Drainage For Driveways

• Improper leveling or grading can cause flooding and water damage to a building’s foundation as well as cause standing water in low areas. This is easily fixed in new constructions, but in existing applications, a trench drain or landscape drainage system are both viable options.
• The dimensions of a system determine the amount of water that can move in and away from the specified location and how quickly. It is important to have a large enough trench drain to meet the needs of the application. Specifying a driveway drainage system that is too small for the water flow in the area is another common mistake that causes flooding.
• In many instances, cost or aesthetics become the main focus of a project instead of functionality. This can cause issues when an application requires a heavy-duty grate option, rather than a lightweight decorative plastic. After identifying what size your application requires, what load class should be the next step in your specifications? Establishing what kind of traffic will be moving over the grates is key to specifying which will be suitable for the project. Equally as important is knowing what environment the trench grates will be exposed to.
• Annual cleaning of your trench drain system is the best way to get the most out of your drainage application. Drainage systems are exposed to the elements and need occasional maintenance to ensure proper water displacement. If left unattended these drain systems become counterproductive and could eventually become unsafe. Regularly cleaning out your trench drains or drainage basins is a great way to ensure your systems are maintained and continue functioning to their best ability.

What size system do I need?

What will be moving over the grates?

Does the channel and grate material matter?

Driveway drainage systems primarily fall within 5″-6″ wide, however, if a more robust system is needed 8″-12″ wide trench drains are available. The dimensions required, are dependent upon the amount of stormwater runoff that needs to be redirected.

Load class is an important factor in driveway drains. A system should have a grating that will not warp or break from the traffic driving over it. Class B grates (cars and lightweight trucks) or class C grates (heavy-duty traffic, H-20 loading) are recommended. Using an inferior load class than required can lead to a failed and possibly damaged system. This can be a very costly mistake and is the most common.

Specifying what channel and grate system to use is dependent upon the application. Trench drains can be a large, but important investment to a property. Each project has specific needs that are fundamental to its success. Mistakes are often made when the entire scope of a project is not clearly planned out or understood.

How do I clean out a drain system?

Routine maintenance of your installed trench drain helps to ensure its longevity. Since these drain systems are left exposed to the weather and are in constant use, they require attention. The process generally consists of removing the tops or grates, extracting the debris that has collected, and then replacing the covers. Scheduling an annual cleaning is the best way to keep your investment functioning appropriately.

Are there decorative options for metal driveway grates?

There are a variety of cast iron grates available, including decorative cast-iron grates which allow the same water flow as standard slotted grates while being aesthetically pleasing, making them an ideal match for many driveway applications.

Who installs Trench Drain Systems?

A major point within any project is the physical installation of the trench drain system. This can be a turning point for an application. If done incorrectly, it will hinder the function of the drainage system and could cause multiple issues in the long run. Many systems have install guides that should be followed to position and place the drainage project accurately. Finding a local installer can be a difficult task. However, most often a landscape architect or masonry are both good resources to investigate.