Whilst your home’s foundations play a crucial part in the structure and rigidity of your property, the underground drainage system is also important. After all, a lack of proper drainage can lead to all kinds of issues – including flooding and collapse of the building – which equate to more money being spent on repairs!
Carefully selecting underground drainage pipes will not only ensure hazardous waste is disposed of efficiently, but will also protect the health of your loved ones by maintaining hygienic standards.
But the question is, how do you know which underground drain pipes to choose? And more importantly, what size is best? You can discuss the same with a drainfield installation specialist.
Here, we take a look at the different types of underground drainage pipes, including the various size options available.
Underground drainage pipe types and sizes
Sewer drain pipes
Sewer pipes are frequently used in underground drainage systems as they are lightweight and extremely durable.
Aside from being easy to install, these pipes have a smooth surface that prevents roots from nearby plants and trees from wrapping around them and causing serious damage.
Sewer pipes are typically sold in 110mm and 160mm diameters in standard sizes, which is ideal for carrying waste in most sewer systems. Heavier duty applications generally require larger PVC pipes, to ensure waste is removed efficiently.
Land drain pipes
Also known as land drain coils, land drain pipes are a flexible type of plastic pipe used for commercial and agricultural purposes.
Available in perforated and unperforated coils, they allow water to be collected and diverted to a soakaway crate, storm drain or stream. This ultimately helps to reduce waterlogging in gardens, sports fields and other landscaped areas with certain soil types, or where excessive rainfall is a problem.
Land pipe coils typically come in 25 and 50m lengths, in a choice of diameter sizes, including 60mm, 80mm, 100mm, 160mm and 200mm.
Twinwall surface water pipes
A Twinwall pipe is one where two plastic pipes are fused inside one another. These underground drainage pipes have a smooth interior and corrugated exterior – offering durability and compressive strength, which makes them perfect for withstanding large amounts of pressure.
Manufactured from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), perforated and unperforated Twinwall surface water pipes are available.
They come in a variety of diameters – ranging from 150mm right the way up to 600mm – and lend themselves to larger projects, below pavements, roads and even airports and railways.
MDPE water pipes
Blue water pipes are used for potable (drinking) water, as well as water service connections between mains and domestic properties. Black water pipes, on the other hand, are for transporting non-consumable water, such as seawater or foul water from bathrooms.
Both black and blue water supply pipes are manufactured from stress-resistant MDPE (medium-density polyethylene), which is extremely strong and designed to carry water. Unlike other materials, MDPE can withstand changes in pressure and won’t lose its shape.
MDPE water supply pipes come in several lengths with diameters of 20mm, 25mm, 32mm, 50mm or 63mm, and are secured using compression fittings.
Cast iron drain pipes
Unlike other underground drainage pipes, those that are made from cast iron are quiet, recyclable and non-combustible.
The biggest advantage of cast iron underground drain pipes is that they offer tensile strength and require minimal maintenance. They’re suitable for rainwater applications and soil and waste pipe systems, too.
Cast iron pipes are widely available in 100mm, 150mm, 200mm, 250mm, 300mm and 400mm diameters.
Need an expert opinion?
If you’re unsure which type of underground drainage pipes are best for your application, or you don’t know what size you need for your drainage system, the team at Build Plumb Plastics can help.
Their plastic drainage specialists are always on hand to guide and advise you and will be more than happy to assist you in making an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right pipes for your underground drainage.
To discuss your requirements with the BP Plastics team over the phone, call 01255 258 525.
Order underground drainage supplies online
Already know which size and type of underground drainage pipes you need? Be sure to scroll through the extensive range available on the BP Plastics website.
Discover underground drainage pipes and fittings in an array of sizes from leading brands, such as Brett Martin and Polypipe, to name just a couple.
BP Plastics pride themselves on offering competitive prices and provide fantastic cash savings on bulk orders – allowing you to stock up on the supplies you need without breaking the bank.
Alton Clarke was born and raised in Syracuse. He has written for MSNBC, The Business Insider and Passport Magazine. In regards to academics, Alton earned a degree from St. John’s University. Alton covers entertainment and culture stories here at Diving daily.
