What Kind of PVC Pipe to Use for Storm-water Drainage System?

In modern construction and municipal engineering, the design and material selection of drainage systems are of paramount importance. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe has become one of the preferred materials for drainage due to its lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy-to-install properties. However, many users still have questions about specific application scenarios for PVC pipe: “Can PVC pipe be used in drainage systems? Which PVC pipe is suitable for rainwater drainage?”.In this article, we will analyze the drainage performance of PVC pipe, selection criteria and construction points, to provide you with professional and practical content support.

First part, Why choose PVC pipe for drainage system?

1, PVC pipe takes an important role in drainage system, because of the following advantages:

Strong corrosion resistance: PVC pipes are highly resistant to acids, alkalis, salts and other chemicals, and are more suitable than other pipes for conveying sewage or rainwater containing impurities.

Lightweight and easy to install: the weight of PVC pipe is only 1/5 of cast iron pipe, which significantly reduces transportation and construction costs.

Smooth inner wall: low coefficient of friction and low resistance to water flow allow magazines and sewage to pass through quickly, reducing the risk of clogging.

Long service life: can be used for more than 50 years under normal environment, with extremely low maintenance cost.

Environmental protection: recyclable and reusable, in line with green building standards.

2. Diversified application scenarios for PVC pipes: infrastructure support from households to cities

Residential and commercial buildings:

PVC pipes are widely used in vertical risers and horizontal drainage branches of buildings, e.g., kitchen wastewater, bathroom wastewater discharge. Their silent design (e.g. internal spiral silencer) reduces water flow noise and improves living comfort.

Balcony and roof drainage:

Combined with rainwater hoppers and gutters, DN75~110mm PVC pipes can efficiently channel storm water and prevent roof leakage.

Road rainwater pipe network:

SN8 PVC pipes with high cyclic stiffness are buried under the roads, and through the linkage design of rainwater grates, pipes and sedimentation tanks, surface runoff can be quickly channeled to avoid urban flooding.

Park and square drainage:

Under the green belt paved with permeable layer and PVC blind pipe (porous water seepage pipe), not only can discharge water, but also to achieve rainwater recharge underground, help sponge city construction.

PVC Pipe for Storm-Water Drainage System

Part II, What kind of PVC pipe is suitable for storm-water drainage system?

Comparative Analysis of PVC Pipe and Other Pipes

Materials	Strengths	Shortcoming	Applicable scenarios
PVC pipe	Low cost, corrosion resistant, and easy to install	Poor UV resistance (need to be buried)	90% civil drainage system
Cast iron pipes	Strong holding capacity	Heavy weight, easy to rust	Industrial high pressure drainage
HDPE pipe	Good flexibility	High unit price, complex connection process	Earthquake zone area

1. Storm-water drainage needs to cope with the following challenges:

Large instantaneous flow: rapid diversion is required during heavy rainfall to avoid waterlogging.

More impurities: leaves, mud, sand and other easy to cause clogging of the pipeline.

Temperature effects: outdoor environments need to withstand temperature variations from -10°C to 60°C.

Types of PVC pipe that can be used for storm-water drainage applications

According to international standards (e.g. ASTM D3034, ISO 4435), the following two types of PVC pipes are recommended:

PVC pipe installation requirements

Cutting pipe: use special pipe cutter to ensure a smooth cut.

Socket connection: apply PVC special glue, insert the depth of 1/3 of the pipe diameter.

Fixed bracket: set up a bracket every 1.5 meters, the elbow needs to be reinforced.

Backfill test: backfill in layers and do water test to check leakage.

Common mistakes and ways to avoid them in the installation of PVC pipes that can be used for rainwater drainage

Mistake 1: Pipe leakage.

Reason: Uneven application of glue → Apply glue evenly with the help of a serrated brush and complete the connection within 30 seconds.

Mistake 2: Pipe deformation.

Reason: Failure to install expansion joints leads to thermal expansion and contraction → Set up an expansion joint every certain distance

How to maintain and extend the service life of PVC pipes used for storm water drainage?

Regular inspection: Clean the deposits in the inspection well before the rainy season.

Anti-freezing measures: cold areas can be wrapped with insulation cotton or buried deep below the permafrost layer.

Chemical protection: Avoid discharging strong acid (pH<2) or alkali (pH>12) fluids.

Avoid prolonged exposure: UV rays can cause surface chalking. Buried in the ground or with an external protective layer is required.

As a professional PVC pipe supplier, we offer a full range of products from DN50 to DN600 and support customized solutions. Contact us now for free technical consultation and quotation!

Supplier

Luoyang Datang Energy Tech Co., Ltd. is a leading Chinese manufacturer specializing in high-quality plastic pipes and fittings. Equipped with state-of-the-art automated production lines and supported by a team of 200 professionals, we offer an extensive product line comprising over 150 types of plastic pipes and fittings designed for water supply and drainage systems, gas transmission, and floor heating systems. Our main products include PVC Pipes and Fittings, PE (HDPE) Pipes and Fittings, PPR Pipes and Fittings, and PEX Floor Heating Pipes.

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