White Solid PVC vs. Black Corrugated Pipe for French Drain Installation

If you have areas in your yard that stay wet all the time or if your basement tends to collect water after rainstorms, then you should consider installing a French drain to resolve those issues. A French drain involves underground work – the installation of a drainage system that protects your home and yard. This isn’t an area where you want to simply go with the lowest costing solution. It’s important that you choose the right materials and do the project right the first time so that you don’t have to dig up and replace the materials too soon. Installing a French drain can eliminate constant wetness as well as prevent mold and mildew from building up around your home.

What is a French Drain?

A French drain sounds fancy, but it’s actually a pretty simple drainage system. Essentially, it’s a gravel-lined ditch that has a pipe embedded that carries water from one place to another. The pipe carries rainwater away from problem areas that may sustain water damage if left alone. The water is then drained into a more desirable area.

This type of drainage system is ideal for areas of your yard or home where water collects. For example, there may be a low spot where rain puddles and has never had the chance to dry completely. Sometimes new construction or a poor foundation can cause water runoff to be directed towards the house. A French drain can help by redirecting the water and depositing it elsewhere.

French drains are typically constructed with black corrugated pipe, but there are arguments that favor using white PVC pipe for the job, as well. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each, and how they are typically used.

Black Corrugated Pipe

Black corrugated pipe is most commonly used for gravity flow water management, including:

- storm drainage (this includes French drains)

- subsurface drainage

- sanitary sewers

- leachate collection

- water detention and/or retention

Pros of corrugated pipe

Cost: Black corrugated pipe is less expensive than other types of pipe.

Easy-to-use: This type of pipe, even at larger diameters, is lightweight. Makes it easy to use, store, and transport.

Flexible: Black corrugated pipe is bendable making it ideal for projects where solid pipes cannot be used.

Cons of corrugated pipe

Thin walls: Black corrugated pipe has thin, soft, flexible walls that can be easily damaged - especially if it is not buried underground. That also means that if it becomes clogged it cannot be snaked because the spinning blades would tear the walls.

Easily clogged: When buried underground, roots can easily grow into the pipe.

Slower water flow: Sediment and debris can accumulate in the corrugated ridges, slowing down water flow and increasing the likelihood of it getting clogged.

White Solid PVC Pipe

Solid white PVC pipe is a very common type of pipe that is most often used for sewer and plumbing needs. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, pipe is a more cost-effective type of pipe than some others like metal or terra cotta. It’s used for a variety of purposes including yard drainage projects and many DIY craft projects.

Pros of solid PVC pipe:

Versatility: Solid PVC pipes are available in many lengths, diameters, and thicknesses.

Durability: This type of pipe is much more durable than corrugated pipe - it isn't penetrable by roots and is simple to unclog.

Smooth walls: The walls of PVC pipe are smooth, so it is less likely to clog or to catch debris that slows water flow.

Easy maintenance: Clean-outs can be installed in PVC piping systems, making maintenance simple.

Longer lifespan: Due to the durability and thick walls, PVC pipe will last much longer than corrugated pipe.

Cons of solid PVC pipe:

Cost: While PVC pipe is less expensive than metal and terra cotta piping, it is more expensive than black corrugated pipe. That means that depending on the size of your project, you could pay a significantly higher amount using PVC.

Not flexible: PVC pipe is hard and has thick walls which means that it will not bend. If the system you are installing has bends or turns it will require the use of fittings and PVC glue to navigate the area.

Harder to install: Solid PVC pipe is more difficult to install than black corrugated pipe.

Final Thoughts

It's important that you understand the different uses and the advantages and disadvantages of using white PVC pipe versus black corrugated pipe so that you can make the best decision about materials for your situation. You obviously want to do the project right the first time and not have to go back and repair or replace your work. Whether you choose black corrugated pipe or white PVC, make sure that it's the best option for your project.

Also Note, CIS carries a full line of fittings that can also be used in conjunction with your PVC pipe French drain installation. Typically that may include 45% elbows and 90% elbows.