Choosing perforation on drainage pipes is a crucial element that elicits a heated debate in the intricate realm of plumbing works.
Each of the perforation types: holes, and slits, bears its fair share of benefits and limitations.
Making an informed choice between the two perforation types involves weighing various factors, including drainage goals, maintenance, water flow capacity, and the soil type in your location.
By shedding more light on these distinctive factors, we can make selecting between the two perforations easier and more effective for your drainage ambitions.
Soil Type
Drainage Pipe set up
The soil type in your location makes up the list of factors that advise the perforation type for a drainage pipe. The cohesive and sticky nature of clay soils does not resonate very well with slit perforations since the moldings can block the slits and hamper drainage. Instead, the hole perforation approach works well in such soils since the holes are more extensive and complex to clog with cohesive soils. However, even with the hole approach, the drainage will still need periodic maintenance since holes, too, can get blocked by the sticky clay. The slit approach comes in handy in sandy and light soils since these are hard to clog the thin openings.
Maintenance
Even with the best or the most effective installation of drain pipes, the system will need some maintenance at some point in the future. Due to fat buildup in the case of kitchen drain pipes and soap scum in bathroom drain pipes, periodic maintenance in the form of unclogging must be done. If your drainage goals are limited to residential settings, you can opt for the slit approach since your drainage needs are also lower. Lower drainage needs mean reduced need for maintenance of the system. When managing a commercial building or commercial establishments like a catering business, drainage needs are going to be higher, which calls for periodic maintenance of the system. In this understanding, holed-drain pipes will be much easier to unclog.
Drainage Goals
The sole responsibility of a drain pipe is to support as much water flow capacity as possible. The more water a drain pipe can allow to flow through it, the more functional the system becomes and life becomes more accessible. Holed-drain pipes allow for heavy water flow, provided by the larger surface area. This proves very beneficial in areas of heavy water usage, such as commercial settings and areas that experience heavy downpours. However, this approach presents erosion challenges since massive water flow carries with it lots of earth materials. The slit approach, on the other hand, works well for controlled water flow and is, therefore, best suited for areas that experience minimal precipitation or less water usage.
Climatic Conditions
If you live in areas that receive increased rainfall, you might settle for holed-drain pipes since these provide for increased water flow. From roof water, runoff water, and melt ice, you can expect to deal with a possible flooding issue, which requires larger perforations provided by the hole approach. This is in contrast to areas that receive a smaller amount of rainfall and other precipitation where slits would do just fine. However, you can overlook the climate conditions, depending on drainage goals, which are advised by water usage practices in different settings.
Environmental Protection
Holes have a larger surface area than slits in drain pipes. With a larger surface area, comes a more significant water volume that passes through the pipe per minute. Increased water volume and flow rate increase the chances of silt and other earth materials flowing together with the water. If you live in a location with an increased slope or where the ground is very loose, consider using the slit-perforated pipes since holes might encourage some degree of soil erosion. With soil erosion being rampant, even structures such as retaining walls and the house will be at risk of collapse. In such areas, the slits are better than the hole perforations since very few earth materials are used, thereby protecting the integrity of the environment and structures.
The choice between the two perforation styles comes down to the above-discussed factors that set the stage for drainage goals. By carefully considering the benefits and limitations borne by each of them, you can choose a perforation style that works for your drainage needs while maintaining the integrity of your structures as well as the environment. In instances where you feel completely torn between the two, a professional plumber can offer a verified opinion to help you make an informed choice.
