In layman’s terms, a trench drain can be defined as a trough or channel used for the rapid evacuation of surface water or for the containment of utility lines or chemical spills. Employing a solid cover or grating that is flush with the adjoining surface, this drain is commonly made of concrete placed in-situ and may utilize polymer based or metal liners to aid in channel crafting, chemical resistance, and slope formation. Characterized by its long length and narrow width, the cross section of the drain is a function of the maximum flow volume anticipated from the surrounding surface. Channels can range from inches to feet in width, and have depths that can reach 4 feet.

Trench drain is commonly seen in our daily lives and frequently overlooked.  Look around the sidewalk at your local outdoor plaza or down the ailses of your neighborhood garden center.  You’ll see it in a parking lot or at the base of a driveway sloping down to a loading dock or garage door.  These are typical examples of trench drain being used for stormwater evacuation.  The fluid being evacuated is rain water that is usually directed to a storm sewer. 

Trench drain used inside a building is usually associated with a sewer system.   Quite often, trench systems in an automotive center, fire station, chemical plant or food processing plant are used for collecting spills or water used for washing down the work area.  Fluids from these sites contain contaminants (oil, grit, organics, chemicals) that need to be isolated from storm water.  The contents from “in-door” trench systems are often passed through a oil-water separator or neutralization chamber prior to being routed to the sanitary sewer line. 

With so many different applications for trench drain, it is no wonder that there are many different manufacturers of trench drain and so many different materials are used for making trench drain.  This variety makes product selection a little difficult for the contractor or home owner who rarely needs to purchase a trench drain system.  For me, this is what makes trench drain so interesting.  TrenchDrain.Biz is hear to help you through this selection process.  Look at our website www.trenchdrain.biz or contact us by phone (610-638-1221) if we can be of service.               

                                                                                                  Michael