Entries Tagged 'Gutters' ↓

Yes you can use PVC for your downspouts. However, you should use SD-type or Sewer-Drain type which is sold at landscape and home stores. You will know you have the right stuff as it is much cheaper than DWV pipe which is the type that is used for interior waste plumbing. It is a thin-walled pipe that you can squeeze out of round if you apply enough pressure (not possible with DWV). You can find it at your plumbing supply houses with belled ends that require no couplings to join. There are versions available with holes or perforations and solid versions, you of course want the solid type. As far as home stores go, Lowes has a much better selection than Home Depot. F.W. Clemens has a really good stock of higher quality SD pipe but they are only open from 7 to 4 Monday through Friday with no weekend hours. You can solve the lettering/printing visibility issue by facing the lettering in toward the building. You can also buy the same range of fittings that regular pipe uses (in the thin wall version) including tees, wyes, 90 degree turns, and 45 degree turns. If you go to Home Depot for the stuff you might get lucky and find all the items in an accessible location (blah-ha hahahahahahah…ahhahahahah…whew), but trust me, it is very unlikely and you will probably just make yourself crazy as you leave with nothing or missing the one key fitting they are not currently stocking. Most city codes do not have any issues with the use of the pvc pipe for gutters provided it is not permanently affixed to your sewer system (glued or clamped) and that it is not to be pressurized. You can use gutter straps or regular U-straps from the plumbing department to affix the plastic downspounts to your building. One word of caution though, PVC is a plastic that is affected by UV rays and although it will look good for a while (2-5 years) it will likely begin to yellow and become brittle over time so you will want to watch for that. It can be painted provided any color you want provided that you prime it with a deglossing or etching primer made for plastic (available at Paint Supply Co. or Sherwin Williams).