Thread: Which pipe drains better underground?

This question has been buggling my mind?
Which pipe drains better underground? Perforated one with slots all around it, or the one with a couple of holes on it?
(This is for a brand new playground construction in the backyard, contractor using perforated one with slots all around it)

Thanks,

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Well ... the holes are there to either allow water to filter into the pipe ... or percolate out through the pipe, depending on how it was installed.

Thus, 'no holes' would be a bad thing ... some holes would be a good thing ... and more holes would be a better thing.

If you were trying to drain water out, I would want 'some holes in the bottom', and, if trying to filter water in, I would want 'a bunch of holes all around'.

Ask yourself....do clay soils in Houston absorb water?

Be sure that the pipe is wrapped in Geotechnical fabric (made for drains) so that it does not fill up with silt.

Originally Posted by Jim Hime

Ask yourself....do clay soils in Houston absorb water?

Pipe will be placed in 4'' gravel layer under engineered wood manufactured by FIBAR. No soils will be around the pipe.

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

Be sure that the pipe is wrapped in Geotechnical fabric (made for drains) so that it does not fill up with silt.

Yes it is. Pipe is made by ADS.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Well ... the holes are there to either allow water to filter into the pipe ... or percolate out through the pipe, depending on how it was installed.

Thus, 'no holes' would be a bad thing ... some holes would be a good thing ... and more holes would be a better thing.

If you were trying to drain water out, I would want 'some holes in the bottom', and, if trying to filter water in, I would want 'a bunch of holes all around'.

I guess they are trying to filter water in, since pipe will be laid in 4'' gravel layer. Pipe with the bunch of holes is the "final answer" then.

Thanks Jerry

We call them thangs "French drains", in my neck of the woods!

The ADS pipe is made for just what you are describing.

Originally Posted by Scott Patterson

We call them thangs "French drains", in my neck of the woods!

Same here.

Is this a black corrugated pipe? If so, it's not the best choice. Rigid perforated is a much better product. The sock pipe is needed; gravel size makes a difference and fabric to cover it all. French or curtain drain. Depends on design.

I'm with Charles on this one. The black stuff will likely not hold a proper slope to drain the water the way you want it to. Also it is easily crushed.
The white rigid PVC drian pipe with holes in one line works the best. The holes should be at the bottom of the trench or slightly raised above the bottom line. The idea of the pipe is to provide a path for the water to drain out of. And yes a fabric sock or landscape fabric should be installed around the pipe. The fact that there is any type of pipe at all is a big plus, but I would go with the PVC drain pipe.

Originally Posted by Charles Sessums

Is this a black corrugated pipe? If so, it's not the best choice. Rigid perforated is a much better product. The sock pipe is needed; gravel size makes a difference and fabric to cover it all. French or curtain drain. Depends on design.

The pipe is not rigid but it is black and made by ADS. Black fabric is all around pipe ( sock).

{Sorry for the delayed response. I was not informed of your post}

Is there any need to put grade on a pipe with holes or slits layed in a bed of rocks? I can see none. Seems like level would work best.The water is going to seeks it's level and the pipe only allows it to move further down the gravel bed without backing up at the source.

[QUOTE=James Duffin;13604]Is there any need to put grade on a pipe[/QUOTE

If you mean backfilling by "put grade on a pipe", no, pipe won't be under backfill material. It will be under engineered wood matting designed for playgrounds.

I believe James meant 'put a slope on the pipe'.

Any pipe will drain and distribute water to other areas better if the pipe is 'sloped to drain' from the source of collection to the point of intended discharge.

French drains are intended to collect water where it is not wanted and to move it to where it is acceptable to be discharged, thus a slope is better than no slope.