Stormwater Drainage: Three Central Considerations for Plastic Pipe Selection

If you are looking for an advanced stormwater drainage solution for your commercial property, you should think about choosing plastic pipes. Plastic pipes are ideal because they are strong and resilient in spite of their light weight. The channels can withstand the force of stormwater and will not crack under the soil settlements when buried. You should also note that the lightweight nature is beneficial because it will allow for easy transport and installation. In addition, plastic pipes are not vulnerable to corrosion when exposed to chemicals present in commercial and industrial environments. If you are interested in purchasing plastic pipes for heavy duty drainage applications, you should consider these critical factors before choosing the best product.

Corrugated or Smooth Pipes

When purchasing stormwater drainage pipes, you must choose between corrugated and smooth plastic pipes. The most suitable choice will depend on the drainage needs in your property, the topography and your preferences. In general, corrugated pipes are advantageous over the alternatives because of the higher strength. They can withstand more mechanical pressure and stress without deformation or cracking. However, you should note that they cannot be used for drainage in a completely flat area. Smooth pipes have no ribs along the surfaces. They can drain water even when installed on a flat surface. These are relatively weaker than corrugated ones, but their strength is sufficient for most applications.

Specific Plastic Material

You should evaluate the different materials used to manufacture heavy-duty plastic pipes for stormwater drainage. Each polymer resin on the market has unique characteristics. Your choice will determine the performance and durability of the piping. High-density polyethylene is one of the most popular choices. The material has high structural strength which makes the tubing resistant to pressure. PVC is also well-liked because of the flexibility of the structure. If you are planning on installing the piping underground, this might be the ideal choice because it can withstand shifting pressure. However, you should note that PVC is not extremely strong. Therefore, you should not place it in an area which experiences high crushing forces.

UV Radiation Resistance

Finally, you should determine whether you would like a drainage pipe with UV inhibitors or not. Ultraviolet radiation resistance is a valuable property for pipes which will be exposed to the sun. If the plastic is under constant exposure, it will begin wearing out prematurely and fading. Therefore, you should ensure that UV inhibitors are present in your aboveground pipes. If you intend to install the system underground, you can overlook this factor.

For more information, contact companies like HYDRO CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS.


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