How To Install a Channel Drain

*Cost information in this article sourced from Angi.

Channel drains are great for managing water runoff from driveways and other paved surfaces. This linear drainage system collects and redirects water, preventing erosion and potential damage to your property.

In this guide and the video above, This Old House landscape contractor, Roger Cook, will walk you through the process of installing a channel drain, providing expert tips and techniques to ensure a successful DIY project.

Understanding Channel Drains

Channel drains, also known as trench drains or linear drains, are long, narrow drainage systems designed to collect and divert surface water. They are instrumental in areas where water tends to pool or flow across paved surfaces, such as driveways, patios, and walkways.

Types of Channel Drains

There are several types of channel drains available, each suited for different applications:

• Commercial channel drains: Heavy-duty options designed for high-traffic areas
• Plastic channel drains: Affordable and easy to install for DIY projects
• Polymer concrete drains: Durable and resistant to chemicals and extreme temperatures
• Residential channel drains: Lightweight and suitable for most homes

Benefits of Installing a Channel Drain

Installing a channel drain offers numerous advantages for homeowners, such as:

• Enhances the overall drainage system of your property
• Improves safety by eliminating slippery surfaces
• Prevents water pooling and potential damage to paved surfaces
• Protects landscaping from erosion caused by water runoff
• Reduces the risk of flooding and water intrusion into buildings

Planning Your Channel Drain Installation

Before beginning the installation process, you should plan your project carefully. This phase includes assessing the drainage needs of your property and selecting the appropriate materials and tools. 

Assessing Drainage Needs

To determine the best location and size for your channel drain, follow these steps:

• Consider the slope and grade of your property
• Determine the volume of water the drain will need to handle
• Identify areas where water tends to pool or cause issues
• Observe water flow patterns during rainfall

Pro Tip: Tom Dunbar, president of the American Society of Landscape Architects, notes that many homeowners underestimate the importance of addressing drainage: “A lot of people just ignore the water. They simply give up that part of their yard.” Don’t make that mistake — a thorough assessment now prevents costly damage later.

Selecting Materials and Tools

For a successful channel drain installation, you’ll need the following materials and tools:

• Asphalt cold patch
• Channel drain sections and grates
• Circular saw with a diamond blade
• Concrete mix
• Level and measuring tape
• Pointed trowel
• PVC pipe and fittings
• Reciprocating saw
• Rubber mallet
• Safety equipment (gloves, goggles, ear protection)
• Shovel and wheelbarrow
• Small sledgehammer and brick chisel

Step-By-Step Channel Drain Installation Process

Installing a channel drain requires careful planning and execution. Follow these steps to install your channel drain correctly:

1. Mark and Cut the Driveway

First, create a clean edge for the drain installation:

• Begin by marking a straight line across the corner of the driveway where the channel drain will go.
• Use a water-cooled circular saw with a diamond-impregnated blade to cut through the asphalt along the marked line.

Pro Tip: Don’t try to force the saw forward through the asphalt. Instead, let the saw sit on the driveway surface and rock it forward to cut one small section at a time. To keep dust down, attach a hose to the fitting on the saw and run water through it as you cut, or have a helper hose down the asphalt in front of the blade while you’re working.

2. Remove Asphalt and Prepare the Trench

After cutting:

• Use a shovel to pry up and remove the severed piece of asphalt.
• Employ a small sledgehammer and brick chisel to remove any remaining rocks or debris along the cut edge.
• Dig a trench approximately 6 inches deep along the end of the driveway.

Pro Tip: Most trash collectors won’t take asphalt waste. To get rid of it, contact local asphalt producers — they often recycle it. Breaking the removed asphalt into chunks about 1 foot long with a brick set and maul makes it much easier to handle and haul away.

3. Assemble the Channel Drain

Prepare the channel drain by attaching the necessary fittings:

• Glue an offset outlet and a 90-degree elbow to one end of the channel drain.
• Attach a short section of 4-inch-diameter plastic pipe and a 45-degree elbow to the 90-degree elbow.
• Glue an end cap onto the opposite end of the channel drain.

4. Set the Channel Drain in Concrete

Now you’re ready to start laying the channel down in concrete, which serves as a sturdy foundation:

• Mix a bag of concrete in a wheelbarrow and fill the trench with the wet mixture. Use a pointed brick trowel to smooth the concrete surface.
• Then, carefully press the assembled channel drain into the wet concrete, ensuring it’s level and sloping slightly toward the drainpipe. If needed, use a rubber mallet to tap the drain into place.

5. Install the Drainpipe

While the concrete begins to set:

• Dig a 12-inch-deep trench extending from the channel drain across the yard.
• Using a reciprocating saw, cut the plastic pipe to the appropriate length and glue the sections together.

Where the drainpipe terminates at the end of the yard, use a technique called daylighting—letting the pipe exit at grade so water flows freely onto the surface. Place stones in front of and on top of the pipe opening to prevent leaves and debris from getting in and choking the pipe. Keeping that outflow clear is critical to ensuring the entire channel drain system functions properly.

6. Backfill and Finish

Once the concrete has finished setting:

• Backfill the trench with soil to conceal the drainpipe.
• At the end of the drainpipe, create a “daylighting” area by lining it with flat stones to prevent erosion.
• Finally, use an asphalt cold patch to fill the gap between the channel drain and the driveway, compacting it with a small sledgehammer until it’s flush with the surface.

Channel Drain Maintenance and Care

To keep your channel drain function effectively, we recommend undertaking the following regular maintenance:

• Flush the drain periodically with water to prevent clogs
• Inspect the drain annually for signs of damage or wear
• Remove debris and leaves from the grate regularly
• Replace grates or sections as needed to maintain optimal performance

Common Channel Drain Issues and Troubleshooting

While channel drains are generally reliable, some issues may arise over time. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Clogged drain: Use a high-pressure water jet or drain snake to clear blockages
• Cracked concrete: Repair small cracks with concrete patching compound
• Improper slope: Adjust the drain’s pitch to ensure proper water flow
• Loose grates: Secure grates with appropriate fasteners or replace them if damaged

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