Water Drainage Solutions | Landscape Drainage Solutions

Sock Pipe for French Drains St. Louis?

Drainage Team Trench Drains | Storm Sewer Inlet Installation

Introduction

Using sock on a perforated schedule 35 PVC pipe for French drains in St Louis is a common sense. It is easy and cost-effective way to install a water diversion system that many think will be free from debris buildup. It involves the use of a polyester sock material that is wrapped around the perforated PVC pipe. Moreover, it is held in place with a locking band. This type of drain system is an effective way to move excess water away from your landscape. It also helps to prevent flooding and erosion. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of using a filter sock on a perforated schedule 35 PVC pipe for French drains in the St Louis area.

What is Schedule 35 PVC Pipe?

Schedule 35 PVC pipe is a type of plastic piping commonly used for drainage, waste, and vent systems. It offers superior corrosion resistance, durability, and requires minimal maintenance. Also famous as Type 0 PVC, Schedule 35 PVC increases wall thickness compared to other types. That makes it ideal for drainage systems in St Louis. It resists freeze thaw and most chemicals. And it is highly suitable for stormwater applications. It offers high flow rates making it an excellent choice for French drains. In fact, another benefit of perforated SDR35 is that it can actually pass small particles through the smooth wall pipe without causing issues.

Drawbacks of Installing a Sock on Perforated Schedule 35 PVC Pipe

Installing a sock on a perforated Schedule 35 PVC pipe (or any pipe) for a French drain application in St Louis may feel like a good idea. However, there are some major drawbacks that you should be aware of before proceeding. A sock is a fabric-base filter material that can be useful in preventing particles from entering into drainage systems and clogging pipes. By attaching a sock to a Schedule 35 PVC pipe, you are essentially creating a filter to help keep blocked materials from entering the piping system or causing water damage.

• One of the primary drawbacks to using a sock on a Schedule 35 PVC pipe for French drains in St Louis is that it can reduce the overall flow rate of the piping system. This is because the sock acts as a filter. Therefore it reduces the effective diameter of the pipe and increases the pipe’s resistance to flow. Thus, it’s important to keep in mind that the maximum effective flow rate through the pipe with a sock attached will be lower than the maximum effective flow rate without a sock.

• The other main drawback is the potential for the sock itself to become a source of blocked materials. While the sock intends to keep particles from getting into the main drainage system, over time, the sock itself can becomes cloggy with debris. And it prevents water from flowing through the pipe. Regular maintenance and inspection is essential to ensure that the sock is properly functioning.

Conclusion

Using a sock on a perforated Schedule 35 PVC pipe for French drains in St Louis is not the best choice. Also, our Drainage Team does not recommend that. On one hand, a sock prevents sediment and other particles from entering the system and it can provide some protection against a clogged drain. On the other hand, this protection comes at the cost of lowering flow rates of the system. And it also requires more frequent cleaning as the sock may get cloggy  over time. Ultimately, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a sock on a perforated Schedule 35 PVC pipe before deciding if it is the right solution for a project. We recommend wrapping the entire trench with filter fabric, instead of trying to filter debris at the pipe itself. You can see pictures at https://drainageteam.com/french-drains.

Drainage Team is a leader of Guaranteed Stormwater Solutions in St. Louis Missouri. Visit www.DrainageTeam.com for more information.

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