What sewer pipes for outdoor sewage better

Are you concerned about the arrangement of internal communications and drainage systems outside the house? Agree, it’s great when all the benefits of civilization are present in a country house, despite its remoteness from the metropolis.

But for the construction of the system you need sewer pipes for external sewage, but you do not know which is better to choose?

We will tell you which material is suitable for different operating conditions - the article describes the characteristics of pipes from existing materials, the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

The rating of the best manufacturers of plastic and cast iron pipelines is also given; photos of their products and video recommendations from professionals on the arrangement sewage.

Requirements for external pipelines

External sewer networks have to operate in difficult conditions. Earth-buried pipes are forced to carry the weight of the soil through which people can move, and often cars.

They are also affected by soil water, which can trigger the displacement of the joints, which can lead to depressurization of the sewer network.

Systems have to constantly withstand the static / dynamic effects of wastewater that is transported through pipes.

That is why special requirements are imposed on the elements of external sewer networks.

Pipes should have such qualities as:

• strength and stiffness;
• the ability to tolerate temperature fluctuations without losing working qualities;
• frost resistance;
• wear resistance, long service life;
• resistance to aggressive chemical environments.

Various materials (polymers, steel, cast iron) can be used for the manufacture of external sewer systems, but all of them must correspond to the above factors.

It should also be borne in mind that the quality of the pipeline is influenced not only by the specific properties of the pipes, but also by the quality of installation and installation of the system.

On our site there are also other useful materials on the rules of arrangement of sewage.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with them:

• Laying of sewer pipes in the ground: technological rules and nuances
• Sewage slope calculation: formulas and regulations
• How to lay sewer pipes in a private house: schemes and rules for installation + installation steps

Differences between external and internal sewage

Pipes that are used for laying external systems are significantly different from their counterparts used for in-house communications.

Detailed information on pipes for domestic sewage is discussed in this article.

Characteristic features include:

1. Colour. An orange (red) color that facilitates easy pipe detection, therefore, avoids unintentional damage to the network during ground works.
2. Wall thickness. For parts for external sewage, this parameter is always higher than for internal (when using PVC systems indicators are 3.2-3.4 mm versus 2 mm), since the pipeline laid under the ground has to endure large load.
3. Materials. Red tubes are usually made of materials of high resistance (for example, unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, which has special strength).
4. Heat resistance. Due to the increased thickness and reliability of the walls, as well as the addition of specially selected components, the heat resistance of external systems is higher than internal ones. But they may also need warming. We recommend to get acquainted with the species insulation for sewage.
5. Life time. Products of orange color, as a rule, serve longer term, than gray.
6. Price tag. The cost of elements for the external sewage system is approximately 20% higher than for the internal one.

Experts warn about the inadmissibility of the use of gray pipes for laying outdoor sewers. They find it difficult to withstand the increased load (especially for a long time), which can lead to breakouts and accidents.

Let us consider in more detail what materials can be used for the manufacture of external sewer systems.

Pipe classification by material type

Plastic pipes for the sewerage are most popular among users. But, in addition to plastic, external pipes for sewage can be made from other materials. Let's look at the features of each type of pipe, highlighting their advantages.

View # 1 - Plastic Products

Sewer polymer pipes appeared not too long ago, but they became widespread, displacing traditional counterparts in the core market.

Such components have a number of undeniable advantages:

• a light weight, facilitating transportation, storage, gasket;
• smooth inner surface, contributing to the smooth passage of runoff water and not allowing the deposition of salts and other sediments. Due to this peculiarity, with proper installation and operation, blockages are almost never formed in plastic pipes;
• wear resistance - plastic pipes do not rot, do not corrode;
• exploitation - similar products have sufficient service life, although shorter than their cast iron counterparts (maximum 50 years).

Most often for the manufacture of external sewer systems used components made from the following materials.

Option # 1 - polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - Available popular plastic, widely used for the production of various products, including pipes for internal / external networks.

Such components are especially recommended for sewer systems that require a large flow area (sewer, culvert, stormwater).

Among the most significant drawbacks of PVC pipes include:

• Sensitivity to aggressive materials. If it is planned to remove acids and oils through such components, it is better to purchase special pipes made of PVC-U, with special properties.
• Temperature lengthening of the material. Because of this property, such parts are impractical to install for transporting hot liquids (over 60 degrees C).

Polyvinyl chloride pipes have the following positive properties: good resistance to mechanical impact, high durability and UV resistance, making these products suitable for open plots.

There are two types of PVC pipes:

1. Pressure headthat withstand high pressure (<10 atmospheres). They are used in systems experiencing constant increased exposure to various media.
2. Free-flow. Recommended for systems with unforeseen high pressure (the fluid in the pipe moves by gravity at a moderate speed).

Most often, the second version of products is used in external pipelines.

PVC pipes may consist of one or two layers. In the latter case, an unplasticized material is used for the outer layer and a recycled foamed polymer is used for the inner layer.

In terms of hardness, PVC components are divided into the following categories:

• Rigid tubes (class S) with a maximum wall thickness, designed for installation at a depth of 8 meters. This type can be used for any work, but most often used in industry.
• Medium hard (class N) used at a depth of 2-6 meters. They are suitable for installation of the pipeline under not too busy roads.
• Light components (class L), sufficient to create systems that are laid at a shallow depth (0.8-2 m). Not suitable for laying under the roadway.

The most common pipe for external sewage is a product with a diameter of 10-11 cm. In this case, sewage from a country house is easily transported over the network.

Pipes of unplasticized polyvinyl chloride are used in underground laying of external communications where it is known that there will be no significant load on communications.

If this factor is taken into account, then the scope of application for PVC products is quite wide:

More information about PVC and HDPE pipes for outdoor sewage we reviewed in our other article.

Option # 2 - products made of polypropylene

Pipes of this type are not too often used for laying external sewer networks due to insufficient rigidity of polypropylene parts.

However, they can be used for laying free-flow storm sewers or for installing systems in sandy soils.

Among the advantages of this type of products:

• High heat resistance. The installed systems withstand the transport of hot liquids (up to 80, and occasionally up to 95 degrees Celsius).
• Chemical inertness. Plastic is not subject to corrosion, does not emit harmful substances.

In addition to the already mentioned insufficient density, a disadvantage of polypropylene is its sensitivity to ultraviolet.

Option # 3 - polyethylene pipes

Such material is widely used for the installation of external pressure pipelines. The advantages of PE pipes include:

• ability to withstand water hammer;
• resistance to active substances;
• long service life (50 years or more).

Among the shortcomings of such products include ultraviolet susceptibility and insufficient heat resistance - polyethylene pipes can be used in the temperature range from -40 to +40 degrees Celsius

Option # 4 - Corrugated products

A common disadvantage of plastic sewage elements is their insufficient strength. To correct this flaw, a special design was invented - a corrugated tube with greater mechanical rigidity.

Due to the folded outer surface of such products increases their area. This allows the pressure exerted by the soil to be redistributed, with the result that the pipelines withstand increased loads.

Two types of corrugated pipes are distinguished:

1. Single layer with a peculiar ribbed surface inside and outside. Such material is relatively cheap, but drainage occurs much worse.
2. Double Layerhaving a folded outer surface and a smooth inner. Due to this, the flow passes freely through the pipe, without forming sediments and blockages.

Such products can be made of various types of polymers. The most commonly used low-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride.

Pipes with a corrugated surface are connected by a bell-shaped method using special rubber cuffs. When installing pipelines it is also possible to apply the method of cold welding.

In another article on our website, we discussed in detail the characteristics and features of the application. corrugated sewer pipe.

View # 2 - Asbestos Pipe

For the production of such products used a mixture of Portland cement with mineral asbestos fiber.

Such systems have a number of important advantages:

• Durability - The service life can reach half a century or even a hundred years.
• Relative lightness, greatly facilitates installation.
• Resistance to aggressive environments. Asbestos cement pipes withstand almost all chemicals.
• Failure to overgrow the flare.

The disadvantage of this material is fragility and sensitivity to mechanical damage.

When making a purchase, it is important to carefully inspect the ends of the pipes, where various damages are most often observed. With

View # 3 - ceramic products

Even in ancient times, ceramics were used to manufacture parts of the sewer system.

This material is popular in our days, thanks to such advantages as:

• Chemical inertness. Ceramic systems allow transportation of virtually any liquid media.
• The special structure of the inner surface, which prevents the formation of raids and deposits of salts and other substances.
• Resistance to temperatures environment and passing through the pipe fluids.
• Easy installation.

Among the shortcomings can be noted the fragility and short length of pipes, which is why when laying the system it is necessary to increase the number of joints.

On sale there are ceramic elements with a diameter of 100-600 mm, which can have two types of connection: with a socket and with a thread.

Before installing the pipes, check the quality by inspecting the appearance of the parts and tapping them. The rattling sound that appeared upon impact indicates the presence of a hidden crack.

View # 4 - Cast Iron Systems

For a long time, the most popular solution for the construction of outdoor sewage was considered to be iron socket pipes. As a rule, for private construction there are enough elements with a diameter of 16 cm.

Systems of this material have many positive qualities. Among them, high strength, allowing the pipeline to withstand heavy loads and durability - the service life of cast-iron systems is at least several decades.

As well as resistance to temperature changes and a fairly simple installation, involving the use of socket-shaped method.

At the same time, it is impossible not to mention some of the shortcomings of such products:

• Big weight. Due to the severity of the elements it is impossible to lay a cast iron pipeline without the use of special equipment.
• Propensity to form deposits on the surface: this can lead to blockages over time.
• Impossibility of use on a number of soilsespecially in salt marshes.
• High enough price traditional cast iron products.

Currently, cast iron pipes are used for laying industrial communications, whereas the individual construction of them almost everywhere replaced the cheaper and lighter plastic analogs.

To see more information about the characteristics, types and installation of cast iron sewer pipes, go to this link.

Top Sewer Pipe Manufacturers

A lot of foreign and domestic firms are engaged in the release of pipes from various materials used for laying outdoor sewage.

Place # 1 - Dutch plastic manufacturer Wavin

Wavin, founded in Holland in 1955, specializes in the production of sewage and plumbing pipes. The company's products are in high demand throughout Europe.

For exterior work, the manufacturer manufactures double-walled corrugated polypropylene pipes "Pragma", as well as other product options.

Pragma components are 6 meters long; they are easily connected to the system, since at one end they have a socket, and at the other end a rubber seal. The manufacturer recommends the use of these products to create a network of outdoor gravity drain.

Place # 2 - international firm POLYPLASTIC

POLYPLASTIC is an international company with divisions located in the CIS countries (Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus).

Among the range of branded products a large place is occupied by all kinds of sewage elements, including external pipes made from various types of polymers (polyethylene, PAH, polypropylene, fiberglass).

The products manufactured by the company are characterized by an optimal combination of low weight with increased ring stiffness, thanks to which plastic pipes successfully resist even significant loads.

The brand name of this manufacturer is the series "Korsis", which includes:

• double-layer corrugated products;
• helical parts;
• multilayer reinforced pipes.

All these elements are perfect for laying external sewer networks, other drainage systems. The company manufactures products with a length of 600 or 1200 mm, with a diameter of 110-600 mm.

Unlike products from other companies, the Korsis components have a corrugated black outer layer and an inner surface of light blue, yellow or orange.

Place # 3 - German firm Ostendorf

The well-known German company Ostendorf Kunststoffe, which specializes in plastic pipes and other parts, was founded by the Ostendorf brothers in 1973.

Now the company is considered the leading manufacturer of elements of such systems in the core market. Deliveries of products are made in many countries of the world, but Germany is the main consumer.

In 2011, the Ostendorf plant began operating in Russia. The company, which has the latest technological equipment manufactured in Germany, uses imported raw materials and components.

The production is organized strict quality control, which is carried out in accordance with German and Russian standards.

Due to the highest quality products, it is in high demand of consumers, despite the relative high cost.

The KG range, designed for outdoor sewage, is made of solid polyvinyl chloride without impurities with enhanced strength, water resistance, durability, thermal conductivity.

The convenient shape of the ends allows for quick and easy installation of various systems.

Place # 4 - Domestic company Politek

The Russian company "Politek", founded in 1999, is a leader in the production of polymer products used for drainage, water supply, sewage.

The factories of the company installed the latest foreign special equipment that allows you to produce European-class products.

Place # 5 - German manufacturer of cast iron Duker

Although metal products are now less common than plastic, the demand for cast iron pipes can be called stable. Such products are produced by several European firms, among which are the following.

Founded in 1913 in Karlstadt (Franconia, Germany), the company initially manufactured products with socket systems.

In 1968, innovative tubeless pipes were developed, allowing parts to be shortened, as well as to mount the remaining trim, using a combination method.

Now the company is the only manufacturer of cast iron sewage systems in Germany, with This plant has a fully completed production cycle: from casting to the application of external cover.

The company offers the widest range of different systems with different lengths, diameters and connections. All of them have excellent consumer qualities: wear resistance, resistance to aggressive substances, durability.

Place # 6 - French company Saint-Gobain

Large concern Saint-Gobain (France) specializes in the production of modern cast iron products. For their manufacture technology applied De Lavaux (centrifugal casting), followed by deep cooling structures.

Pam Global C systems are specifically designed for ground works, as well as high-quality durable drainage systems. External sewer pipes have a diameter of 100-200 mm.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Below we offer a video, which provides recommendations on the choice of pipes for internal and external sewage.

It is impossible to unequivocally say which type of pipe is the best. When considering product options, it is important to know for what purpose they are intended and in what conditions they will be used..

Only taking into account all the individual features of the site, the owner can make a choice as to which option he is best suited for arranging the sewerage system.

Are you picking up pipes for arranging sewage and you still have questions after reading the article? Or have you noticed errors or inaccuracies in the material reviewed? Write to us, please, about this in the comments under the article.

Or maybe you have already chosen the material and assembled the sewer pipeline on the site? Tell us what type of pipes you prefer and how convenient it was for you to work with them.