A Guide to Different Drainage Pipe Materials

When planning a drainage system for your yard or home, the material you choose will be one of the most important decisions you make. Your drain pipe materials will have a large impact on the final look and performance of your drain system.

If you have never planned a drainage system before, you may have questions about why some materials may be used over others. This guide will introduce you to the features and properties of different drainage materials.

You’ll learn about some of the most popular materials, along with the pros and cons that are associated with each one. Let’s jump right into some of the most popular options that are available.

Drainage Pipe Materials: Pros and Cons

The following different materials are some of the most popular for drain systems. 

Cast Iron Pipes

Cast iron is one of the oldest materials used for pipes. It is most often used for pipes that are buried. They are preferred for some drainage and landscaping purposes due to their advantages. 

What are the pros?

• These pipes last a long time: Cast iron pipes can last a very long time once they have been installed. They may not need to be replaced for as long as 100 years if they are installed correctly. 
• Excellent soundproofing: This material is highly favored for draining purposes, as it offers some of the best soundproofing compared to other materials.

What are the cons?

• Expensive: Cast iron pipes are expensive to use. Due to their weight, they may cost more to purchase and ship to any site, and they may have greater installation costs.
• Not highly moisture resistant: This isn’t the most moisture resistant material you could choose for outdoor or landscaping drainage. 

PVC Pipes

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a type of plastic that is popular for many types of drainage systems. They are effective on home exteriors and can also handle being used in outdoor landscaping features. 

What are the pros?

• Very affordable: This pipe material will not take up as much of your landscaping budgets as some of the others you’ve learned about. It is one of the cheapest materials that is still effective.
• Handles high-moisture climates: This material does not rust or corrode, making it very effective for outdoor landscaping projects (as long as it gets the right amount of shade).

What are the cons?

• Sensitive to heat: These pipes may not handle heat and direct sunlight well, meaning they may not be the best pipe option for the Southern US. Buried pipes will be more resistant to this problem.
• May need earlier replacement: This type of pipe can wear out faster than some others, especially metal pipes. 

Galvanized Steel Pipes

Galvanized steel pipes are still available on the market, but it is rare that these are used for outdoor landscaping projects or for home exteriors.

What are the pros?

• Highly durable: These pipes are sturdy and will last a long time.
• Resistant to rust: These pipes are manufactured with a zinc coating on them that makes them resistant to rust and other types of corrosion. 

What are the cons?

• Expensive: This material can make for some expensive piping. The materials are expensive and due to the added weight, other expenses may apply.

Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are known for their flashy appearance, and long history in drains and exterior design. This is a popular type of pipe that is effective for draining around your home and yard. It can be an attractive addition to many yard features.

What are the pros?

• Long lasting: Copper pipes can easily serve you for more than 50 years if you provide the proper maintenance. Not only do these pipes last for decades, they famously develop a patina as they age.
• Effective in many climates: Copper is effective in many areas, including the Southern US, where pipes can be affected by the high humidity. These pipes are not damaged by high heat, and they do not rust.

What are the cons?

• High price: Copper is one of the most expensive materials available for home exterior and landscape pipe. There are different grades of copper pipes.
• High labor costs: Installing these pipes can have high labor costs when they are included in drainage projects. Copper piping must be welded when installed, which requires more expert contractors.

This is not the limit of the pipe materials that can be used for your drainage system. If you talk to a landscaping expert, you can get answers about all of the most popular pipes for moving wastewater, including plastic pipes, clay pipes, ABS pipes, concrete pipes and other options.

These materials all have different features that may be effective for your landscaping project, including a long lifespan, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and more.

Contact Our Team of Experts for More Drain System Assistance

You now have a better understanding of drain pipe materials that are available for your next project. You understand some of the important differences between different types of pipe, and how each one may impact project factors including budget, longevity, and more.

You may have many more specific questions that can’t be answered in a simple guide. The best way to get your desired answers is by talking to a residential landscaping expert about your drain pipe needs. 

These teams work with professional plumbers to make sure that your new pipes meet the needs of the project. They will be able to help you find pipes that meet the needs of your project.

Our team would love to discuss building a landscaping drainage system that meets your budgetary needs. Many solutions can be applied to different lots around Atlanta. Let our team examine your yard and let you know what’s possible.

Contact us today with any questions about how we can develop landscaping solutions for your yard including yard irrigation, drainage and landscape maintenance.