Stormwater sewer systems take stormwater from rain and other weather incidents and channel it away from roads and other public spaces where it would otherwise pool and create a nuisance or danger. Every urban and suburban city features a stormwater system, but most people do not think about the miles of stormwater piping that are underneath their feet. Get a layman’s understanding of stormwater piping with a look at the basics.

Stormwater Piping
There are a few different materials that stormwater piping can be made from. The main ones include:

  • Reinforced Concrete Pipe. This strong, heavy-duty option is generally used when a shallow installation is necessary, and the piping will need to bear the weight of traffic or machinery above it.
  • High-Density Polypropylene (HDPP). This piping is lightweight and relatively easy to install. These kinds of pipes have a long service life that makes them an affordable option.
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). PVC is in the mid-range for pricing, and it is also relatively easy to lay. It can require more backfill than other types of piping.
  • High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is another lightweight, cost-effective option that requires a minimum coverage depth and an appropriate backfill. It also offers high abrasion and corrosion resistance. 

The Fundamentals of Stormwater Piping
Stormwater piping is not “rocket science” by any stretch, and there are some basic concepts that guide stormwater piping. These include:

  • Most storm sewer piping works by gravity alone as there are no pumps creating pressure; water flows downhill. The storm water enters into the system by storm drains or roof drains then flows downhill into a waterway or treatment facility. 
  • Stormwater piping needs to be installed in a straight line in a slope so as to avoid creating either traps or dams, which are spots in the piping that are either too low or too high where water can pool.
  • Stormwater piping is an important utility that needs to be installed correctly the first time; anytime work needs to be done on stormwater piping, it can disrupt other utilities and other infrastructure.

Tucker Paving is a paving construction company with over 25 years of experience in the asphalt and concrete paving industry, including underground utilities like water, sewer, storm, fire line, and infiltration/ex-filtration systems. Contact us online, or call us at (863) 299-2262 for assistance with your next project.