I am going to install a downspout drain and connect it to a corrugated pipe that connects to the storm drain. The corrugated pipe was installed recently during an ongoing road project and runs under the sidewalk and 4 feet into my yard. The downspout to the corrugated pipe is about 30 feet and my plan is to use 4 inch solid pvc and use a connector to the corrugated pipe. I considered using solid corrugated pipe, sd35 green sewer pipe or coex drain pipe due to cost, but solid pvc I believe is the right way to go. Also to note, I live in the PA. Here are my questions:

1. From the downspout, should I used a drain basin or directly connect to pVC pipe. I am concerned aboout debris from the gutters entering the pipe.

2. Since I live in the PA, should I use a more flexible pipe or stick with 4 inch solid pvc.

3. How deep should I bury the pipe and should I put a few inches of gravel on the bottom and tamp or lay it directly on the soil.

4. At the pvc joints, I've read that after they have been connected with pvc cement, the joint should be on a bed of gravel at a minimum or encased in cement. Is either of these correct?

5. Should I install a cleanout? If yes, where?

Now for a bit of a wrinkle, the crew that installed the corrugated pipe from the storm drain and 4 feet into my yard used a pipe that has slots in it. I questioned the engineer about this and he stated the this is all they use on the job and there are no concerns. Should I be concerned? Any way to mitigate any possible issues? Thanks for your replies

 

Personally, I would use flexible pipe all the way. That way you don't have to worry about having the PVC at the correct slope, for such a long distance. If you install any cleanout, I would put it where the downspout enters the ground.

 

I considered the flexible pipe but it is just to thin. I want to install it and be confident that it will last. Anyone know how deep it should be, should I use gravel and if I should secure the joints. Thanks

 

Corrugated carries less water because of the friction loss. It usually has bellies it that can collect debris, lowering the flow and providing areas that can freeze easier in cold climate without a substantial early appreciable snow cover. The solid pvc will have a more uniform slope with little extra installation effort and flush itself clean due to the flow and lack of places for debris to collect.

Without seeing the conditions on the discharge end, the short length of perforated/slotted pipe could possibly be a benefit since it disperses water over a larger area. Nothing beats a wide open discharge if it does not cause erosion. The downside if the slotted drain is that debris from the roof will be drawn in, causing the slots to plug.

Dick

 

The soil here is heavy in clay. The pipe installed by the road crew comes out from under the sidewalk and about four feet is currently just laying on my lawn. I saw some of the installation and it was placed in alot of gravel. I am thinking that i will cut back the pipe to about 2 feet is left and I will use mastic of some kind to over the slots of the corrugated pipe and connect the pvc at that point. I am also thinking about installing and inline downspout filter.

 

There is corrugated pipe available with no slots.