Guide • Trench Drain Kit
Trench Drain Kit: Complete Guide to Specs, Layout, and Installation
A Trench Drain Kit bundles everything you need for a high-strength, reliable surface drainage run—no guesswork or parts hunting. This kit pairs a neutral-invert channel (flat base; no built-in slope) with ductile iron grates, end outlet, end cap, grate locks, and fasteners. Translation: you get pro-level performance and faster installs for driveways, parking zones, patios, and commercial walkways.
What’s Included (and Why It Matters)
- Complete, Ready-to-Install Kit: Neutral channel section, two ductile iron grates with fasteners, end outlet, end cap, and grate locks—reduces install time and parts management.
- Sturdy & Corrosion-Resistant Grates: Ductile iron handles heavier-duty environments and frequent traffic.
- Robust Channel Profile: 6" wide × 4 ft long, 4.3" invert depth, 6.1" total depth—excellent hydraulic capacity in a compact, rugged form.
- Neutral Invert Design: Flat base makes the kit ideal where site slope is minimal or tightly controlled by the installer.
- Heavy Load Rating: Rated for H-20 vehicular load under proper installation—suited to driveways, parking zones, patios, and similar areas expecting vehicle stress.
Steel Grate Option (When You Need It)
Prefer a lighter grate? Galvanized steel grates are available as an accessory to this kit. Note that adding steel grates reduces the load rating to Class C, and you’ll need two grates per channel. This is a smart choice for pedestrian or light-duty areas where you still want metal performance without going full ductile iron.
Layout & Sizing Tips (Step-by-Step)
- Trace the flow path: Find the low edge (garage threshold, apron, patio perimeter) where water naturally travels.
- Confirm elevations: Since this kit is neutral invert, you set the grade—plan a continuous fall toward your outlet.
- Check capacity: The 6" × 4 ft channel with 4.3" invert depth handles most residential and light commercial runs; add outlets on longer lines.
- Pick a grate: Ductile iron for vehicles/H-20; galvanized steel for Class C/light duty. Ensure the rating fits your traffic.
- Outlet strategy: Use the included end outlet and cap; tie into storm piping, French drain, or dry well per code.
Installation Overview (Pro-Friendly, DIY-Aware)
- Excavate & Bed: Dig a trench wide/deep enough for the channel plus concrete bedding/encasement. Compact sub-base.
- Set Grade: Establish a consistent fall toward the outlet (laser level helps). Neutral invert = you control the slope.
- Place Channel: Dry-fit sections; verify height vs. adjacent surfaces (concrete, pavers). Lock grates to maintain geometry.
- Encasement: Concrete backfill per load rating (H-20 requires proper encasement). Keep grates in during pour.
- Outlet Connection: Attach end outlet to storm piping. Seal joints as required by local code. Finalize grate fasteners.
Case Study: Driveway Apron That Stays Dry
Location: Suburban home on a mild slope • Problem: After heavy rain, water tracked into the garage and pooled along the driveway apron. Re-grading the entire drive wasn’t in budget.
Solution: A Trench Drain Kit using one 4-ft neutral channel and ductile iron grates, set to a 0.7% installer-controlled grade. The included end outlet tied directly to existing storm piping. Concrete encasement followed H-20 guidelines due to occasional vehicle loads.
- Install time: One afternoon (crew of two).
- Outcome: No ponding or garage intrusion during two subsequent storms (>1" rain). Apron area dried significantly faster.
- Maintenance: Quarterly visual checks; grate locks simplify access for debris removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I choose ductile iron vs. steel grates?
Use ductile iron for vehicle traffic or heavy duty (H-20). Choose galvanized steel for light duty (Class C), pedestrian areas, or where weight and cost are priorities.
What does “neutral invert” mean?
It means the channel base is flat—there’s no built-in slope. You set the fall during installation, which is helpful when site grades are tight.
How often should I clean the drain?
Check seasonally and after major storms. Remove grates, clear debris, and re-fasten locks. Heavily treed sites may need more frequent checks in fall.
Get a Quote
Ready to size your run, select grates, and confirm load rating for your site?
Get a QuoteSpecs Snapshot
- Channel Size: 6" wide × 4 ft long
- Depths: 4.3" invert • 6.1" total
- Invert: Neutral (installer-set slope)
- Standard Grates: Ductile iron with fasteners & locks
- Steel Grate Option: Galvanized steel (reduces to Class C; two grates per channel)
- Load Rating: H-20 vehicular (with proper encasement)
- Included Ends: End outlet + end cap