Classic Drainage, Inc. Questions and Answers Page
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Q: I am considering having pop up emitters (made by NDS) installed at the outlets of my buried downspout drainage pipes. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated? S. Capsman, Vienna, VA.
A: We recommend open end or “daylighting” the pipe exit, and not with a pop up emitter or any type of grate. Debris from the gutter or debris from the yard will clog up at the end of the pipe at the “pop up” or grate. This will cause water to back up and lead to other problems. If you must use a pop up emitter, check it frequently for blockages.
Q: My yard is soggy. I have had a landscaper, a drainage company, and a soil engineer look at the problem. All three have very different solutions. I am at a loss for deciding the correct remedy. I would like your company to look at the problem and offer some advice? T. Werling, McLean, VA.
A: First, find out what is creating the soggy yard problem. Is it a low spot in the yard, roof runoff, negative grade, subsurface spring, repetitive sump pump discharge, or a buried drainage pipe that has no outlet…but seeps long after rains? Once the source is determined, a drainage solution can be installed.
Q: What are the differences of PVC drainage pipe vs. corrugated drainage pipe such as installation procedures and your experience with them? I am looking into burying my downspout to take them away from the house, and keep costs down. B. Glass, Great Falls, VA.
A: Always install PVC (SDR 35 or SCH 40), unless you have to cut expenses and go with corrugated pipe (CP). CP is best for use in garden/ mulch beds, with end to end design. Follow these rules when installing CP in yards: make sure all trenches are sloping, clean, and bottom compacted. CP is a flexible pipe and will lay in any trench you create…good or bad. Install CP with a gravel bed, if bottom of trench will not “hard” compact. Install CP pipe from end to end, without any fittings (wye’s or tee’s) if possible. We do not recommend connecting multiple drain pipes into one “main” pipe. Roots will seek water and enter through the fitting/ pipe connections, leading to a massive clog. If your design must include fittings, surround them in a fast setting concrete. Surround CP in gravel before backfilling to provide additional strength should any heavy equipment travel through your yard. Flush CP every spring and fall with garden hose and liquid dish soap. Also make sure all CP exits or free of overgrowth and debris. Follow these rules when installing PVC: make sure all trenches are sloping, clean, and bottom compacted. Install PVC with a gravel bed, if bottom of trench will not “hard” compact. You can install PVC with multiple drain pipes into one “main” pipe. Make sure to glue all fittings and press all connections firmly together before glue sets. Install clean out access points as needed. Flush PVC every spring and fall with garden hose and liquid dish soap. PVC drain pipe installation cost is only about 15% more than CP, and has many more long term/ maintenance free benefits.