French, channel, and surface drains typically consist of one of two materials: polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or corrugated pipes. Know which material is being used when having a drain installed on your property. We will state unequivocally right now that PVC is the far more durable material.
Corrugated pipes can get damaged when buried deep under, but PVC pipes withstand the pressure and last longer. PVC pipes can last up to 100 years when properly installed and have a low failure rate compared to other materials.
HDPE/N 12 Corrugated Dual Wall Pipe – Strongest
This pipe is equivalent in strength to concrete pipe, although lighter in weight and much easier to cut, and more economical as well. It can be used in multiple applications but more commonly where a high strength rating is required.
Cons of corrugated pipe
Easily clogged: When buried underground, roots can easily grow into the pipe. Slower water flow: Sediment and debris can accumulate in the corrugated ridges, slowing down water flow and increasing the likelihood of it getting clogged.
Generally speaking, corrugated metal pipes (CMP) made of galvanized steel or aluminum can support substantial weight, with load capacities ranging from 2,500 to 41,000 pounds per linear foot (plf) with diameters from 4 to 36 inches when installed with a minimum of 12 inches of cover.
Except for large pipes built for industrial use, most of the PVC pipes we use in domestic and light commercial settings are not built to withstand heavy loads of more than 28 pounds. What is this? The average weight PVC pipe can hold horizontally is about 28 pounds.
In general, 1 inch diameter furniture grade PVC pipe can hold approximately 150 pounds of weight, while 1.5 inch diameter furniture grade PVC pipe can hold around 280 pounds of weight. Thicker pipes with thicker walls and larger diameters can hold even more weight.
Disadvantages of PVC conduit include its physical weakness compared to metal. PVC can break and splinter when exposed to physical stress. It also needs to be supported when installed in longer runs due to sagging. You can bend PVC conduit cold (ambient temperature of 15.5 C) up to about 25mm.
The recommended depth is 14 to 24 inches deep depending on the type of pipe, its diameter, and how cold the winters can get.
Corrugated Pipe Installed Underground WILL Fail
It's a matter of when will the pipe fill with dirt and be crushed underground. Driving a riding lawn mower across the earth above this pipe, even walking across it, can cause the pipe to crush and cause a water flow problem it was supposed to be fixing.
Copper pipe
This is actually considered the best metal-based pipe material due to its sturdiness and resistance to both heat and corrosion.
Stab-Type Fittings
With a stab-type fitting, the union between pipe ends is stronger than the pipe itself, making it ideal for polyethylene pipes, especially heating, ventilation and air conditioning applications.
ABS is considerably stronger than PVC when exposed to frigid weather, but is also weakened by exposure to sunlight. So much so that many southern states exclusively use PVC.
PVC pipe is more flexible than ABS, while ABS is a bit stronger and can resist a higher shock or impact. Additionally, PVC has an advantage in that it's better at muffling the sound of water as it flows through the pipework.
HDPE is ideal for water and wastewater pipelines as well as oil and gas transfer systems. In fact, this reliable and durable material often replaces metallic or concrete pipelines in these applications. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has a higher tensile strength than HDPE pipe, but stronger does not always mean tougher.
Schedule 40 PVC is usually white in color and has thinner walls, thus can handle less pressure than it's counterpart. Schedule 40 PVC pipe works best for low water pressure applications. By contrast, Schedule 80 PVC is usually gray in color and has thicker walls; therefore, it can handle higher water pressures.
Allowable depth of bury can be calculated based on the allowable deflection as described above. PVC products have been installed successfully at depths of 50 feet or more. The following tables provided as quick reference.
Corrugated plastic pipe is a tough material. It's one of the most chemically inert drainage products available making it highly resistant to corrosive gases and chemicals. It does not rust and is highly resistant to abrasion. Joints are watertight in gravity drainage applications.
With the perforations facing down, the primary function is collection and distribution. Even when placed in a ground gutter as described above, the pipe fills with groundwater more quickly. When more water enters one area than another, it flows to another area of the pipe and drains away.
PVC contains dangerous chemical additives including phthalates, lead, cadmium, and/or organotins, which can be toxic to your child's health. These toxic additives can leach out or evaporate into the air over time, posing unnecessary dangers to children.
Limitations of PVC pipes
It's made of vinyl chloride and organotin compounds which can cause negative health reactions and are carcinogenic. Chemicals usually stay locked inside the pipe material but can leach into your water supply. In fact, drinking water from a PVC pipe may have a plastic taste to it.
The strength factor is important when it comes to choosing pipes. This not only determines how long the pipe can last but also its susceptibility to extreme conditions. Due to the material, steel pipes are generally considered to be stronger compared to PVC pipes.
Polyvinyl chloride pipe gets used in all sorts of various applications these days, and there are probably a few reasons for that. PVC costs less than most of the alternatives out there. It doesn't corrode particularly easily, and it's relatively strong.
As per estimation, schedule 40 1.5 inch diameter PVC pipe can take 954 pounds of tensile strength, and schedule 80 1.5 inch diameter PVC pipe can take 1225 pounds of tensile strength. Tensile strength is simply the most weight that can be put on something before it breaks. I hope this answer is helpful to you.
Most smaller sizes of PVC pipe are rated for between 300-600 psi, but that is only if the pipes are new and the system is perfectly sealed.