View Full Version : Drain pipes blocked
steve s
Jul 4, 2008, 03:55 AM
I changed my drain tiles two years ago and now they are blocked again. I found the small holes and the sock blocked with iron and other minerals. My question is what kind of pipe can I use?
ballengerb1
Jul 4, 2008, 07:32 AM
Could you explain further about these drain tiles. Do they go out to a septic tank or what. What are the tiles made from?
steve s
Jul 4, 2008, 08:40 AM
These are my drainage pipes around my foundation, they go into a sump pump. What is there now is the black corrugated plastic flex with cloth cover. Because of the type of soil and water, the cover and flex pipe is blocked with a brown type of sludge. I was told it was because of high levels of iron and other minerals that causes this. So I thought I could use the rigid pipe they use for weeping beds, the holes are bigger and less likely to block again.Is this a good idea or is there something else I could use? P.S. this is my first time using this site, so please correct me if I did something wrong.
Milo Dolezal
Jul 4, 2008, 11:43 AM
That is how it is done. Correct material was used. The only detail you are not talking about is that this pipe is inbedded in - at least - 12" of gravel all the way around. Gravel act like a filter and filters most of the dirt from underground water before it hits your pipe.
ballengerb1
Jul 5, 2008, 10:10 AM
Steve , that rigid pipe with larger holes will slowly fill up with dirt and gravel, don't use it. Your initial install sounds correct. The only way I can picture your pipes getting blocked this quickly is if the fabric cover failed.
steve s
Aug 5, 2008, 08:54 AM
Thanks to everyone who answered, all were helpful. But, I talked to my local lumber yard and seems I'm not the only one with this problem. They contacted the company rep. for the pipes and he suggested a new type of pipe ( type G3 ) designed especially for our type of soil. It has bigger holes and you need to use a geo-textile. So I ordered everything and will be installing soon. Will give an update once it's done.
speedball1
Aug 5, 2008, 10:44 AM
Thanks for the update. Please keep us informed. Regards, Tom