Area Drains
Large-grate drains that collect surface water from courtyards, plazas, yards and decks.
Large-grate drains for open areas.
Channels and gratings.
Gratings for vehicle traffic.
What is an area drain?
An area drain is a larger floor drain built for open outdoor areas. It has a bigger grate and body than a bathroom or kitchen floor drain, so it can take more water and more debris, and it is set at the low point of the area, with the paving falling towards it.
Area drain, floor drain or channel?
| Area drain | Floor drain | Channel drain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collects water | At one low point | At one low point | Along a line |
| Typical place | Courtyards, yards, decks | Bathrooms, kitchens, plant rooms | Entrances, driveways, pool decks |
| Grate size | Large | Small to medium | Long and narrow |
See Floor Drains and Drainage Channels & Gratings.
What we supply
| Product | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast iron area drains | For yards, decks and service areas |
| Stainless steel area drains | AISI 304/316, for visible and coastal areas |
| Grates | Pedestrian, heel-safe or heavy-duty, matched to use |
| Outlets | Bottom or side, sized to the drain line |
| Sediment bucket | Optional, to catch sand and debris |
Where area drains are used
- Courtyards and internal gardens
- Plazas and public squares
- Terraces and podium decks
- Service yards and loading areas
- Car park decks
- Building perimeters and lightwells
Planning the falls
Divide the area into zones, with each zone falling towards its own drain. Avoid long, flat stretches where water can pond. In UAE storms, more drains with shorter falls work better than one large drain at the far end.
Sand and the rainy season
Open areas collect sand all year. Choose an area drain with a sediment bucket where sand is expected, and clean it before the rainy season. See our rainy-season roof drainage guide for a checklist that works for open areas too.
What to send us for a quote
Quantities, grate size and type, the use (pedestrian or vehicles), material, outlet size and direction, sediment bucket, and the drainage layout.
Typical applications
Frequently asked questions
What is an area drain?
Can vehicles drive over area drains?
Do area drains need a sediment bucket?
Cast iron or stainless steel?
Can I get data sheets for approval?
Do you deliver outside Dubai?
Send us quantities, sizes and drawings or site photos and we will reply with options and a price. Request a quote.
Related: Floor Drains & Linear Shower Drains · Drainage Channels & Gratings · Heavy-Duty Gratings · Roof Drains · Request a Quote
Why Choose Alphatek?
- Standard sizes in stock or made to order
- Data sheets for consultant approval
- Custom fabrication available
- Delivery across the UAE and GCC
- Fast quotations
Building Materials Supplier for Dubai & the UAE
Alphatek – Delivering drainage solutions that keep your projects flowing.