A rainwater pipe, also known as a downspout, is a type of pipe that attaches to the side of a home in order to collect and disperse accumulated gutter water. Once rainwater passes through a rainwater pipe, it is either harvested, pushed towards a nearby sewer, or allowed to seep into the ground. People who decide to harvest rainwater often use this collected water for various purposes.
For centuries, harvested rainwater has been put to many different uses. It can be used to feed livestock, for irrigation purposes, or as a source of drinking water. Unique collection devices are attached to a rainwater pipe in order to gather enough water for a specific purpose. While the practice of harvesting rainwater is largely obsolete within North America, rainwater harvesting is still important in other parts of the world.
Before any water can be used for an alternate purpose, the proper type of rainwater pipe must be installed. There are various types of rainwater pipes available. Some pipes are made from cast iron or aluminum, while other pipes are made from pure metal, wood, or plastic. While metal, plastic, and wood pipes were once installed on every home, these materials are not as efficient as cast iron or aluminum.
Since cast iron and aluminum pipes can hold more water, these pipes are often ideal. Contrastingly, wooden pipes and metal pipes may warp or crack when too much water is gathered. Choosing the wrong type of pipe for any home can cause a vast amount of damage. Homes that do not have proper rainwater systems are frequently prey to water and paint damage. In fact, water damage inside of a home can usually be linked directly to faulty rainwater pipes and gutters.
No matter what kind of rainwater pipe is chosen, it is important that all pipes are installed correctly. While some pipes may be installed by a homeowner, hiring a professional contractor to install a rainwater pipe system is wise. Faulty pipes may cause a vast amount of damage that must be fixed at a later date.
To purchase any kind of rainwater pipe, begin by looking through various options at a local hardware store. Alternately, searching the Internet for a cast iron or aluminum pipe may prove to be cost-effective. Either way, make sure to measure the distance from a home's gutter to the ground. This way, any purchased pipe will effectively move any gathered rainwater away from a home.
