PVC comes in a variety of colors and with varying ratings for uses.
PVC pipe is a great durable building material that can be used for a wide variety of projects. PVC is rated for drain, water, and ventilation applications, making it ideal for drainage projects. There are virtually limitless drainage projects that can be accomplished using PVC pipe, but there are a few common applications that the material excels in. Does this Spark an idea?
French Drain
A French Drain is a drainage system frequently used to prevent water from backing up at the sight of a patio or gutter downspout. Many homes with basements prone to flooding utilize PVC in French Drain installations to whisk water away from the home. A PVC French Drain consists of a 5 inch length of perforated PVC buried in gravel in the area where flooding is an issue. The 5 inch pipe is buried with a down slope from the house, and is reduced down in to a smaller piece of pipe which carries water away from the house.
Downspout Replacement
Many homeowners opt for PVC pipe as a replacement for gutter downspouts, or leaders. PVC can be attached directly to vinyl or aluminum gutters, and can have elbows and couplers added on to carry water a safe distance from the house. Be careful not to cement the pieces together, however, as you will need to be able to dismantle the installation for cleaning. Opt instead for drilling and screwing the elbows and pipes in to place.
Sump Pump Drain
PVC pipe is an excellent material for a sump pump drain. Many regions have enacted laws prohibiting homeowners with sump pumps from draining their basements in to the city sewer system. As such, homeowners must detach from their sewer line and run their sump pump drain away from the house, to the curb or a far corner of a yard. PVC is a great low-cost material that can be strung together to span whatever distance is necessary, and can be hidden underground readily.
Multiple Rain Barrel Install
Rain barrels are a great way to repurpose rain water that would otherwise go to waste after draining from your roof. Rain barrels are typically 50 gallon drums attached to a downspout in your gutter system. Once this barrel is full, water bypasses the barrel and is again dumped out your downspout. You can string multiple rain barrels together by using PVC pipe fittings and pipe, which most barrels are equipped with connections for, enabling you to have a larger reservoir of rain water, which is especially useful in regions prone to drought.
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