Drainage Tile Size Calculator
Here’s a table summarizing important factors for choosing drainage tile size for agricultural or landscape drainage systems:
| Tile Size (Diameter) | Flow Capacity (Gallons per Minute) | Max Drainage Area (Acres) | Pipe Slope (%) | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 inches | 12 - 25 GPM | Up to 5 acres | 0.1 - 1.0% | Small areas, minimal runoff (e.g., gardens) |
| 4 inches | 20 - 50 GPM | 5 - 10 acres | 0.1 - 1.0% | Residential drainage or small farm fields |
| 5 inches | 50 - 75 GPM | 10 - 20 acres | 0.1 - 1.0% | Moderate runoff areas (e.g., medium fields) |
| 6 inches | 75 - 150 GPM | 20 - 30 acres | 0.1 - 1.0% | Larger fields with moderate slopes |
| 8 inches | 150 - 300 GPM | 30 - 60 acres | 0.1 - 1.0% | Large farms or areas with significant runoff |
| 10 inches | 300 - 500 GPM | 60 - 100 acres | 0.1 - 1.0% | Very large fields or high runoff areas |
| 12 inches | 500 - 900 GPM | 100 - 150 acres | 0.1 - 1.0% | Large drainage projects or systems with high flow needs |
Key Considerations:
- Flow capacity is dependent on slope and soil type. The higher the slope, the greater the flow capacity of the tile.
- Pipe slope (%) impacts water velocity through the tile; steep slopes increase flow, while flat slopes decrease it.
- Drainage area: Larger drainage areas require bigger tiles to handle more water runoff.