Types of Leach Field Pipe

PVC

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe is a synthetic material that looks like plastic and has slots or is perforated. This type of leach field pipe allows waste water to flow into a gravel field that is 30 to 40 inches below the ground. A conventional leach field uses this type of pipe. The PVC pipe is connected together with pipe glue and pipe connectors into which each piece of pipe slides. PVC can easily break or burst under harsh weather condition, especially in cold temperatures.

Clayware

• Some leach fields have clayware pipe installed for the drainage system. Clayware pipe is also perforated so waste water can seep out of the pipe and into the leach field. This type of pipe is similar to clay pots and has wire running throughout the clay to make the pipe stronger. The sections of clayware pipe are not very long, typically from 12 to 48 inches. The joints of the pipe have no connections. The clayware pipe is just slid together, leaving a small joint without protection. This joint can be the weak part of the leach field drainage system. Dirt can easily penetrate the jointed area and clog the septic system if the pipe is not leveled properly.

Concrete

• Concrete leach field pipe is the strongest pipe used in a drainage system. The concrete pipe is preformed to the specific size required for the leach field. The more toilets and drainage pipes running into a septic tank, the larger the septic tank and leach field. This type of leach field pipe is for larger systems. Each section of pipe is set together, and a sealant fills in the joints so waste water will only seep from the perforations.

Ductile Iron

• Ductile iron pipes are rarely installed in leach fields. This type of pipe holds up to the elements better than any other leach pipe. Primarily used in harsh elements or under flood plains, ductile iron pipes last a long time before failing but are extremely expensive to install. This leach field pipe is also for large septic systems, and the depth of the leach field is much greater because of the size of the septic system.