Review the surface flow
Identify the direction water travels and choose a location where the channel can intercept it. Existing pavement elevations and the available outlet shape the design.
Residential surface drainage
Channel Drains
Intercept surface runoff along a defined line. Channel drains can collect water moving across driveways, patios, pool surrounds, and walkways before it reaches an unwanted low point.
Plan my channel drains projectGive runoff a clear entry point
Collect the water.
Plan where it goes.
A channel drain, also called a linear or trench drain, uses an elongated grate over a collection channel. Instead of collecting at a single point, it can intercept runoff along an edge or across a flow path. Water then leaves through a connected pipe to a suitable receiving location.
A channel drain may be useful where paved surfaces direct water toward a garage entrance, patio edge, or walkway. Placement needs to follow the surface slope and expected direction of flow. It will not correct every grading issue, and a drain at a garage entrance is not a guarantee against flooding.
The complete water path
A drain is more
than a grate.
Collection, conveyance, and discharge need to work together.
Select a suitable channel
Match the channel and grate to anticipated pedestrian or vehicle loads. Installation support, surrounding concrete, and connections should follow the selected system’s requirements.
Connect and finish the route
Plan the downstream pipe, receiving point, and access for maintenance. Include concrete, paver, or other surface restoration in the installation scope.
Scope before price
What shapes
your installation.
Channel length and capacity, grate type and loading requirements, pavement cutting, excavation, concrete or paver restoration, and the downstream outlet influence cost. Existing slab conditions and installation access can change the scope substantially.
Built to stay accessible
Plan for
maintenance.
Keep grates free of leaves and sediment, clean accessible channels, and inspect the downstream outlet after rain. Removable components should remain accessible. Water bypassing the channel may point to a blocked grate, inadequate capacity, or a surface-flow issue that needs review.
Homeowner questions
Channel drains
questions.
Can a channel drain go across a driveway?
It may be suitable if its location, grate rating, structural support, pipe connection, and outlet are appropriate for the driveway. A product intended only for light pedestrian use is not automatically suitable for vehicles.
Is a channel drain better than a catch basin?
They collect differently. A channel can intercept water along a line, while a catch basin collects at a point. Surface slope, the width of the runoff path, and the intended use of the area help determine which is appropriate.
Can a channel drain stop water entering my garage?
It can be one part of a runoff-management plan, but the flow volume, surface levels, drain capacity, and receiving outlet all need review. It cannot be promised to prevent every flooding event.
Start with your property
Let’s get your yard
moving in the
right direction.
Prepare a simple drainage project summary. Select the issue you’re noticing and add a few details about your yard.
No measurements yet? Describe what you see after a rainstorm.
One yard. The right combination.