What was life like before PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) pipes ? Heavy and rough. That’s our short answer. In 1623 cast iron pipe was installed in the Fountains of Versailles in France. That same piping is still functioning, no doubt with considerable maintenance over the centuries. To this day, cast iron is still used in thousands of kilometers of municipal water and sewer systems, despite it’s susceptibility to clogs and rust– a major cause of water main breaks.
PVC is an impressive alternative not only to cast iron pipes but other materials used in all types of drainage. A recent study <<http://www.usu.edu/today/index.cfm?id=51095>> found that PVC pipe has the lowest overall failure rate when compared to cast iron, ductile iron, concrete, steel and asbestos cement pipes. As experienced professionals who work with PVC on a daily basis, we can say it’s a pretty impressive material to work with.
Much of Groundhog Excavating ‘s extensive experience with PVC is the installation of residential perimeter drainage systems. These are the systems that discharge groundwater around homes to prevent it from seeping into foundations and basements. With PVC’s superior performance over cast iron even in the demanding environment of a municipal water and sewage systems, you can bet that it’s an effective replacement for the old clay “tile” method of diverting groundwater. PVC is by far the top choice of installers as a replacement for “weeping tiles” or “French drains,” named after Henry French of Massachusetts who the popularized the system in the 1800’s.
Weeping tile is made up of short lengths of clay tube, laid end to end. Water enters the tile through the gaps between the pieces of pipe and flow away. But there are plenty of problems with clay weeping tile. It inevitably crushes and breaks over time and due to pressure. Tree roots are one of the main causes of tile breaks and clogs. Soil movement due to freeze and thaw cycles tends to shift the sections of tile until the connections come loose. After a few decades, weeping tile systems stop working properly, putting basements and foundations in jeopardy.
In the 1990s, corrugated plastic piping came along as a replacement for the clay tubes. It was easier install because of easy manipulation and a bit easier to cut than PVC. However, the zigzag sides of corrugated plastic slowed down the flow of water, letting the gunk sit and collect. By contrast PVC pipes’ smoother wall surfaces mean smoother water flow. This and inhibits the build-up of gunk and slime that threaten proper drainage. In addition to being conducive to smooth drainage, PVC is touted as tough, light, easy to use, and non-toxic.
The bottom line? PVC is the world’s most researched and tested plastic and has proven itself as the most cost-effective, reliable piping for perimeter and other types of drainage. It’s a vital component in keeping your home from leakage or flooding.
PVC is easy enough for do-it-yourselfers to work with in simple plumbing projects. Keep in mind that PVC installation as part of a drainage system is quite another thing. Drainage system installation and repair has many components, complexities and hazards. Excavation needs to be done along your home’s foundation to reach the drain tile. Also, trees, shrubs or sidewalks must be be removed to install the drainage system, and then replaced after the job is complete. Groundhog Excavation and Drainage takes care to explain the work that needs to be done—and then we handle it from start to finish, saving you all the issues and hassles involved in sourcing out these related services.
All of Groundhog’s drainage system installations include the proper protection (and repair, if necessary) of your home’s foundation<https://www.groundhogexcavating.ca/what-we-do/drainage/>> If you want to surround your home with the best protection from water damage. Make sure your getting the reliability and durability of PVC.
Our ultimate goal is to save you money and eliminate your stress. Whether you have a drainage problem to be solved or an updating project in mind, we are here to help! Call Michael, Jeffrey and the crew for a free estimate at 778-233-7499.