Did you notice a big difference in drainage speed after switching to PVC? I've been debating it myself, but I'm still weighing the cost vs. benefit. Had a plumber mention something about tree roots being less of an issue with PVC, too—did you run into that at all? Honestly, the thought of tearing up my yard again makes me cringe, but if it means no more basement floods...might have to bite the bullet.
I switched to PVC about three years ago, and honestly, I was skeptical at first. But drainage speed definitely improved—noticeably fewer issues with backups during heavy rains. About the tree roots thing: yeah, PVC is smoother and has fewer joints, so there's less for roots to grab onto. Had a huge maple near my line and haven't had root troubles since switching. I get the dread of tearing up your yard again (been there...), but if you're constantly fighting basement floods, PVC might be worth it in the long run.
We switched to PVC last summer after a nasty basement flood—honestly, I was hesitant because of the environmental impact of plastic pipes. But after researching, turns out PVC lasts longer and reduces the need for harsh drain cleaners (which I hated using anyway). Haven't had a single backup since, even with the crazy storms we've had lately. Still not thrilled about the plastic, but fewer floods means less mold and fewer chemicals overall, so I guess it's a trade-off...
Yeah, I totally get the hesitation about PVC pipes—plastic isn't exactly my favorite material either, especially environmentally speaking. But honestly, from a maintenance perspective, they're pretty reliable. I've seen plenty of older homes with cast iron or clay pipes that constantly clog or crack, which means more frequent repairs and, like you mentioned, lots more chemical drain cleaners. Those chemicals aren't just bad for the environment; they're rough on pipes too.
One thing to keep in mind, though—PVC isn't completely bulletproof. If your basement drain was backing up regularly before, it might've been a deeper issue than just pipe durability. Did you guys have the main sewer line scoped or checked out thoroughly when you switched? Sometimes roots or debris further down the line can cause backups, even if your immediate plumbing is brand new.
Also, since you're worried about environmental impact (and I totally respect that), have you looked into enzyme-based drain cleaners? They're way gentler on pipes and the environment than the harsh chemical stuff. Plus, using them periodically can help prevent buildup before it becomes a bigger issue.
Another thought—do you know if your home's drainage setup has proper venting and slope? Even with PVC, if your drains aren't properly vented or sloped right, you'll still get backups when heavy rains hit. Might be worth double-checking that if problems pop up again.
Anyway, glad things have improved for now—flooded basements are no joke. Had one at my place a few years back and spent way too many weekends dealing with soggy boxes and moldy drywall... definitely not fun.
Had a similar issue at one of my rentals—brand new PVC pipes, but the basement drain kept backing up every heavy rain. Turned out the city sewer line was partially blocked further down the street, causing backups for multiple houses. PVC's great, but it won't fix external issues like that. Might wanna check with neighbors or city utilities... could save you some headaches down the road.
