Installing Driveway Drainage Channels: All You Need to Know

In our many years of laying driveways, car parks, running tracks, footpaths, and more, one of the main subjects we are asked about is drainage. People don’t want their newly laid surface to flood or hold pools of water—that’s understandable. That’s why when we assess your surface before any work is started, we always look at the need for drainage and what might work best.

Occasionally, though, homeowners like to adapt a little of what has been done at a later date. Perhaps due to a change in style preference, or maybe the realisation that our suggestions at the planning stage were necessary! Either way, we understand that sometimes people like to take on a project themselves. One example is the driveway drainage channel.

Today, we will explain how you can install them yourself, but if you want our honest opinion, speak to us. We can attend your home, have the driveway looking its best, and ensure the drainage performs correctly. Anyway, for now, let’s run you through what you need to do.

Why do I need driveway drainage channels?

Give the driveways around your road a quick glance, and you’ll soon see that many, if not all, are on a slight slope. Rather than being done for some aesthetic quality, the slope allows surface water, snow, or ice to run off the driveway and avoid it flooding. Positioned at the base—and occasionally the side—of the drive, the channels will carry water to a drain and away from potentially causing a flood or significant water build-up. This innovation will not only stop water from sitting on your driveway but also reduce the level of damage that standing water may cause.

Will I need planning permission to install driveway drainage channels?

If you are installing drainage channels to an existing driveway, then no, you won’t need planning permission. However, if you plan to install a new driveway, you might find a planning permission application is necessary.

If your new driveway meets any of the below criteria, you’ll need to seek planning permission before going any further:

• The driveway will be larger than 5m².
• The driveway will not be made with porous or permeable materials.
• Surface water will not be directed to drainage channels or suitable systems that stop it from sitting on the surface or running into the road.

This is another reason we suggest speaking to our team. We can advise on the best options for driveway surfaces in a host of locations. Our porous asphalt, for example, is an ideal option for driveways in areas with high rainfall. Many people, though, like a tarmac driveway or a concrete drive, and these don’t naturally provide drainage. So, if you want one of those and want to avoid the hassle of planning permission, you’ll need drainage channels to be implemented.

How can I install driveway drainage channels?

If you have decided to go it alone and install drainage channels for your driveway, you’ll need to follow some specific steps:

1.      Prep the area

Installing drainage channels for your driveway can be a relatively simple task, but it’s also one that you could easily get wrong! If you start digging up the incorrect area or position a drain in the wrong spot, you may end up with an unattractive driveway that doesn’t work properly!

Check that you have all the correct equipment and that you know exactly where the drainage channels will sit. Understand where the water will drain away to, and ensure it provides runoff for the entire driveway. See that you have all the right channel lengths ready to install as well. You can always adjust them later, but it pays to be prepared!

2.      Dig the trench

You’ll need to dig a trench for the drainage channels, and it’s important to factor in depth, width, and length. General recommendations are that you dig the channel 2mm below the surface. You’ll need a further 100mm to add concrete and sand for a level base. Add the concrete and sand to the trench once it is dug and ensure it is levelled off.

3.      Put your drain channel together

Assemble the drain channel system to make sure it fits the trench. If it is too big, you can cut it down but only do this from the opposite end from where the outlet will be. Once cut, check again to see that it fits. If it does, you are ready for installation.

4.      Install the drainage channels

Install the drainage channels with a full length at the channel's lowest point, connecting them as you go. Allow a gradual fall of 5mm for every 1mm of drain. End caps can then be added as necessary.

5.      Connect the outlet

You can now connect the outlet to a main drain via an outlet end cap or pre-marked sections in the base of your channel drain. It would be best to use a 110mm drainage pipe for this.

6.      Test it (optional)

If you want to ensure your handiwork works, now would be the time to test it. Pour some water into the channels to see if it drains away as it should.

7.      Secure the channel drain and pipework

To ensure there is no movement from the pipes or channels, apply concrete or another suitable material to fill around the channel drain. It might be advisable to cover the grates first to stop anything from falling into the drains and potentially causing a blockage.

And that’s it! You’ve installed driveway drainage channels. Of course, our guidance above is the simplified version, and it will take significantly longer to complete than it took you to read this!

If you feel confident in your abilities, go ahead! However, if you are unsure, why not speak to us? With all our driveway installations, we factor in drainage and how it needs to be used. Not only to comply with regulations but also to ensure your driveway looks great, lasts a long time, and requires as little maintenance as possible. Speak to our driveway resurfacing experts today.