Drainage Systems

• Fast runoff; no pooling or frost.

• Channels, slots, gullies, soakaways.

• A15 patios/paths; B125 drives.

• Fall surfaces to drains, not doors.

• Prefer soakaways or permeable areas.

• Plan upkeep: silt baskets, access.

A well-planned drainage system keeps paved areas safe and usable all year. Standing water shortens the life of paving, weakens sub-bases and can push moisture toward your home. Good design directs runoff to inlets, reduces slip risk in winter and helps keep joints free from algae and dirt. If you are changing a front garden to hard landscaping, consider how the surface drains and where water will end up, as this often guides whether you opt for permeable construction or a system that carries water to a soakaway.

Picking the right load class protects your installation and grates. A15 suits patios, paths and light garden areas. B125 is typically chosen for domestic driveways that take cars and light vans. Heavier or shared access may need higher classes. Channel bodies in polypropylene or polymer concrete are easy to cut and handle for patio runs, while ductile iron gratings add strength where vehicles steer or brake. When planning outlets, decide early whether you will discharge to a soakaway or another approved destination, then select end, bottom or corner outlets to suit the route of your pipework.

Drainage works best when the surface fall helps it. Patios usually perform well with a gentle fall of about 10 to 17 mm per metre. Driveways often use a similar range, adjusted for material and exposure. Keep levels falling away from the house and set channels or thresholds at the low edge so water has a clear path. At doorways, protect the damp-proof course by keeping external paving at least 150 mm below internal floor level and by detailing a threshold drain where needed.

Drainage is low effort when designed with cleaning in mind. Plan lifting points for grates, include silt baskets at busy inlets and keep at least one rodding point accessible. A seasonal routine of lifting grates, removing leaves and rinsing channels keeps water moving. Check that soakaway inlets remain free and that any geotextiles are not choked with debris.

Robust drainage systems and channel drains available online. We stock a range of durable drainage systems including recessed drain covers and channel drains for the complete garden installation. Want to find out more? Call one of our dedicated team to discuss your project on 0333 321 5091.