Trench Drain Installation Summary

These trench drain installation instructions are applicable to most installations. System designers must determine whether site conditions have special requirements regarding trench drain channel installation.

1. DRAINAGE SYSTEM DESIGN
The drainage system selected must be suitable for the customer’s application and for the location where installation is to take place.

2. PREPARATION
Read all information for your type of installation before starting project. Collect tools and supplies needed to do the job. See list of suggested tools and supplies in thedetailed installation instructions.

3. EXCAVATION
Excavate trenches to a width and depth sufficient to ensure that there is room for the minimum required thickness of concrete to be placed under and alongside the channels. Remember that the pavement surface next to the channels must be laid so that it is 1/8 in. (3 mm) above the top of the channel.

4. CHANNEL LAYOUT
Lay out channel system parts in the planned sequence alongside the excavated trench according to the installation plan. Ensure that channels are placed in the proper position and in the proper direction. Set outlet channel first (highest channel number),

5. KNOCKOUT REMOVAL
Remove preformed knockouts from channels and catch basins for required piping connections.

6. INSTALLATION AND BRACING
Begin installing channels at the downstream discharge end of the drainage system. Install and brace channels so that channels will remain in place without sagging prior to pouring concrete and so that channels will not float out of position during or after pouring concrete. Channels must also be braced against any side loading that would prevent easy installation of grates after the concrete sets up.

7. POURING CONCRETE
Do not bump or jar channels out of alignment during the pouring of concrete. Pour concrete slowly enough to ensure that channels do not float out of alignment and do not pour concrete directly against channels. Pour the same amount of concrete on both sides of channels to avoid pushing channels out of alignment. The pavement surface next to the channels must be laid so that it is 1/8 in. (3 mm) above the top of the channels.

8. CLEANUP
Clean any spilled concrete from grates, channels and outlet points. Insert and secure grates to channels using the optional locking devices.

 

Preparation

1. DRAINAGE SYSTEM DESIGN
The drainage system selected must be suitable for the customer’s application and for the location where installation is to take place. The carrying capacity of the subsoil and the strength of the trench floor must be considered. Consideration should also be given to the use of expansion joints in both longitudinal and transverse directions to minimize horizontal forces which would distort the channel system.

2. PREPARATION
Read all information for your type of installation before starting project. Collect tools and supplies needed to do the job. The following may be useful for your installation:

Shovel	Screwdriver	Wooden or steel stakes
Level	Saw with masonry or diamond blade	Grout and adhesives*
Square	Grinder	2” x 4” boards
Chalkline	Caulk gun and caulk sealant*	Plywood
Large hammer	Vibrator	Gloves
Cold chisel	Drill and masonry bits, about 3/8 in. (10 mm) diameter	Respirator
Safety glasses or goggles	3” schedule 40 PVC pipe

*Selection of Caulks, Grouts and Sealants: Adhesives, caulking compounds, grouting and sealants used on the drainage system must be compatible with all chemicals that will flow through the system. Openings and joints may be filled with one of several materials. Silicone caulk should be used when a flexible joint is needed. A two-component epoxy grout should be used when a rigid joint is needed. A fast setting cement type grouting compound may be used where high durability is not needed.

EXCAVATION

Excavate trenches to a width and depth sufficient to ensure that there is room for the minimum required thickness of concrete to be placed under and alongside the channels. Bedding concrete should be as thick as the adjoining slab thickness. Excavations must ensure a minimum thickness of bedding concrete as shown in the chart below. Deeper and wider excavations must be made for catch basins. Remember that the pavement surface next to the channels must be laid so that it is 1/8 in. (3 mm) above the top of the channels.

CHANNEL LAYOUT

4. CHANNEL LAYOUT
Lay out channel system parts in the planned sequence alongside the excavated trench according to the installation plan. Ensure that channels are placed in the proper position and in the proper direction. The number on the side of each channel shows the position of the channel within the drainage line. The direction of flow is shown by arrows on the channel sides which point to the outlet.

 5. KNOCKOUT REMOVAL
Drill holes around the perimeter of knockout breaking point using a masonry bit about 3/8 in. (10 mm) diameter. Carefully remove the knockout from inside the channel using a hammer and cold chisel. Clean up edges of hole using a hammer and cold chisel or a grinder. Invert channel and insert outlet connector from bottom and apply sealant. Allow proper time for sealant to set before handling. Catch basins and outlet channels contain preformed cutouts for piping, channel and catch basin conn. Remove these knockouts only as needed.

CAUTION Knockouts should be removed carefully in order to prevent cracking of the channel around the knockout hole.

WARNING Wear protective eyeglasses or goggles, a respirator mask and gloves when cutting, chiseling, drilling or grinding concrete or asphalt. Avoid breathing concrete and asphalt particles since they  could be harmful to your health. Observe all safety precautions when operating electrical or hand tools.

NEXT : Installation and Bracing