Concrete is one of the world's most frequently used building materials, and concrete pipes are among the most used types of pipe. Since ancient times, people have been using pipes made of concrete and have long considered them a durable choice.

Concrete pipes are available from concrete pipe suppliers in a variety of sizes and shapes, each appropriate for specific applications and job sites. Low pressure situations (like gravity flow drainage) require basic concrete pipe; concrete pressure pipe is ideal for water lines, and many applications use reinforced concrete pipe, especially for sewer systems. So before choosing concrete pipe makers or distributors, consider the following:

1. Do you need to buy concrete pipes for a storm water system?

2. Do you require concrete pipes appropriate for sewers?

3. Do you need to buy concrete pipe of another type—or concrete pipe specialty products?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose concrete pipes for storm water applications

Pipes made of concrete are vastly popular for storm water drainage. Concrete is an ideal choice because it is both impermeable and long-lasting. Fortunately, there are many concrete pipe manufacturers and distributors specializing in materials appropriate for storm water systems.

I recommend: Oldcastle Precast, Inc. has a full line of cement storm water pipes, plus accessories such as covers and hatches. The Premarc Corporation also carries a good selection of reinforced concrete pipe suitable for storm water drainage. Concrete Industries, Inc. sells precast concrete pipes for storm water applications.

Select concrete pipe for sewer systems

Naturally, one of the biggest concerns with sewer pipe is that it will remain watertight and dependable. Concrete pressure or reinforced pipe are, therefore, some of the most commonly used types of pipes for sewer applications. Reinforced concrete pipes are widely considered the top performing kind of pipe for the job.

I recommend: American Concrete Pipe sells reinforced concrete pipe for sewage applications. Independent Concrete Pipe offers pipes made of concrete suitable for residential, commercial and industrial sewage lines. Ocean Pipe sells reinforced pipes made of cement for sewer systems, as well as a variety of other types of concrete pipe.

Find sources for other types of concrete pipes

Many types of projects use specialty concrete pipes. Some suppliers offer a wider variety of shapes and sizes, or cement pipes useful only in very specific situations.

I recommend: Rinker Materials sells a variety of concrete pipes and specialty accessories, including pipes with flared-end and sloped-end sections. Hansen Pipe & Precast is a concrete pipe manufacturer offering a wide selection of concrete pipe products, including jacking and gravity pipe. National Concrete Pipe Company sells liner, round and oval concrete pipe, as well as custom concrete products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Cement pipe comes in many shapes, and the best one for your job site is often the one that changes the natural drainage of the area the least.