are important for the longevity the drain system.
These washout locations allow for routine maintenance. In the event a blockage does occur, a drain snake or camera device can enter the system via the washout port.
This allows for a less invasive approach if repairs need to be made.
