garden water features

Need to remove standing water from a driveway, loading bay, or commercial car park? Installing a trench drain could be the quick and effective solution you're looking for.

While the job does require careful planning, it's relatively straightforward for an experienced tradesperson and can usually be completed in a few days.

Here at Forward Builders' Supplies, we sell all the materials and equipment you need to install a trench drain, including commercial drainage channels, grates, pipework, and accessories.

In this article, we provide practical tips and step-by-step instructions to help.

What is a trench drain?

A trench drain is a type of drainage system used to collect surface water in areas prone to flooding or standing surface water.

It consists of a long, narrow channel installed at ground level and fitted with a removable grate.

Surface water flows through the grate underground along the entire length of the channel and is redirected to the mains sewer (or a soakaway).

Trench drains are also interchangeably referred to as channel drains, linear drains, or ACO drains.

The term trench drain is sometimes (but not always) used to refer more specifically to heavy-duty channel drains made from materials like concrete or steel and designed to handle high volumes of water and heavy loads.

How deep should a trench drain be?

The exact depth your trench needs to be depends on the type of channel drain you're installing.

Channel drains come in various sizes and materials to suit different environments and load requirements. The manufacturer's instructions should provide a recommended depth.

Generally, the trench needs to be deep and wide enough for both the drainage channel and about 50-100 mm of bedding material.

How to dig a trench drain

Digging the trench for your drainage channel is one of the most important parts of the installation process.

If this step isn't carried out correctly, it could compromise the entire drainage system's performance.

The most important thing to remember is to maintain a gentle and consistent gradient to help water flow away efficiently.

The fall required is usually about 1:100.

The manufacturer's instructions will tell you how wide and deep the trench should be, as well as the correct fall.

Depending on the scale of the project, you can either excavate your trench with a spade, a trenching shovel, or a mini excavator.

A step-by-step guide to installing a trench drain

Ready to install a trench drain?

Always refer to the manufacturer's installation instructions before starting.

Although the process varies slightly from one channel drain to the next, the key steps remain broadly the same.

Here's our quick guide to trench drain installation.

Step 1: Perform a site assessment

Assess the area where you're installing your drain to determine what ground conditions you're dealing with, the volume or surface water expected, and traffic load requirements. This step will help you choose a channel drainage system that is suited to the demands of the environment and capable of delivering long-lasting performance.

Step 2: Gather your materials and equipment

First stop, Forward Builder's Supplies! You'll need:

• A channel drain
• End caps and outlet connectors
• Drainage pipe
• PVC or drainage adhesive/sealant
• Concrete or backfill material
• Bedding material
• Tape measure
• Spirit level
• Trowel
• Spade, trenching shovel, or mini excavator
• Rubber mallet
• Saw
• Bucket
• Mixing tool
• String and pegs
• PPE

Step 3: Mark out the route

Use a string line and stakes to mark out the route your trench drain will take.

Step 4: Dig the trench

Dig a trench that is wide and deep enough for both your channel drain and a layer of bedding material.

Step 5: Lay the bedding material

Before laying the bedding material, check the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended material and depth.

Usually, a 50mm sand or gravel bed is suitable for domestic settings, while commercial and industrial areas that are subject to vehicle traffic require a 100mm concrete base.

Don't forget to lay your bedding material so that it maintains a gentle gradient towards the drainage outlet.

Step 6: Install the drainage channel

Position your channel drain inside the trench and attach the end caps and outlet connector.

Then, use appropriate pipework to connect your drainage channel to the underground drain using PVC or concrete adhesive for a secure, waterproof seal.

Step 7: Backfill

Once you're confident that everything is installed correctly and the fall is consistent, it's time to backfill the hole around the channel drain to keep it secure and stable.

How much does it cost to install a trench drain?

The cost of installing a trench drain depends on the type of drainage system you choose and the scope of the project.

Installing a small and lightweight trench drain in a domestic patio is considerably cheaper than installing a heavy-duty trench drain in an industrial setting where a high load rating is required.

While the cost of every project is different, there are generally three parts to budget for:

• Drainage channels and materials
• Labour, and
• Additional costs, like retarmacking and waste removal

A domestic trench drain on a patio or driveway may only cost between £500 and £1,500.

However, a large-scale industrial trench drain could set you back £3,000 or more.

Buy everything you need to install a trench drain from Forward Builders' Supplies

Need help picking the right materials for your project?

Contact Forward Builders' Supplies by calling 0151 357 1035 for help choosing the most suitable products from our range.

We only sell products manufactured by leading brands to ensure effective, long-lasting performance.

Plus, customers located within 50 miles of our depot in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, can also benefit from free delivery!

If your property cannot connect to the mains sewerage system, a septic tank may be the most practical solution for managing wastewater.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about how septic tanks work, including what parts make up a septic tank system, how often they need to be emptied, and how they treat wastewater.

Explore our range of septic treatment tanks

Contents:

• What is a septic tank?
• Who needs a septic tank?
• What parts make up a septic tank system?
• How does a septic tank work in the UK?
• What happens to the solid waste in a septic tank?
• How often does a septic tank need to be emptied?
• What can and can't go into a septic tank?
• Are septic tanks environmentally friendly?
• Septic treatment tanks from Forward Builders' Supplies

What is a septic tank?

Septic treatment tanks are large, underground containers used to treat wastewater from toilets, sinks, baths, and showers.

They provide a convenient solution for properties that cannot reasonably connect to the mains sewerage system, allowing them to manage their wastewater independently.

The wastewater is partially treated inside the tank before the resulting effluent is safely discharged into a suitable drainage field.

Septic tanks are heavily regulated in England, so anyone who owns a property with a septic tank must ensure their system meets the government's 'general binding rules'. These help to protect the environment and public health from hazardous, untreated wastewater.

In some circumstances, it used to be possible to discharge a septic tank directly into a watercourse like a stream, river, or ditch.

However, since regulations changed in 2020, you're no longer allowed to do this.

Who needs a septic tank?

UK Building Regulations state that all buildings should connect to the mains sewer if it's reasonable for them to do so.

However, where this is not possible, septic tanks offer a practical solution for wastewater management.

Septic tanks are most often used by:

• Homeowners living in rural locations
• Isolated community buildings
• Remote businesses like country pubs and farm shops

What parts make up a septic tank system?

Before we explain how a septic tank works, it's useful to understand all the different parts that make up a septic tank system and what they're for.

How does a septic tank work in the UK?

A septic tank doesn't just store wastewater; it treats it and then safely disperses it out into a drainage field.

Here's what happens at each stage of the process:

Step 1: Wastewater enters the septic tank

Wastewater from a property's toilets, sinks, baths, and showers flows through the inlet pipe and into the septic tank.

Step 2: The wastewater separates into three layers

Once inside the tank, over time, the wastewater separates into three layers:

• Top layer: oils, fats, and grease float to the top and form a scum
• Middle layer: Liquid wastewater floats in the middle
• Bottom layer: Solid waste sinks to the bottom and forms a sludge

Step 3: Bacteria break down the organic waste

Anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that don't need oxygen) break down some of the organic matter in the sludge and wastewater using a process called anaerobic digestion.

This helps to reduce the volume of solid waste inside the tank.

Step 4: Partially treated effluent leaves the tank

Partially treated wastewater passes through the effluent filter and exits the tank via the outlet pipe.

Step 5: The effluent enters the drainage field

The effluent then enters the drainage field through a network of perforated pipes. This ensures that it is spread out across the field, rather than flooding out at one single point.

Step 6: The soil provides further treatment

The wastewater then percolates through a layer of gravel and into the soil beneath, where microorganisms provide further filtration and treatment before the water disperses into the ground.

What happens to the solid waste in a septic tank?

Solid waste sinks to the bottom of the tank and forms a layer of sludge. Some of this solid waste breaks down, but not all of it.

The waste that remains gradually builds and must be removed periodically.

How often does a septic tank need to be emptied?

Typically, most septic tanks need to be emptied about once a year, but this can vary depending on the size of your septic tank and how many people live or work in the property it is attached to.

The tank should only ever be emptied by a professional and specialist company.

The process involves inserting a long flexible tube into the tank and then sucking the sludge out directly into a tanker, which then takes it away and disposes of it safely.

It's essential to ensure the tank is emptied regularly, or you could run into serious problems.

If the tank fills up with too much sludge, you could find the wrong type of waste flowing out into your drainage field, or even backing up into your property.

Not only will this cause some pretty unpleasant smells, but it could also be hazardous to both your health and the environment.

What can and can't go into a septic tank?

It's extra important to be careful about what you put down the toilet or wash down the sink if your property has a septic tank.

Using the wrong products, or flushing something that you shouldn't, could block the pipes or your tank, or harm the beneficial bacteria that help to break down and treat the wastewater.

A septic tank that isn't functioning properly poses a health and safety risk and could contaminate the environment around it.

Here's a quick guide to what can and can't go into a septic tank:

What can safely go into a septic tank?

• Septic-safe cleaning products: It's best to choose one septic tank-safe, biodegradable cleaning product and stick to it. This helps to protect the bacteria in your system
• Natural human waste: Flushed down the toilet
• Toilet paper: Look for fast-dissolving, biodegradable tissue paper, preferably single-ply
• Wastewater: Grey wastewater from showers, baths, basins, and sinks

What should not go into a septic tank?

The short answer to this question is: anything not listed above!

Items that people often mistakenly put in that can cause a septic tank to malfunction or prevent it from performing at its best include:

• Sanitary products, wet wipes, and nappies
• Harsh cleaning products and chemicals
• Fats, oils, and grease
• Rainwater
• Medicines
• Food waste

Are septic tanks environmentally friendly?

Yes, a septic tank that is being used and maintained correctly is an environmentally friendly solution for treating wastewater.

Septic tanks use naturally occurring bacteria to break down waste and treat water rather than harsh chemicals, and most tanks require little or no energy to operate.

Septic treatment tanks from Forward Builders' Supplies

Ready to buy a septic treatment tank and start your project?

At Forward Builders' Supplies, we stock a wide range of septic tanks, from small 4-person tanks to large 10-person tanks.

All our products are manufactured by leading septic tank brands, like Marsh Industries, to ensure long-lasting, reliable performance.

We also offer free delivery to customers located within 50 miles of our depot in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

If you need help selecting the right septic tank for your property, contact us on 0151 357 1035, and we'll be happy to help.

Or, for help installing a septic tank, read our guide to everything you need to know about septic tank installation.

If you're thinking about installing an ACO drain to help manage surface water, this guide contains all the information you need before starting your project.

ACO drains are typically located in areas prone to flooding or pooling water, helping to collect and redirect excess surface water into underground drainage systems.

Explore our product range today

Contents:

• What is an ACO drain?
• Why would I need an ACO drain?
• Where do you typically find ACO drains?
• How does an ACO drain work?
• How do you install an ACO drain?
• Choosing the right ACO drain
• What are the benefits of installing an ACO drain?
• Is it worth installing an ACO drain?
• How to maintain an ACO drain?
• Buy ACO drainage products from Forward Builders' Supplies

What is an ACO drain?

ACO drains are popular channel drainage systems manufactured by ACO, the world's leading global manufacturer of channel drainage solutions.

Because of ACO's popularity, many people use the term 'ACO drain' generically to describe all channel drainage systems, much like how the brand name 'Hoover' is often used to refer to all vacuum cleaners.

However, it's important to note that while 'ACO drain' has become a catch-all term for channel drainage, not all channel drains are made by ACO.

Other popular names for ACO drains include linear drains, channel drains, trench drains, and surface water drains - they're all one and the same!

ACO drains are designed to collect and redirect surface water and are used in a variety of applications, including domestic, commercial, and industrial environments.

By redirecting standing water to underground drainage systems, ACO drains help to prevent flooding, improve health and safety, and protect buildings from damage.

The key feature of a channel drain is its linear design.

Rather than collecting water from a single point, channel drains collect water along their entire length.

Why would I need an ACO drain?

An ACO drain can help if surface water is causing problems by collecting or flooding an outdoor area like a loading bay, car park, path, driveway, or patio.

Without anywhere to drain to, surface water can quickly accumulate, causing safety hazards and potentially long-term damage to buildings and surrounding infrastructure.

Where do you typically find ACO drains?

Chances are you've walked over plenty of ACO drains without even noticing them.

They're commonly found in busy public spaces, commercial premises, and industrial environments - basically, anywhere where surface water is an issue.

You'll often find ACO drains in pedestrianised areas, car parks, industrial yards, and loading bays, to name just a few.

Some people have them installed at home to help drain surface water from their patio or driveway.

How does an ACO drain work?

ACO drains have a simple but effective design that makes them suitable for a wide range of environments.

They consist of a long, narrow channel installed at ground level and then fitted with a removable grate.

Water flows through the grate along the entire length of the channel for fast and effective drainage.

The drain then channels the water along its length and redirects it towards an outlet point where it's discharged into the main sewage system or a soakaway.

How do you install an ACO drain?

Installing an ACO drain is a fairly straightforward job that can usually be completed within one or two days.

Make sure you always read the manufacturer's instructions before starting, as the installation method may vary from one product to the next.

Here's a quick rundown of what the process involves:

Site assessment and preparation

Before you begin, spend some time assessing ground conditions and think about where surface water collects and where it's going to be discharged to.

Then, mark out the route your drainage channel will take using a string line and stakes.

Excavation and base

Next, you'll need to dig a trench that is wide and deep enough for the drainage channel and a layer of bedding material.

The bedding material will create a strong and stable foundation for your drain and help to maintain the correct gradient for efficient water flow.

Usually, a 50mm sand bed is used for low-traffic pedestrianised areas, while a 100mm concrete base is recommended for areas exposed to vehicle traffic.

Generally, the bedding material should be laid with a slight gradient of about 1:100, and the drain should sit flush with the surrounding ground.

Installing the drain

Next, the ACO drain can be connected according to the manufacturer's instructions and placed in the trench.

Use PVC or concrete adhesive to connect the channel outlet to the drain to ensure a watertight seal.

Backfill and test

Once you're happy that everything is aligned correctly, the channel sits flush, and the fall is consistent, it's time to backfill the hole around the drain with gravel or concrete and test your new system!

Choosing the right ACO drain

ACO drains come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to suit a variety of different environments.

The type of ACO drain you might install on a patio at a residential property should be quite different to that which you would install in a loading bay of an industrial warehouse, because the two environments would be subject to very different levels of traffic and load requirements.

Choosing a suitable type of ACO drain for the location it will be installed in is important to ensure the drainage system's safe, effective, and long-lasting performance.

Before selecting a drainage channel, spend some time assessing the site and considering factors like the volume of water the channel needs to handle, ground conditions, and the type of traffic the area is exposed to.

Concrete or plastic?

High-traffic industrial and commercial environments usually require durable concrete drainage channels, while a plastic drainage channel may be all that is needed for a low-traffic area like a residential home.

Load ratings

One of the most important factors to consider when buying an ACO drain is what load rating you require.

Selecting a drain with a load rating that is too low is dangerous and could cause the drainage channel to fail or break prematurely.

The load rating refers to how much weight the ACO drain can safely withstand.

Pedestrianised areas and residential properties can typically get away with installing a drain with a low load rating, while areas like loading bays, where heavy machinery is often used, will need a drain with a much higher load rating.

Here's an at-a-glance comparison to load ratings to help guide your purchasing decision:

What are the benefits of installing an ACO drain?

Whether it's a flooded loading bay, a waterlogged car park, or water pooling on your patio or driveway, unmanaged surface water can quickly become hazardous, rendering an area unsafe or unusable.

Key benefits of ACO drainage systems include:

• Improve safety: Standing water is a slip hazard for pedestrians and can increase the risk of accidents for vehicles. ACO drains effectively remove surface water to maintain a safe environment
• Protect buildings: Unmanaged surface water will damage paving, buildings, and other structures over time. Using an ACO drain to divert water away from buildings helps to protect the building's damp-proof course and prevent water ingress
• Prevent flooding: Removing excess water before it has time to start pooling can help to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall
• Comply with UK building regulations: Installing a suitable ACO drain may be a requirement to comply with relevant building regulations and drainage standards
• Reduce maintenance and repair costs: Protecting the surrounding area and structures from water damage will help to reduce the need for expensive maintenance and repair work

Is it worth installing an ACO drain?

If you regularly experience water pooling on your driveway, patio, pathway, or commercial premises, then installing an ACO drain is a worthwhile investment.

Installing an ACO drain is not too expensive, and it can significantly improve the safety and usability of an area.

By stopping water from pooling, it can minimise disruption and protect surrounding structures from water damage.

You should consider installing an ACO drain if:

• Water regularly pools on a hard surface after rainfall
• Your property is located in an area prone to flooding
• Surface water is collecting near buildings or entrances
• You need to improve drainage to comply with building regulations

How to maintain an ACO drain?

Once your ACO drain has been installed, it will need regular maintenance to remove debris and keep the system working as efficiently as possible.

When surface water flows across the ground, debris is swept along with it.

Without regular maintenance, this debris can block your ACO drain's channel or grate, disrupting the flow of water and reducing your drain's effectiveness.

Although ACO drains are relatively low maintenance, carrying out the following tasks routinely will help to keep them in good working order.

Inspect the drainage system regularly

The drainage system should be inspected routinely to look for signs of damage or blockage. Any cracks or deterioration should be addressed quickly to prevent more extensive damage later down the line.

Sweep away debris

Debris should be cleared from the grate regularly to allow water to flow freely into the drain. You may need to schedule in to do this more regularly during the autumn and winter months.

Remove the grate and clean the drainage channel

ACO drains with grates are usually supplied with a tool to help remove the grate safely and without damage.

A trowel or brush can then be used to remove silt and debris that has built up inside the length of the channel. The drain's silt bucket or sump should also be emptied.

With regular inspections and cleaning, your ACO drainage system should provide efficient surface water management for many years to come!

Buy ACO drainage products from Forward Builders' Supplies

At Forward Builders' Supplies, we sell everything you need to install a high-performance commercial drainage system.

Whether you need an ACO drainage system to manage surface water in your car park, loading bay, or driveway, we sell everything you need - including drainage channels, grates, end caps, and silt buckets.

All of our products are manufactured by leading channel drainage brands like ACO, Hauraton, and MEA, to ensure effective, long-lasting performance.

We also offer free delivery to customers located within 50 miles of our depot in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

Browse our range of commercial drainage channels online, or contact our team on 0151 357 1035 for help selecting the products for your needs.