What Types of Piping Work for a Drainage System?

There are several types of piping used for drainage systems, including plastic, concrete, or metal as well as different styles, such as smooth wall, single-wall corrugated, or dual-wall corrugated. Most drainage systems incorporate plastic-based piping, with PVC being the most popular, but your climate, soil, water conditions, and drainage system design can all influence what type of piping will work best for your project.

1. PVC

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is one of the most common piping materials, especially for a drainage system that prevents yard erosion. This material is smooth and malleable, meaning manufacturers can make many different sizes of PVC and create curved fittings so that the pipes can turn corners in a home or yard.

The plastic material is resistant to water and chemicals and won’t corrode over time, making it a good choice for drainage systems. Plus, the smooth material is less likely to clog than other materials.

Best for: Debris-heavy waters

2. Rigid PVC or PVCu

Rigid PVC or unplasticized PVC (PVCu/uPVC) is made with the same material as polyvinyl chloride but without added plasticizers that make PVC more malleable. Without plasticizer, PVCu is highly rigid and more brittle, making it durable enough to handle higher water pressure while also being resistant to UV radiation, rust, and chemicals. 

Like PVC, PVCu is still vulnerable to extreme temperatures, and the higher rigidity makes it more sensitive to very heavy loads above the piping. Make sure to consult a local drainage pro to ensure whether PVCu is right for your yard.

Best for: High water pressure

3. Polyethylene

Both lightweight and flexible, polyethylene is another popular type of piping used for drainage systems. Like PVC, it is chemical- and corrosion-resistant. Its flexibility makes polyethylene easier to install in areas with many turns.

However, this material isn’t as strong as materials like PVC or concrete, so it works best if there isn’t a heavy load of soil, snow, or ice above the pipes. For outdoor drainage, use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Only use cross-linked polyethylene pipes (PEX) indoors.

Best for: Drainage systems with several turns

4. ABS

An ABS pipe, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene pipe, is commonly used for drainage and ventilation. This plastic-based pipe is more tolerant of extreme temperatures than PVC, making it a good option for regions that get both freezing winter temps and scorching summer weather. Like PVC, ABS is corrosion- and chemical-resistant, which also makes for good drainage piping.

This material is vulnerable to UV radiation, so if the drainage pipes won’t be buried, make sure to use ABS with a protective UV coating.

Best for: Areas with extreme temperatures

5. Concrete

If you don’t want plastic-based pipes in your yard or you’re looking for a highly durable piping material for your drainage system, consider concrete. This long-lasting material may be rigid, but it’s still quick and easy to install. The smooth interior allows for high water flow efficiency, making this a good option for drainage.

However, unlike plastic, concrete is more vulnerable to chemicals, salt, and alkaline water, which can limit its applications.

Best for: Yards with low risk of saline water, chemical runoff, or alkaline water

6. Galvanized Metal

Galvanized metal, made from steel or iron, features a zinc-based coating that makes the metal resistant to rust and corrosion. The metal is thin but strong and durable, which is why this can be a good choice for drainage, especially for visible piping in a trench drain.

However, the coating process means this type of pipe can come at a higher cost than plastic-based pipes. It’s also important to handle galvanized metal pipes with care since any scratches or chips to the coating can cause the pipe to rust.

Best for: Large projects that require extremely high durability and strength

7. Smooth Wall

Smooth wall is a style of piping that can be made from plastic, metal, or concrete. No matter the material, this type of piping is made for handling high volumes of water with minimal risk of clogging or corrosion. Smooth wall pipes are strong, durable, and rigid, making them ideal for burying underground, even with heavy soil loads.

However, the rigidity means you’ll need extra fittings to make turns with the pipes.

Best for: Heavy soil loads, high water flow

8. Single-Wall Corrugated

Commonly used for French drain systems, single-wall corrugated pipes are made from flexible and lightweight HDPE. This piping can turn corners with ease and is easy and affordable to install.

However, because of the corrugated interior, debris can get caught in the ridges, leading to buildup over time. With a proper French drain system, there are other layers of stone and landscaping fabric to help minimize debris runoff into these pipes.

Best for: Sites with several turns or uneven terrain

9. Dual-Wall Corrugated

Dual-wall corrugated pipes are made from HDPE and combine the benefits of both smooth wall and single-wall corrugated pipes. This pipe features a smooth inner pipe and a corrugated outer layer for added durability that still offers some flexibility.

The inner smooth wall pipe makes it slightly more rigid than a single-wall corrugated pipe, but the flexible exterior means this piping requires some incline to improve its flow rate. Thanks to the smooth interior, this pipe is less prone to clogs than single-wall corrugated pipes.

Best for: Areas that require flexible piping but will have debris in the drainage water