Drain Pipe vs. Washout Pipe

Attribute	Drain Pipe	Washout Pipe
Function	Carries wastewater away from a building	Used to clean out debris and sediment from a pipe
Material	Usually made of PVC, concrete, or metal	Typically made of PVC or metal
Size	Comes in various sizes depending on the application	Usually smaller in diameter than drain pipes
Installation	Installed underground or within a building's structure	Installed above ground or within a building's structure

Introduction

Drain pipes and washout pipes are essential components of any plumbing system. While both serve the purpose of removing water from a specific area, they have distinct attributes that make them suitable for different applications. In this article, we will compare the attributes of drain pipes and washout pipes to help you understand their differences and choose the right option for your plumbing needs.

Material

One of the key differences between drain pipes and washout pipes is the material they are made of. Drain pipes are typically made of materials such as PVC, cast iron, or clay. These materials are durable and can withstand the pressure of wastewater flowing through them. On the other hand, washout pipes are usually made of materials like concrete or fiberglass. While these materials are also durable, they are specifically designed to handle the high-pressure water flow of washout systems.

Size

Another important difference between drain pipes and washout pipes is their size. Drain pipes are usually smaller in diameter compared to washout pipes. This is because drain pipes are designed to carry wastewater from sinks, showers, and toilets, which do not require a large pipe diameter. Washout pipes, on the other hand, are larger in diameter to accommodate the high volume of water that needs to be removed quickly from areas such as parking lots, driveways, and industrial facilities.

Installation

The installation process for drain pipes and washout pipes also differs. Drain pipes are typically installed underground and connected to the main sewer line of a building. This requires digging trenches and laying the pipes in a specific pattern to ensure proper drainage. Washout pipes, on the other hand, are usually installed above ground and connected to a washout system. This makes the installation process quicker and easier compared to drain pipes.

Functionality

Drain pipes and washout pipes serve different functions in a plumbing system. Drain pipes are designed to remove wastewater from indoor fixtures and transport it to the main sewer line. They are essential for maintaining proper sanitation and preventing water damage in buildings. Washout pipes, on the other hand, are used to remove large volumes of water quickly from outdoor areas. They are commonly used in parking lots, driveways, and industrial facilities to prevent flooding and water damage.

Maintenance

The maintenance requirements for drain pipes and washout pipes also vary. Drain pipes need regular cleaning to prevent clogs and blockages from forming. This can be done using a plumber's snake or a chemical drain cleaner. Washout pipes, on the other hand, require less maintenance since they are designed to handle high-pressure water flow. However, they may need to be inspected periodically to ensure they are functioning properly and are not damaged.

Cost

The cost of drain pipes and washout pipes can vary depending on the material, size, and installation requirements. Drain pipes are generally more affordable compared to washout pipes since they are smaller in size and made of less expensive materials. Washout pipes, on the other hand, can be more expensive due to their larger size and the need for specialized materials to handle high-pressure water flow. It is important to consider the cost of both options when planning a plumbing project.

Conclusion

In conclusion, drain pipes and washout pipes have distinct attributes that make them suitable for different applications. While drain pipes are designed to remove wastewater from indoor fixtures, washout pipes are used to remove large volumes of water quickly from outdoor areas. Understanding the differences between these two types of pipes can help you choose the right option for your plumbing needs. Whether you are building a new home or upgrading an existing plumbing system, it is important to consider the material, size, installation, functionality, maintenance, and cost of drain pipes and washout pipes to make an informed decision.