This is how you choose a plastic trench drain:

When I started my career with trench drain, I didn’t know the benefits of using plastic trench drains on drainage projects. Since then, I’ve seen enough projects to tell the difference between good and bad trench drain systems. From what I learned, all trench drain is good as long as you have the proper product for the application. Here’s how you get it right.

1.  Is the drain located in an area with extreme freeze/thaw?

Plastic is more susceptible to freeze-thaw than other materials (such as metal or polymer concrete) used for trench drains. Plastic trench drains can separate from the concrete that holds them in place during extreme temperature changes.  Also, PVC becomes brittle in the extreme cold and could crack under impact at those times. So, be aware of environment factors before you choose your trench drain material.

2.  Is the drain being installed in a paver surface or in a pour concrete floor?

Trench drains used in paver patio applications usually are straight walled  so to accommodate the close proximity of a paving stone. Plastic drains that have built-in pedestals or an exaggerated grating seat impart greater strength to the drain and are best suited for concrete installations.

3.  Are the aesthetics important? 

Narrow plastic drains, also called strip drains, come in 1-2” widths and don’t offer decorative grating options. Larger plastic systems (3” wide and larger) often feature decorative grating options in plastic, cast iron or stone.  Some systems even use stainless steel grates.  Or, how do you feel about the plastic channel edge being exposed at the drain-floor interface? There are systems which minimize or eliminate unsightly channel details.

4.  What are the load requirements for the drain?

Not all residential-grade plastic trench drains are built with vehicle traffic in mind. But some applications, such as driveways, require load bearing drains. Small plastic channel drains are designed to incorporate the strength of the surrounding to achieve higher load standards.  Often, these systems offer cast iron grates and reinforcing frames to assist in transferring the load away from the plastic channel. This allows the plastic channel to achieve industrial-grade load ratings.

5.  Is the drain being installed by you or a  contractor?

Superior trench drain design promotes easy installation. Engineers thought through the installation process to design easy-to-install trench drains. Plastic trench drains are lightweight and easier to handle. Still, some of the larger plastic systems can be unwieldy in inexperienced hands, especially when being installed in concrete.

This list of considerations is by no means exhaustive. Maybe you have some other ideas. If so, let me know by leaving a comment below.

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