A Comprehensive Guide to Rain Water Drain Pipes Systems

Rain water drain pipes are an essential part of any home's plumbing system, responsible for directing rainwater from the roof to the ground safely.

A typical rain water drain pipe system consists of a network of pipes and fittings that work together to ensure smooth water flow.

The diameter of the pipe is crucial in determining its capacity to handle rainwater flow. According to the article, a 2-inch pipe can handle up to 4.5 gallons per minute, while a 3-inch pipe can handle up to 9 gallons per minute.

A well-designed rain water drain pipe system can help prevent water damage and erosion around your home.

See what others are reading: Roof Drain Pipe

There are several types of rain water drain pipes available, each with its own unique characteristics and uses.

PVC pipes are a popular choice for rainwater drain pipes due to their durability and resistance to corrosion.

They can withstand high water pressure and are often used in underground drainage systems.

Cast iron pipes, on the other hand, are heavy and require more maintenance than PVC pipes.

However, they are still a good option for areas with high water table or where the soil is prone to settling.

Asbestos cement pipes are another type of rainwater drain pipe, but they have largely been replaced by PVC and other materials due to health concerns.

Galvanized steel pipes are also used in rainwater drain pipes, particularly in areas with high water flow rates.

They are resistant to corrosion and can withstand heavy usage, but may require more maintenance than other materials.

Clay pipes are often used in older buildings and are still a viable option for rainwater drain pipes, especially in areas with low water pressure.

To install a traditional drainpipe, you'll need to bury a pipe underground that directs water away from the problem spot and toward a storm drain. This pipe should be angled so that it drops at least ⅛ inch per linear foot.

The pipe should be adequately large to handle the amount of rainwater you need to drain. If the drain becomes clogged, you can use a simple snake to clear the clog.

Recommended read: How to Install Rain Gutter Drain Pipe

Before diving into more complex solutions, it's essential to check your gutters for any blockages. Clogged gutters can send water pouring out onto the ground instead of directing it to a downspout.

Cleaning your gutters two or three times a year can help prevent this issue. It's also a good idea to check them toward the end of autumn, as falling leaves can quickly clog your gutters.

If your gutters are clear, but you're still experiencing problems, take a look at your downspout. A puddle along the walls of your home can be a sign that the water is being dumped too close to the base of your house.

To fix this, consider getting an extender from the base of your downspout. This can send water several feet away from your home, allowing it to disperse safely without pooling against your home.

If all else fails and you can't seem to get water to drain from your garden or lawn, installing a traditional drainpipe is a viable option.

A drainpipe will have a flat grate at its inlet that's even with the ground to allow for easy mowing.

To effectively drain, the pipe should be angled so that it drops at least ⅛ inch per linear foot.

This means a pipe will need to drop about 1 foot for every 100 feet of length.

The pipe should be adequately large to handle the amount of rainwater you need to drain.

A simple snake can be used to clear a clog if the drain becomes blocked.

This kind of drain only works if the area you're draining to is lower than the low point of your yard that's flooding.

See what others are reading: Will Pouring Hot Water down Drain Unfreeze Pipes

A rainwater downpipe system is an essential part of any structure, facilitating drainage of rainfall away from the property.

The main components of a rainwater downpipe system include gutter outlets, plastic downpipes, and gullies. Gutter outlets help to drain rainwater from the guttering to the plastic downpipe.

Additional reading: Plastic Pipes for Water

Plastic downpipes are the leading choice for most applications nowadays due to their lower price point, easier installation procedure, high environmental resistances, and low maintenance requirements. These pipes are available in a range of sizes and materials like traditional cast iron.

A typical gutter outlet has a straight shape, or a double bend known as a swan neck, ideal for buildings with overhanging roof eaves. For 100mm width roof gutters, a 75mm width plastic downpipe is typically the go-to choice to pair them with.

Here's a breakdown of the typical components of a rainwater downpipe system:

Rainwater downpipes are typically located at the corners of homes and buildings and often stretch from the roof to ground level.

The rainwater downpipe system consists of several key components, each playing a crucial role in collecting and draining rainwater from your property.

A typical system starts with guttering, which is usually 100mm wide and suitable for heavy downpours.

Gutter outlets are responsible for draining rainwater from the guttering to the plastic downpipes, often featuring a straight shape or a double bend known as a swan neck.

For most applications, plastic downpipes are the preferred choice due to their lower price point, easier installation, and high environmental resistances.

These pipes come in a range of sizes and materials, but uPVC pipes are the leading choice for their strength, durability, and low maintenance requirements.

A 75mm width plastic downpipe is typically paired with a 100mm width roof gutter.