What Kind of PVC Pipe Should You Use for Stormwater Drainage?

TLDR;

For most stormwater drainage projects, SDR35 and Schedule 40 PVC pipes are your best bets. Use SDR35 for underground drainage thanks to its flexibility and efficiency, and Schedule 40 where high strength is required or where the pipe will be exposed. Your final choice should depend on the application, soil load, and depth of installation.

Choosing the Right PVC Pipe for Stormwater Drainage

When it comes to stormwater drainage, not all pipes are created equal. Choosing the right PVC pipe affects how efficiently your system drains, how long it lasts, and how well it handles the conditions underground.

Whether you're a homeowner dealing with backyard runoff or a contractor managing commercial drainage, Solid Ground Outdoor recommends understanding the different PVC pipe types before starting your project.

Why Stormwater Drainage Systems Need the Right Pipe

The Role of Drainage Pipes in Preventing Flooding

Stormwater systems are built to move water fast. During heavy rains, water needs to flow away from homes, landscapes, and buildings to avoid damage.

• The right drainage pipe provides:

  • Quick water evacuation (preventing pooling or erosion)

  • Longevity under wet, acidic, or shifting soil

  • Consistent performance over time

    
    

A bad pipe choice could mean future flooding, backups, or system failure.

Common Issues from Improper Stormwater Management

When pipes are undersized or the wrong type, expect:

• Soil erosion around your foundation

• Standing water or soggy yards

• Mold, mildew, and water damage in basements

• Sinkholes or collapsing trenches

  
  

To avoid these problems, make sure to fix yard drainage issues early with the right materials and installation methods.

Stormwater runoff control isn't just about pipe size — it’s also about choosing materials that hold up under pressure and keep flowing.

Overview of PVC Pipe Options for Drainage Projects

When people search “what kind of PVC pipe to use for stormwater drainage,” they’re usually choosing between a few specific types.

Schedule 40 PVC – Strengths and Use Cases

• Thick-walled and strong

• Ideal for shallow burial or areas under vehicle traffic

• Common in high-load zones (driveways, parking areas)

• Available in solid and perforated versions

  
  

Best for: Locations where durability under load is more important than flexibility.

SDR35 PVC – Why It’s Ideal for Underground Drainage

• Lighter and easier to handle than Schedule 40

• Designed for underground sewer and stormwater use

• Compatible with rubber gasket fittings (easier install)

• Slightly flexible — reduces cracking risk from soil movement

  
  

Best for: Underground stormwater lines in residential and commercial installations.

Perforated vs. Solid PVC Pipes – What’s the Difference?

• Solid PVC: Moves water from point A to point B without letting it escape

• Perforated PVC: Has small holes that allow water to enter or exit the pipe

  
  

Use perforated pipes:

• For French drains or subsurface collection

• In areas with standing water issues

  
  

Use solid pipes:

• For transporting water out of a catch basin or sump

Key Factors When Choosing a Stormwater Drain Pipe

Soil Conditions and Load Requirements

Not all soil types behave the same. Clay-heavy soil shifts more, sandy soil erodes faster. And in areas with heavy vehicle traffic, pipes take on serious weight.

• Use Schedule 40 in areas with:

  • High external load

  • Shallow burial

  • Driveway or commercial parking

• Use SDR35 where:

  • Pipes are buried deeper

  • Flexibility and corrosion resistance are needed

    
    

Pipe Sizing Based on Flow Rate and Rainfall Volume

Picking the right diameter prevents overflow during major storms. Here’s a rough sizing guide:

• 4-inch pipe: small patios, roof downspouts

• 6-inch pipe: mid-size yards or multiple downspouts

• 8-inch and above: large properties, commercial sites

  
  

Pro tip from Solid Ground Outdoor: Oversize your pipe by at least one increment if you’re in a high rainfall region.

Installation Depth and Ground Pressure Considerations

• Shallow installs (<18 inches): use Schedule 40

• Deeper installs (>18 inches): SDR35 is typically fine

  
  

The deeper you go, the more surrounding soil distributes the load — but don’t forget about surface pressure from vehicles.

Local Building Codes and Municipal Guidelines

Before you buy pipe:

• Check with your local code office

• Some municipalities only allow SDR35 for underground

• Others may require Schedule 40 for areas under load

  
  

Why it matters: Non-code installations can result in failed inspections or future legal issues.

Step-by-Step PVC Pipe Installation for Stormwater Systems

Installing a PVC storm drain isn’t just about laying pipe. Follow these best practices to prevent future issues.

Excavation, Trenching, and Bedding Requirements

• Dig trench 4–6 inches wider than pipe diameter

• Add 2–4 inches of gravel or sand bedding

• Keep trench base level for consistent slope

  
  

Slope Planning for Gravity Flow Efficiency

• Minimum slope: 1% (1 inch drop every 8 feet)

• Steeper slopes = faster drainage, but risk of erosion at outlet

  
  

Use a level or laser transit to plan slope before you dig.

Solvent Welding vs. Rubber Gasket Joints

• Solvent weld joints (glued): Watertight, permanent, used in Schedule 40

• Gasketed joints: Used in SDR35 for easier installs and flexibility

  
  

Choose the method that matches your pipe type and site demands.

PVC vs. Other Drainage Pipe Materials

PVC isn’t your only option — but it’s often the best value.

HDPE vs. PVC for Long-Term Drainage

• HDPE: More flexible, great for curved trenches, often corrugated

• PVC: Rigid, smooth inside (better flow), easier to clean out

  
  

Use HDPE in forested or rugged terrains where straight lines aren’t possible.

Concrete Pipes in Heavy-Duty Applications

• Ideal for massive municipal stormwater projects

• Very heavy, requires machinery

• Overkill for residential or light commercial jobs

  
  

Price and Lifespan Comparison of Pipe Types

Pipe Type	Lifespan	Cost	Maintenance
PVC	50–100 years	Moderate	Low
HDPE	50+ years	Moderate	Medium
Concrete	75–100 years	High	Medium–High

Verdict: PVC hits the sweet spot of affordability, durability, and ease of install.

Regional Considerations and Environmental Factors

Cold Climate Pipe Considerations (Frost Line Depth)

• Bury pipes below frost line to prevent cracking

• Schedule 40 handles freeze-thaw cycles better

• SDR35 must be buried deep enough to stay below freeze zone

  
  

High Rainfall Regions and Oversizing Strategy

• Install larger diameter pipes or multiple outlets

• Consider catch basins and overflow routes

• Install check valves in flood-prone areas

  
  

Eco-Friendly Pipe Choices and Sustainability

• PVC is recyclable and chemically inert once installed

• Use perforated pipes to encourage groundwater recharge

• Pair with green infrastructure like rain gardens and bioswales

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PVC pipe be used for stormwater drainage? 

Yes, both SDR35 and Schedule 40 are widely used for this purpose.

Is SDR35 or Schedule 40 better for drainage systems? 

Use SDR35 underground, Schedule 40 in load-bearing or shallow applications.

What diameter pipe should I use for stormwater? 

It depends on flow needs; most residential systems use 4"–6" pipe.

How long does a PVC stormwater pipe last? 

Properly installed, PVC can last 50–100 years.

Can I install a PVC storm drain myself? 

Yes, with the right tools and guidance — or call in professionals like Solid Ground Outdoor.