Drain Service - Professional Gutter & Drain Ltd.

14 Dec 2016|Uncategorized

Posted by MyGutterGuy

SDR 35 Vs. Schedule 40: The Give and Take

Downspout Drain Lines: SDR 35 or Schedule 40?

Should I use SDR 35 or Schedule 40 for my underground downspout and sump-pump drain lines? This question has been asked more then a few times and in this short article we will go over which should be used. Initially Schedule 40 looks better on paper. All around it is stronger, harder to crush. Should this not be the obvious choice? I mean when it comes down to it you always want to pick the stronger material, right? In order to answer that question we must first look at what strength means in this context and how it applies. Hold your conclusions until the end and lets get into it.

The Strength of Flexibility

When we think of strength we usually go right to the core of what strength is, which can take more punishment? While this may lead us to believe that Schedule 40 is a better choice we have to take a deeper look at the two types. SDR, or standard dimension ratio, was designed with the intent of being more flexible than Schedule 40. Compromising structural integrity for flexibility. Doing this does not seem like it would go along with what most people would want. Why would anyone want the line to have less strength? What would be the benefit? The quick answer is flexibility. Mother nature is always shifting and settling. Since these lines are installed underground they will be subject to these changes. Here is where the flexibility of SDR outweighs the strength of Schedule 40. SDR will bend with the shifting and settling. Having a higher flex tolerance means less breaks from the soil conditions. Schedule 40 is so rigid that in the event the ground shifts or settles this pipe has no give. It will simply snap or break from the pressure. In the winter Schedule 40 also becomes more brittle from being outside. After a few seasons the weather alone will have compromised the structural integrity of the schedule 40 pipe.

To the Victor Goes the Spoils

So in the long run we recommend using SDR on the exterior of your home. The flexible nature of the line will help keep the line from breaking from these adverse conditions. Additionally these lines will utilize a solvent weld or gasket to ensure the connection points are secure. Completely closing the system between the entry and exit points will help keep roots from infiltrating your line. Furthermore SDR 35 is less susceptible to the elements. When installed correctly it is one of the top choices available on the market today! So make sure you are protecting your investment with a small investment into a superior quality line.

9 Dec 2016|Uncategorized Drains

Posted by MyGutterGuy

Underground Drain Lines

Buried and Forgotten

As we prepare for the long cold months ahead we begin to look up. Falling snow illuminated by bright and colorful holiday lights. It is a wonderful sight to behold and helps fill us all with holiday cheer. With so much to do during this time of the year from buying gifts to making travel plans it is hard to remember the little things, like your underground drain lines. Throughout the year we all can see the importance of underground drain lines. Helping keep your basement dry and helping to protect the very foundation of your home. Now that winter has come we tend to forget about our underground drain lines. So before we kick back by the fire make sure you are ready for winter.

What To Look Out For In Your Drain Lines

Ice forming inside the underground drain lines can potentially pose a problem. How does this happen though? What can I do to prevent this? Well the first step in any good method is observation. Take some time and examine the exterior of your home. Have you noticed any water backing up? Can you find evidence water is draining out of your curb hole, or in some cases to the respective exit points? Do you hear the sump-pump running excessively? Have you noticed any moisture in the basement? These could all be signs of a problem. If you don’t know what you are looking for or aren’t very handy we can perform a drain service for you. Allowing a professional to examine the drain lines will give you peace of mind.

Being pro-active with your drain lines will ultimately be your best bet. Throughout the winter the ground will become frozen and harder to dig through, making repairs more difficult. So making sure you examine your drain lines for any negative pitch, low points or “bellies”, and blockages will help keep your lines from freezing during the winter. One small thing you can do is keep your curb clear where the water exits. Snow plows and snow fall in general will often block these exit points causing water to build up in the line and freeze. Just a simple drain service can help determine if you are ready for winter.

28 Nov 2016|Drains Uncategorized

Posted by MyGutterGuy

Drain Replacement

When you buy a new home, one of the important maintenance items is ensuring your underground drain lines are functioning properly. During the inspection phase, it is important to ask the inspector if the underground drain lines are needing attention. Many previous homeowners who are now putting their house on the market, have neglected their underground drain lines for many years. In many cases, this will result in a costly drain replacement. The last thing any homeowner wants to face is having to replace their underground drain lines on the newly purchased home. If you are unsure that they need replaced, a full service underground drain line inspection will need to take place in order to determine the condition of the underground drain line. A full service inspection will include the following: a snaking, camera inspection (as needed), and/or spot repair. A drain service calls functionality is to try and get the underground drain line in proper functioning order. If it is not able to be fixed at the time of service, then a drain replacement will be needed. If you would like to schedule this drain service call to find out the condition of your underground drain lines, then feel free to give us a call.