Craig,
Personally, I like the idea of a bottom drain (i.e. Agri-Drain type System).
I also like top drains, or �shotgun tubes� as they are affectionately referred to around here.
I have also seen some nice systems that run perennial water through the earth spillway. (Not generally recommended around here because of our very erosive soils.)
I do like PVC pipe as a principal spillway, HOWEVER:
Please paint the exposed surfaces of PVC pipe with a good outdoor type paint. PVC material has a very low tolerance for ultra-violet light (sunlight). I believe we have all seen yellowing PVC pipe lying outside. It eventually becomes very brittle if exposed to sunlight and breaks easily. A good paint cover will extend the life of exposed pipe surfaces for a long time.
Ed
