Drain tile survival
user-7022518
| Posted in General Questions on
We are building a house in Virginia and would like a good waterproofing system and ultimately a dry basement. The excavator we are using can install the drain tile, however when asked if he could use schedule 40 pipe around the perimeter, he said he uses something better which is 4″ perforated flex pipe. I am worried about this pipe becoming crushed over time. What is the best drain tile to use? Lisa
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Lisa,
The comments this thread may help: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/question/footer-drain-in-high-clay-soils
I wouldn't worry so much about it being more easily crushed, but it is more likely to get clogged due to the corrugated surface. This pipe IS very commonly used though, but I wouldn't call it "better".
The perforated PVC pipe is probably a better option if you're looking for a trouble-free drain. You'd need a sock over it to keep sediment out. Note that the typical perforated PVC pipe isn't the usual white schedule 40 stuff, it's usually slightly thinner schedule 30 pipe. There is also SDR 35 pipe which is different from the "schedule" pipes. It's more labor intensive to install any of the rigid drain pipes, so expect using that material to have higher costs to install.
Bill
My drain excavator (who seemed quite good) told me that PVC is better.
Thank you--you have all confirmed that the schedule 40 PVC is the better choice! Lisa
There is a double wall corrugated pipe which has a smooth inside. Might be worth asking about at least.