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Surface Drainage

Channel drains remove excess water from driveways and slopes, while slot drains collect runoff through a narrow inlet in surface drainage systems.

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Surface Drainage

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About Surface Drainage products

Homebuilders and landscapers know consistently high-quality products are difficult to come by. Luckily, ArchiPro features only the best products in Australia from expert suppliers in the industry. The selection of drains will fit any landscaping need, whether that’s a slot drain, channel drain, or storm drain. You don’t have to worry about bulky drainage systems disrupting your home’s aesthetic - every product has a sleek, modern look, complementing the architecture in a variety of subtle ways.

The main purpose of surface drainage systems is to remove excess water from landscapes and driveways. This prevents surfaces from becoming sodden, thereby protecting them from collapse and erosion. Slot drains and channel drains are two of the main drainage types available for homes and commercial buildings. ArchiPro’s vast inventory includes premium drainage systems from the most reputable suppliers in Australia.

Channel drain

Channel drains are grated drains installed at the bottom of slopes. This uses gravity to force the water down the drainage system. Strip drainage suits paved areas where a narrow channel needs to collect runoff along an edge.

Storm drain

Private storm drains are linked to public stormwater networks, acting to drain rain runoff from outdoor surfaces into nearby bodies of water. Collected runoff can travel through a surface drainage pipe, while a drain vertical connects upper-level drainage to the discharge point.

Slot drain

These drain types are distinctly linear, without any grating. Because of their minimalism, slot drains look great in driveways and doorways. External strip drains provide a discreet collection point beside garage doors, paths and other hard surfaces.

The advantages of high-quality drainage systems

Drainage systems in Australia are fundamental in exterior architectural plans. It’s important to install the right kind of system to preserve the integrity of your outdoor structures, whether that’s slot drainage for your driveway, or channel drainage in your garden landscaping. High-quality surface drainage is generally made of stainless steel for unbeatable durability, and can be electropolished for a clean, shiny finish. These have impressive longevity, so you won’t have to replace your system with constant wear and tear. On balconies, balcony drainage and a balcony strip drain help direct water away from the building envelope.

How to choose a drainage system that’s right for you

When looking at surface drainage in Australia, the right solution for your property will depend on the space and needs of the landscape. If your system is installed near a pool area, you’ll need a chemical-resistant system that can withstand the high solvent load of pool water. Some systems will withstand a greater water run-off and should be installed in areas exposed to high levels of surface water. For driveways and patio areas, you should consider the aesthetic appeal of the space before implementing drainage. Good surface drainage design sets falls, outlet locations and access points before paving begins, with drainage concrete specified where the surrounding construction calls for a concrete channel.

Where should a channel drain be placed?

Channel drains take advantage of the slope to force water run-off into the system. Ideally, these should be placed at the lowest point of a slope, maximising the slope’s angle for rapid drainage. This is optimal for gardens and hilly landscapes. However, you can still place a channel drain in a flat area.

Where is a drainage channel installed?

Where a drainage channel is placed will depend on the contours of your property. As a general rule of thumb, drainage systems should avoid the path of vehicle wheels and food traffic. Installing drains parallel to these areas is preferred as it will prevent prematurely damaging the system or causing a trip hazard.

Is there a limit for the amount of water a channel drain can handle?

Your channel drain should be able to handle high loads of water run off. However, some systems store the water first, in accordance with the First Flush rule, which states the first 15 minutes of water will be stored. The volume capacity of these drains can be calculated using specific equations.