Channel Drainage

What Is Channel Drainage?

Channel drainage is a popular building material utilized for all kinds of applications worldwide. They are also known as trench drains or linear drains.

They function through gravity, needing nothing more than nature to take its course. As a result, channel drains should always be placed in a direction where surface water is likely to flow.

Its primary function is to divert surface water away from a specific region, preventing floods and overflow. In addition, these drains regulate water flow in a given area by lowering the system's stress. 

There are several types of channel drainage systems currently present in the market.

Advantages Of Channel Drainage

Prevents Water Accumulation 

Channel drainage systems prevent water accumulation that could lead to floods on properties. Overflowing water in yards can severely damage plants, but fortunately, channel drains help prevent stagnant water from pooling. A decrease in mosquito breeding is an additional benefit.

Protects Against Flooding

A primary function of channel drains is flood protection — paths under the grate drain water away from the pavement and towards a more suitable drainage site.  

Flood damage to structures is prevented as water doesn't pool. It also helps extend the life of the paved regions in this way. 

Reduces Erosion

Stagnant water gathered over time can make soil muddy, causing it to disintegrate. Channel drainage systems keep soil moisture regulated in the garden, reducing soil erosion.

Easy To Install

Installing channel drains can improve a house's aesthetic appeal. They are easy to install and ensure proper drainage due to their durability. 

Suitable For Smaller Drainage Blocks

Linear, gravity, and trench drains are other names for channel drains go by. They intend to provide good surface drainage, decreasing the risks of floods over a vast region. Installing a channel drain stops water from accumulating on non-porous surfaces. 

Channel drains do not only work well in vast areas; smaller drainage blocks can also benefit from them. Sub-slab footer drain networks could also be added as an alternative method to prevent water pooling.

Where To Install Channel Drainage?

Commercial locations with tiled or large paved areas can benefit from channel drains. Nevertheless, they are often used on residential properties, too. 

Following is the list of locations where channel drains are frequently installed:

• Patios
• Swimming pools
• Sports areas
• Driveways and pathways
• Fuel stations 
• Gardens
• Bathrooms
• Paved public places

Types Of Channel Drainage System

Slot Drain

A slot drain is a unique, one-piece surface drain system. It has a 25mm opening, with 20 slots spanning three meters and emptying into a 90mm stormwater pipe. The slot drain removes the need for grating, resulting in long-lasting, hygienic, and cost-effective drainage. 

Trench Drain

Trench drains are a type of floor drainage system with a channel-shaped structure. They are lined with concrete at a slant to take advantage of gravity, keeping fluids flowing. Steel grates or filters are used to prevent the trench from clogging with trash. 

These kinds of drains are perfect for controlling excess rain and runoff on paved surfaces, like parking lots, walkways, and driveways.

Storm Drain

The stormwater drainage system is installed to redirect stormwater towards ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. It is a critical component of any country's stormwater management system, intended to prevent stormwater from wreaking havoc. 

A storm drain basket is used within the drainage system to collect debris.

Strip Drain

These gather surface water and dump it into the central drainage system. Strip drains' design is intended to aid in the rapid drainage of surface water to prevent flooding. Gravity is used by the mechanism to drain accumulated runoff. So, for the strip drain to function correctly, it must be installed so that the water will flow downhill.

How To Install Channel Drainage System?

Anyone can install these structures by following the below steps. Nonetheless, keep in mind that it would be better if a plumber did it. 

Step 1: Dig A Trench 

Dig a clean trench in the ground to ensure the channel drain fits correctly and reaches the ground. Ensure it is 2mm beneath the adjacent surface but an extra 100mm below to apply the concrete around it.

Step 2: Drainage Channel Installation

Determine the correct lengths of selected channel drainage. Then check any essential components. This could include a silt trap ready for installation or a pre-formed exit that has been cut out. Before installing the drainage channels, make sure that all the needed end caps have been connected.

Step 3: Add Concrete

Add a 100mm thick layer of concrete to the bottom of the trench.

Step 4: Insert Drainage Channel 

Place the channel drainage system into the trench, constructing the outlet links and seals to the drain pipe. Before adding any backfill or concrete around the channel run, gently push the channel drainage into the drench with a mallet.

Channel drainage and other components

While channel drainage collects surface water from different areas, it is important to combine it with other stormwater management components such as detention tanks. 

Detention tanks store excess water during heavy rainfall. The combination optimizes water flow.

Care And Maintenance

Sometimes, drains are clogged with dirt, dry leaves, rocks, or even soil. To clean it, all one has to do is take away the grates. Then, remove the debris manually before flushing the channel with water to clear it.