When Cheap Fails: The True Cost of Weak Culverts
- DK Tanks & Pipe
- Aug 12
- 1 min read
When it comes to culverts, bigger diameter doesn’t always mean better performance. A recent customer learned this the hard way.
They initially purchased a large-diameter galvanized corrugated culvert, hoping to move a high volume of water across their property. But there was one critical oversight: not enough ground cover. As heavy equipment crossed the ditch, the thin corrugated metal simply couldn’t handle the pressure. It collapsed.
That’s not all. Corrugated pipe is known for trapping debris inside the ridges. Over time, leaves, sticks, and sediment pile up—restricting flow and creating blockages. Despite its size, the failed culvert became a bottleneck instead of a solution.
Now, the customer is replacing the failed pipe with one of our heavy wall steel culverts. While the upfront cost is slightly higher, the long-term savings are clear:
Stronger by design: Our pipe is up to 10x thicker than corrugated alternatives, meaning it doesn’t need as much ground cover to stay intact—even under the weight of farm equipment or semis.
Smooth flow: The smooth interior allows water and debris to move freely, reducing the chance of clogging.
Built to last: No rust-through. No collapse. No unexpected replacements.
This customer spent nearly $2,000 on a culvert that failed prematurely. Now, with one of our heavy wall pipes in place, they’ve made the switch that should’ve happened the first time: long-term strength and peace of mind.