Surface Drainage

Q: Where is a drainage channel installed?

Where a drainage channel is placed will depend on the contours of your property. As a general rule of thumb, drainage systems should avoid the path of vehicle wheels and food traffic. Installing drains parallel to these areas is preferred as it will prevent prematurely damaging the system or causing a trip hazard.

Q: Is there a limit for the amount of water a channel drain can handle?

Your channel drain should be able to handle high loads of water run off. However, some systems store the water first, in accordance with the First Flush rule, which states the first 15 minutes of water will be stored. The volume capacity of these drains can be calculated using specific equations.

The main purpose of surface drainage systems is to remove excess water from landscapes and driveways. This prevents surfaces from becoming sodden, thereby protecting them from collapse and erosion. Slot drains and channel drains are two of the main drainage types available for homes and commercial buildings. ArchiPro’s vast inventory includes premium drainage systems from the most reputable suppliers in New Zealand.

Featuring the best drainage products in New Zealand

Homebuilders and landscapers know consistently high-quality products are difficult to come by. Luckily, ArchiPro features only the best products in New Zealand from expert suppliers in the industry. The selection of drains will fit any landscaping need, whether that’s a slot drain, channel drain, or storm drain. You don’t have to worry about bulky drainage systems disrupting your home’s aesthetic - every product has a sleek, modern look, complementing the architecture in a variety of subtle ways.

Types of drainage systems

Channel drain

Channel drains are grated drains installed at the bottom of slopes. This uses gravity to force the water down the drainage system.

Storm drain

Private storm drains are linked to public stormwater networks, acting to drain rain runoff from outdoor surfaces into nearby bodies of water.

Slot drain

These drain types are distinctly linear, without any grating. Because of their minimalism, slot drains look great in driveways and doorways.

The advantages of high-quality drainage systems

Drainage systems in New Zealand are fundamental in exterior architectural plans. It’s important to install the right kind of system to preserve the integrity of your outdoor structures, whether that’s slot drainage for your driveway, or channel drainage in your garden landscaping. High-quality surface drainage is generally made of stainless steel for unbeatable durability, and can be electropolished for a clean, shiny finish. These have impressive longevity, so you won’t have to replace your system with constant wear and tear.

How to choose a drainage system that’s right for you

When looking at surface drainage in New Zealand, the right solution for your property will depend on the space and needs of the landscape. If your system is installed near a pool area, you’ll need a chemical-resistant system that can withstand the high solvent load of pool water. Some systems will withstand a greater water run-off and should be installed in areas exposed to high levels of surface water. For driveways and patio areas, you should consider the aesthetic appeal of the space before implementing drainage.

Where should a channel drain be placed?

Channel drains take advantage of the slope to force water run-off into the system. Ideally, these should be placed at the lowest point of a slope, maximising the slope’s angle for rapid drainage. This is optimal for gardens and hilly landscapes. However, you can still place a channel drain in a flat area.