London Drainage System Facts

The most common types of drainage pipes used are:

1. Clay pipes
2. Concrete pipes
3. Plastic pipes (PVC, ABS, and HDPE)
4. Cast iron pipes
5. Pitch fibre pipe

Below we will provide an overview of each pipe type, including their common sizes, reasons for use, and pros and cons.

Clay Pipes

Common sizes: 100mm, 150mm, and 225mm
Reason for use: Clay pipes have been used for centuries and are known for their strength, durability and long lifespan.
Pros: Environmentally friendly, low permeability, resistance to chemical corrosion, ability to withstand heavy loads, and resistance to root penetration.
Cons: Heavier and more brittle than other pipe materials, susceptible to breakage during installation or ground shifts, and potentially more expensive.

Concrete Pipes

Common sizes: 150mm, 225mm, 300mm, and 450mm
Reason for use: Concrete pipes are used for their strength and durability, making them suitable for large-scale projects and areas with heavy loads.
Pros: Strong, can withstand heavy loads, ideal for use under roads and highways, long lifespan, and low permeability.
Cons: Heavy and difficult to handle, challenging installation, potentially more expensive, and susceptible to chemical corrosion.

Plastic Pipes (PVC, ABS, and HDPE)

Common sizes: 110mm, 160mm, 200mm, and 315mm
Reason for use: Plastic pipes are lightweight, easy to install, and resistant to corrosion, making them an increasingly popular choice for drainage systems.
Pros: Lightweight, easy to handle and install, resistant to chemical corrosion and root penetration, and long lifespan.
Cons: May become brittle in extreme cold, lower load-bearing capacity compared to clay or concrete pipes, less suitable for use under heavy loads.

Cast Iron Pipes

Common sizes: 100mm, 150mm, and 200mm
Reason for use: Cast iron pipes were historically used for their strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.
Pros: Strong and durable, resistant to corrosion, and can withstand heavy loads.
Cons: Heavy and difficult to handle, challenging installation, susceptible to rust if not properly maintained, and potentially more expensive than other materials.

Pitch Fibre Pipes

Common sizes: 100mm, 150mm, and 225mm
Reason for use: Pitch fibre pipes were popular in the mid-20th century due to their low cost and lightweight nature.
Pros: Lightweight, easy to handle and install, and relatively low cost.
Cons: Short lifespan, prone to deformations, and susceptible to chemical corrosion and root penetration.

In summary, each pipe type has its pros and cons:
Clay pipes are strong and durable but can be heavy, brittle, and more expensive.
Concrete pipes are ideal for heavy loads and large-scale projects but are heavy, challenging to install, and susceptible to chemical corrosion.
Plastic pipes are lightweight, easy to install, and resistant to corrosion but may not be suitable for use under heavy loads.
Cast iron pipes are strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion but are heavy, difficult to install, and susceptible to rust if not properly maintained.
Pitch fibre pipes are lightweight and low cost but have a short lifespan and are prone to deformations and chemical corrosion.
The choice of pipe material ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the project, budget constraints, and local regulations.