Large paved areas such as driveways, podium decks, entrances and car parks shed a lot of water in a short time. Channel drains (also called trench or linear drains) intercept that water along their full length, keeping surfaces safe and protecting building entrances.
Where to use channel drains
- At the bottom of driveway ramps, to stop water reaching garages and basements.
- Across building entrances and lobbies.
- Around podium decks and plazas.
- In car parks, loading areas and service yards.
- Around pool decks and landscaped areas.
Planning the layout
Place channels where water naturally flows, perpendicular to the direction of the fall. On ramps, a channel at the top and another at the bottom is common. Plan outlet points and connections to the drainage network early.
Choosing the channel body
- Polymer concrete: strong and light, with good chemical resistance.
- Stainless steel: premium, hygienic and corrosion-resistant, ideal for architectural and pool areas.
- Plastic (PP/PE): economical for light-duty residential areas.
Choosing the grating
Match the grating to the traffic: light-duty for pedestrian areas, heavy-duty where vehicles cross (see our light-duty vs heavy-duty guide) and choose a slot pattern that suits the use. Heel-safe gratings are recommended in pedestrian and hospitality areas.
Installation tips
- Bed and haunch the channel in concrete as specified.
- Set the grating slightly below the finished surface.
- Lock gratings in place in trafficked areas.
- Include silt boxes or sumps where debris is expected.
Which channel where?
| Area | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Driveway or car park ramp | Trench channel with a heavy-duty grating |
| Building entrance | Heel-safe or slot grating |
| Pool deck | Pool & landscape channel |
| Loading bay or service yard | Trench channel with ductile iron grating |
| Hotel or mall lobby | Slot drain |
Basement car parks
Lower levels need more than channels: sand traps to catch grit, an oil interceptor where oil and fuel can reach the drains, and cleanouts for maintenance. See basement drainage.
Maintenance
- Lift gratings and clear silt boxes regularly.
- Check grating locks after heavy rain.
- Clear leaves and sand before the rainy season.
Frequently asked questions
Where should the channel go on a ramp?
Usually at the bottom of the ramp, and often a second channel at the top, so water does not run into the garage or basement.
Do car parks need an oil interceptor?
Where oil or fuel can reach the surface water drains, an oil interceptor separates it before it enters the drainage network.
Can gratings be locked in place?
Yes. Locking gratings are recommended in trafficked areas so they cannot lift or rattle.
Plan with us
We supply channels and gratings for residential, commercial and industrial projects. See drainage channels and gratings.
Related: Heavy-Duty Drainage Gratings · Trench Drainage Systems
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