Hi Suzanne. I tend to be in the “do it once and do it to last” camp. While schedule 20 may be popular for some folks for budgeting purposes, it’s half the wall thickness of Schedule 40 and far less durable. But, I appreciate your mentioning it as an option.

As to when to use the perforated french drain pipe vs solid pipe, I believe we touch on that a couple of times – but, for clarity, the perforated pipe should only be used in french drains. Anywhere else that you’re moving water should be solid pipe.

Too bad you didn’t mention the most common pvc pipe for drainage which is schedule 20, no 4o. Schedule 40 is for inside your house and is double the cost.
Also, it would be nice to explain when to use pvc french drain pipe with holes in the bottom and when to use solid pipe. And explain the difference between perforated and solid pipe. One collects small amounts of surface water and one moves lots of water.

I think generally, people are less likely to regret installing PVC. If you’re paying someone to put it in, don’t mind the cost, and your installer is in agreement with you, I’d go with PVC. Good luck with your project Dina!

Plot twist. Noticed that Home Depot sells these “triple wall” perforated pipes, which seem to offer the best of all worlds in terms of function, durability, and price.

Anyone have experience using this product for a French drain, in comparison to PVC and/or corrugated plastic?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Advanced-Drainage-Systems-3-in-x-10-ft-Perforated-Triplewall-Pipe-Drain-Pipe-3520010/100211705

The area I plan on installing the drain will be walked on extensively by (a) 2 humans, (b) 3 Nigerian dwarf goats, and (c) 2 miniature horses (Maximus and Penelope, who weigh probably 200 lb each).

Given this traffic, it seems PVC is the way to go. Yet I don’t have unlimited time (or energy) for this install; consider myself “semi-handy”; and really don’t want to get hugely frustrated doing this.

Is there a way to still use corrugated pipe but in a way that will reduce the likelihood of problems (mainly damage due to crushing)? Perhaps dig a deeper trench than usual and install more stones/gravel on top of the pipe?

Thanks!