Utilizing Trench Drains

If you haven’t considered using a trench drain for your next design project, you should think again. Depending on your type of project, a trench drain can prevent potential flooding.

A trench drain provides a longer surface for water to drain. If an area is prone to collecting water, the drain will allow the water to divert to another area.

If you currently have a sump pump, your trench drain can work alongside it to remove water. When installing a trench drain, you have a wide range of materials to choose from.

Stainless steel, plastic, fiberglass, and galvanized steel are just to name a few. Your specific project will likely require a specific type of material.

Can I Build a Trench Drain?

For some projects around your house, it is possible to build the trench drain yourself. The first step to building a trench drain is to dig the space for the trench to fit into. Once your space is ready, you can then begin connecting your drain to where the water will flow, such as a sewer drain.

Once those are connected, you can then place your trench drain in. If you had to dig up gravel or grass for the installation, be sure to clean up the area. You want to make sure the trench drain is on a flat surface.

While this is a more economical process, for larger-scale projects you should go with a professional to avoid causing any major damage to your property.

Projects Benefiting from a Trench Drain

Depending on the type of project, a trench drain proves to be incredibly useful. While you are weighing your decision to add one, consider the risks of not having a trench drain.

While it may cost some money now, it will likely save you from having to spend even more money in the future to fix a problem.

Installing a Trench Drain in Your Yard

If your yard is very flat, you are more likely to experience flooding. Without a place for the water to run off, you are at risk for standing water and soil erosion.

Once the water pools long enough in your yard, it can begin to cause severe damage to your landscaping. If the problem goes on long enough, it can begin damaging the foundation of your home. Also, you likely will not be able to access part of your yard if there is major flooding.

A trench drain will help prevent the excess water from reaching your home. If you have a basement, this can be incredibly useful and will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Kitchen Trench Drains

A commercial kitchen requires proper drainage. With the amount of action the kitchen in a restaurant sees, the trench drain will help prevent accidents from occurring. Also, it will aid in preventing sitting water which can lead to bacterial growth.

The trench drain will also ensure to keep things sanitary, by helping drain all chemicals used for floor cleaning. The most common types of trench drains for the kitchen are either fiberglass or stainless steel.

Splash Pads

An outdoor splash pad is a likely place for a trench drain. The water that comes up needs somewhere to go. Since there will be children, and perhaps the occasional adult, running around, you want to pick the correct material for safety.

Opt for fiberglass over plastic. While plastic is a cheap option, it can become very slick when wet. You will want to ensure the grates are not big enough for fingers or toes to get stuck in while kids are running around and playing.

Swimming Pools

If you are considering putting a swimming pool in your backyard, you should consider adding a trench drain alongside it. If there is heavy rainfall, your swimming pool is more likely to overflow. The trench drain will provide a place for the extra water to go.

Also, if you are building a swimming pool for public use, you likely will have a greater amount of water in the pool to begin. Having a trench drain will be extremely beneficial with the higher number of traffic moving around the pool area.

Fiberglass is an ideal choice when it comes to a trench drain for your pool. The material is cheaper than some other options, like stainless steel, but is incredibly durable.

Fiberglass can stand up against the harsh chemicals used in swimming pools. When installing your drain, it should be no more than 10 feet away from the side of the pool.

Fountains

If you are considering installing a fountain, you should understand the importance of adding a trench drain around it. While the area around a fountain typically only gets foot traffic, it’s still important to have the area appropriately drained.

A trench drain will need to go all around the fountain, to ensure it collects water from all sides. There are several materials you can use for a fountain trench drain: metal, fiberglass, or concrete.

Consider how you want the area to look. Some drains may have more of an industrial look and might not be the right match for your fountain. Look for custom options that can integrate seamlessly into the design.

Housing for Animals

If you run any type of animal kennel or veterinarian’s office, you may not have thought of adding a trench drain. The drain will help with washing away any waste material left by the animals. It helps aid in providing a clean environment for the pets and the employees.

Without proper cleaning, the kennels can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria and other diseases. Having a trench drain to clean the area can also reduce the amount of odor in the space.

Concrete is an ideal material for this type of trench drain. Also, putting the drain at the back of the cages makes it a lot easier for someone to clean up the mess.

Final Thoughts

While you may not think your next design project requires trench drains, think of what could happen without one. A properly installed trench drain is a wise addition to many projects involving water.

A trench drain can save you loads of money in the long-run, especially if you were to run into a flooding problem. If you are concerned about it not being aesthetically pleasing, choose a material to better match your project. A trench drain can be a valuable option in ensuring that your project is built to last.