Drainage channels are vital systems to any property to ensure surface flooding does not occur during wet seasons and due to other reasons where surface water builds up on the land. They prevent flooding of driveways, gardens, lawns and yards.

How do you install a drainage channel? Drainage channels are not particularly difficult to install provided you have the equipment and know how to do the job. We will provide basic steps to installing a drainage channel here.

Step 1.
Before beginning, make sure that  there is sufficient slope in the paving to ensure the water will run and be removed from the property. The channel should not be installed along the line of the vehicle wheel travel. Dig the trench for the channel, allowing sufficient room for the channel to be installed. Generally you will want 50mm of compacted sandbase under the channel and 100mm on each side for concrete backfill.

Step 2.
A leak control flange will now need to be installed into the bottom of the trench. The wet area should now be fully “tanked”.

Step 3.
If using PVC channel, cut to the required length and allow  5mm for the stop ends. Attach the stop ends and the spigot to the bottom of the channel.

Step 4.
Now it’s time to sit the channel into the trench you dug. Use leveling compound to ensure that the installation is level and at the appropriate height. It is generally recommended to have the PVC channel 1-2mm below the final height of the floor surface. Stainless channels can be installed level with the floor surface.

Step 5.
You can now backfill the trench with the cementitious compound. Ensure that the sub-tile moisture flow is not blocked from the leak control flange.

Step 6.
The floor can now be finished by laying down your chosen finishing surfaces such as tiles. Depending on the channel used, it is advised to lay a bead of silicone alongside or on top of the channel.

Step 7.
Now you can cut the grate to size and install it into the channel. Ensure that the cut is square and gently file back rough edges for safety and a clean look. It is always recommended to cut the grate a few millimeters shorter than the channel so that it can be easily removed later for cleaning.