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What is channel drainage?

Without realising you will see channel drainage numerous times throughout your day-to-day life, you may have it in your garden, your driveway or walked over it whilst out and about. Channel drainage is simply a way of moving unwanted water away from an area before it causes problems.

Where is channel drainage used?

Domestic – We focus our domestic channels towards patio’s, gardens, driveways, doorways, and other landscaped areas. A domestic channel is usually load classes A15 (1.5 tonnes) or B125 (12.5 Tonnes).

Commercial – Our commercial drainage steps up a load class; these channels usually range from C250 (25 Tonnes) to E600 (60 Tonnes). Commercial channels are best suited for applications like car parks, retail parks, shopping centres and so on.

Industrial – Industrial areas need to be able to withstand the constant moving of heavy vehicles, therefore, they need to be F900 (90 tonnes). You would most likely find a F900 channel in industrial areas, delivery yards, docks, and airports.

Main parts of a Channel Drainage system

Load Classes explained :

Load ClassWeight LoadUses & Applications   
A151.5 tonnePedestrians, Cycles, Driveways, Patios, Gardens.
B12512.5 tonneSlow-moving light-duty vehicles, vans, and cars.
C25025 tonneLight Traffic – Private car parks for vans & cars.
D40040 tonneHighways, public car parks & light commercial vehicles. 
E60060 tonneIndustry areas, loading bays, heavy-duty vehicles
F90090 tonneHeavy-duty vehicles, docks, airports, industrial areas. 

Installing your perfect channel

Step 1:

The first step in installing your channel drainage is digging the trench. You need to ensure that you dig deep enough for at least a 50mm sand base.

Step 2:

From here you need to attach a string line which is the length of your run, this line should finish at the height of your gratings. It is suggested that this line should sit around 2mm lower than the surface level once finished.

Step3:

Once you are starting the actual installation process you should begin at the lowest point. E.g., when your section meets the drain.

Step 4:

When you have laid the first section of your channel you can slot the other sections in place. When placing the channels down you should do so with the gratings installed, to ensure they follow up in their height.

Step 5:

When you’re getting to the last stages of laying your channel you should now cap of the final section, using the end cap.

Step 6:

When the channel is in the ground you should seal and grooves with a silicone sealant, this ensure that the channel is watertight.

Step 7:

When your channel is lay you can start to pour the concrete. You should pour the concrete at a 2mm height difference above the grate section of the channel.