I’ve spent three decades crawling trenches, fixing soggy lawns, and rebuilding collapsed yard drains that never should’ve failed in the first place. Landscaping drainage isn’t glamorous, but it’s where homes are saved from foundation damage and where clients see real, lasting results. If you’re researching “PVC Supply House: Drainage Solutions for Landscaping,” you’re in the right place. I’m Rick Callahan, owner of Plumbing Supply And More, and my team and I have supplied and supported thousands of successful drainage installs—residential yards, HOA greenspaces, retail plazas, and multi-family properties—across our region. Let’s dig in.
Why Landscape Drainage Lives or Dies on Material Choices
A great design fails fast with flimsy materials. I’ve seen 4-inch thin-wall pipe from discount bins fold under shallow burial and heavy foot traffic. That’s why I start every spec with schedule, wall thickness, and downstream capacity in mind.
- PVC vs. corrugated: Corrugated is forgiving to lay, but it crushes, clogs, and sags. Schedule 40 PVC or SDR 35 PVC (ASTM D3034) is my go-to for lateral runs and tie-ins. SDR 35 gives you a strong, smooth-wall system with solvent-welded joints that won’t pop during freeze-thaw. Fittings and glue matter: Use ASTM D2564 solvent cement and matching primer. For SDR 35, spec gasketed bell-end pipe or solvent-weld adaptors where appropriate. I like Oatey Purple Primer 30757 and Heavy Duty Gray Cement 31803 for strong bonds. Inlet control: Cheap pop-ups are notorious for sticking. Opt for NDS Pro Series grates (like NDS 124 kit for 4-inch) or Zurn Z883 low-profile trench sections where needed.
Pro tip: If you’re trenching near vehicle loads, jump to Schedule 40 under driveways and transitions, even if the rest of the line is SDR 35. The added rigidity is cheap insurance.
Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components—the same materials I’d put in my own yard—so your system performs for decades, not seasons.
Site Assessment: Reading the Landscape Like a Plumber
Before anyone touches a shovel, map the water. I walk the site after a rain, look for silt lines, and track where downspouts, hardscape edges, and slope converge. Pull the plat or GIS, confirm utilities, and observe:
- Soil type: Clay holds water; sandy loam drains well. In clay, I increase pipe diameter and add more surface inlets to reduce inlet head. Slope: You need 1% minimum fall; 2% is better for yard drains. If you don’t have it, plan a sump with a pump. Roof runoff: A single 2,000 sq. ft. roof can unload over 1,200 gallons during a 1” storm. Don’t dump that in a mulch bed—carry it to daylight or an infiltration zone. Code and neighbors: Keep discharge 5–10 feet from foundations (check local code; 2018 IPC guidance aligns with 5 ft minimum). Avoid sending water across property lines.
Our team serves contractors throughout the region with job-walk assistance and spec sheets. Call our technical desk; we’ll help you size, slope, and select. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support, including on-site layout help when schedules are tight.
Core System Types: French Drains, Area Drains, and Downspout Conveyance
I’m constantly asked: “What’s the right system?” It’s almost always a blend.
- French drains: Trench, fabric, washed 3/4" stone, perforated SDR 35 or Schedule 40 (perfs at 4 and 8 o’clock), more stone, then wrap and backfill. Use a 4- to 6-inch pipe depending on catchment size. For large lawns, we’ll run parallel lines at 10–15 feet spacing. Area drains: NDS 12”x12” catch basins (NDS 1200) with removable sediment baskets feeding 4- or 6-inch smooth-wall pipe. Pop a basin every low spot and at grade transitions. Downspout conveyance: Use smooth-wall PVC to a daylight outlet or to a dry well. I like the NDS Flo-Well modular dry well (FWAS24K) with geotextile wrap when soil infiltration allows.
Insider secret: Transition adapters are your friend. For example, Fernco 1056-44 flexible couplings connect 4” PVC to clay or cast iron you might uncover. Keep two spares on the truck.
When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More to have the right fittings, step-down couplings, and pro-grade grates in stock—especially those oddball adapters that save a day’s work.
Product Specs That Actually Matter (and What We Stock for Pros)
You want specific gear that holds up. Here’s what we’re moving day in and day out for landscaping drainage:
- Pipe: 4” and 6” SDR 35 PVC (ASTM D3034) for laterals; Schedule 40 under traffic. We stock JM Eagle SDR 35, Charlotte Pipe SCH 40, and gasketed systems with T-ring seals. Grates and basins: NDS 12”x12” (1200), 9”x9” (900), and 6” round (600) with ADA-compliant options. For high-end hardscape, ABT PolyDrain or Zurn Z883 channels are clean installs. Fabric: Non-woven geotextile, 4–8 oz/sy. We carry ProPEX 4 oz and 8 oz rolls cut to width for easy handling. Cleanouts: 4” SCH 40 with threaded plug at high points and turns; it’ll save your maintenance team headaches later. Adapters: Mission rubber and Fernco couplings, SDR-to-SCH 40 solvent adapters (4x4 and 6x6), and downspout adapters from 2x3 or 3x4 to 4” PVC. Pumps (when gravity isn’t possible): Liberty LE51A or Zoeller M98 in basin assemblies. Tie into discharge PVC with a check valve and union.
Price plumber supply house ranges you can plan around:
- 4” SDR 35: $0.90–$1.50/ft Schedule 40 4”: $2.50–$4.50/ft NDS 12”x12” basin with grate: $35–$70 Liberty LE51A kit: $380–$520
We maintain strong manufacturer relationships, so you get consistent availability. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise, which is why pros keep our part numbers in their spec books.
Installation Blueprint: From Trench to Tailwater
Here’s the sequence I’ve refined over hundreds of installs:
1) Layout and elevation: Laser level or stringline. Confirm at least 1% fall; shoot both inlet and outlet elevations. If you’re borderline, dig a little deeper near the outlet—don’t cheat the slope. 2) Trenching: 12–18 inches deep for 4” laterals; 8–12 inches wide. Deepen under driveways and add SCH 40. Keep trench sides vertical for fabric wrap efficiency. 3) Base prep: 2 inches of washed stone for French drains; compacted native soil for solid conveyance. Avoid fines. 4) Pipe and fittings: Dry-fit first. Prime and cement thoroughly—no cold joints. Stagger joints and maintain alignment to prevent bellies. 5) Fabric and backfill: Wrap French drains fully with non-woven geotextile. Use clean stone to 2–4 inches above the pipe; then native backfill or sand as specified. 6) Inlet protection: Set catch basins flush or slightly below grade in turf areas; check that grates aren’t choked by mulch. 7) Cleanouts and test: Install accessible cleanouts. Flush with a hose to verify flow and check for leaks at joints. 8) Discharge: Daylight outlets need rodent screens and splash control. If going to a dry well, confirm infiltration rate via percolation test.
A typical 4” yard system with two basins and 80–120 feet of pipe takes a two-person crew 6–8 hours with a mini trencher. Need layout help? Call us. Compared to Ferguson, Grainger, and HD Supply, Plumbing Supply And More delivers hands-on, field-tested guidance you can rely on.
French Drains vs. Sump-Pumped Systems: Making the Right Call
Can your site drain by gravity? If yes, do it. Pumps add maintenance. But there are times you need a pump:
- Flat lots with high water tables Courtyard basins without a gravity outlet Basement walkouts and stairwells
For pumped systems, I prefer:
- Basin: 18"x30" poly basin with sealed lid Pump: Zoeller M98 (1/2 HP, 72 GPM at 5’ head) or Liberty LE51A (1/2 HP, rugged float, 50+ GPM) Discharge: 1-1/2” SCH 40 to a 4” transition; double-check valves in long runs; union for service Power: GFCI-protected, dedicated circuit, outdoor-rated receptacle where applicable
Insider tip: Install a weep hole (1/8") in the discharge between pump and check valve to prevent air lock—follow manufacturer instructions.
We keep spares on hand for emergency swaps. If you’ve ever had a basement stairwell fill overnight, you know why our 24/7 support matters. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support including after-hours sourcing when weather turns ugly.
Preventing Clogs and Callbacks: Maintenance and Access
Design for maintenance on day one. A few moves save repeat trips:
- Use smooth-wall pipe to reduce friction losses and sediment adhesion. Install leaf diverters on downspouts before they enter the underground system. Add cleanouts at every 100 feet and at direction changes. Choose grates with removable debris baskets (NDS 1200 series). In clay soils, consider a sediment sump in the first basin to capture fines.
Annual maintenance checklist for property managers:
- Pop grates and empty baskets each spring and fall. Flush laterals with a garden hose or low-pressure jetting. Inspect daylight outlets for vegetation or animal nesting.
If you’re a maintenance team juggling multiple buildings, ask us about our contractor accounts and bulk pricing. We’ll stage kits—basins, pipe, couplings, fabric—by property so your crews can roll with everything they need.
Real-World Case: Soggy HOA Greenbelt to Playable Turf
We recently supplied a 2-acre HOA with chronic soggy spots. Soil tests showed clay loam with slow percolation. We specified:
- Parallel 4” SDR 35 perforated French drains at 12-foot spacing, 1800 LF total NDS 12”x12” catch basins at low points, tied into solid 6” SDR 35 trunk line Discharge to a rock-sheathed daylight with erosion control matting Cleanouts every 100 feet
Results? The area went from weeks of ponding to playable within 24 hours after 1” storms. The board was thrilled—and maintenance calls dropped to near zero. That system used Charlotte Pipe SDR 35 and NDS Pro Series components—all stocked and delivered same-day from our yard.
Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, and we’ll load your truck or run a same-day delivery when you’re racing the rain.
Budgeting and Timelines: What Contractors and DIYers Should Expect
- Materials for a 4” gravity system (100–150 ft, two basins): $450–$900 Add a sump pump basin: +$450–$800 materials Trenching equipment rental (DIY): $120–$200/day Labor: 1–2 days for a crew, depending on soil and roots
DIY note: If you’re comfortable with slope, solvent welding, and compaction, you can tackle a straightforward system over a weekend. Our counter team will walk you through every step. For complex sites, we’ll connect you with trusted contractors we work with regularly.
And yes, we do run specials—ask about our contractor discount program and seasonal bundles. If you’re hunting for a supply house coupon, supply house discount code, or supply house promo code, call ahead or check our site; we post legit deals, not gimmicks.
Why Plumbing Supply And More Beats the “Supply House” Crowd, Every Time
You’ve got options: SupplyHouse.com, Ferguson, Grainger, Home Depot, Lowe’s. They each serve a niche. Our niche is project success—start to finish.
- While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we curate the right parts so you don’t overbuy or underbuild. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More for pro-grade pipe, basins, and fittings that don’t fail mid-project. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support—we’ll read your plan set, check elevations, and recommend spec-correct components. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components and offers same-day delivery when a storm is on the radar.
Visit our showroom to see the quality difference. Bring your sketches, photos, and measurements. Our experts can walk you through the installation process, from pipe sizing to pump selection.
FAQ: PVC Supply House: Drainage Solutions for Landscaping
What size PVC should I use for yard drains?
Most residential laterals run 4” SDR 35 or Schedule 40. If you’re collecting multiple downspouts, step up to a 6” trunk line. Use Schedule 40 under driveways and vehicle crossings. Verify slope—1% minimum, 2% preferred.
Is corrugated pipe okay for French drains?
It’s easy to lay but prone to crush and clog. I recommend perforated SDR 35 or Schedule 40 wrapped in non-woven geotextile with clean stone. Smooth walls maintain flow and make jetting effective if you ever need to flush.
Do I need permits or inspections?
Many municipalities allow yard drains without permits, but discharges must not impact neighbors. Keep outlets 5–10 feet from foundations and never connect to sanitary sewers. Check local codes; we can advise based on your address.
How do I stop pop-up emitters from sticking?
Choose high-quality emitters and maintain. I like NDS pop-ups with stainless hinge pins. Better yet, bring to daylight with a grated outlet and rodent screen—fewer moving parts, fewer failures.
What pump do you recommend if I can’t get gravity flow?
For reliability, Zoeller M98 or Liberty LE51A. Pair with a 1-1/2” SCH 40 discharge, check valve, union, and weep hole. Use a sealed basin and GFCI-protected circuit. We stock full kits and can pre-build assemblies.
Finding the Right Partner: Don’t Gamble on Your Drainage
If you’ve been searching for a “PVC Supply House: Drainage Solutions for Landscaping,” you’ve already figured out that materials and know-how matter. That’s where we shine. We’re the closest plumbing supply with actual field experience—the plumbing supply near me that doesn’t just hand you a box; we hand you a plan.
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And for cross-trades coordination, we regularly support jobs that need more than pipe and basins:
- HVAC drainage tie-ins with our hvac supply house Condensate pumps from the ac supply house and air conditioner supply house Panel coordination through supply house electrical and city plumbing and electrical supply PEX manifolds and lines via our pex supply house Service parts from our refrigeration supply house
Check our current inventory online or call ahead. Ask about our contractor discount program, bulk pricing, and delivery radius—we run same-day deliveries within 50 miles and emergency runs when weather demands it. That’s real, local plumbing supply expertise.
Bring us your project. We’ll make sure it drains right the first time—and still works ten years from now.