How To Install Aco Drains

Having structures in place to provide efficient surface water management is vital for protecting your property against flooding, dampness, and structural damage. One of the most reliable and trusted solutions for handling surface water is the ACO channel drainage system.

ACO offers robust and reliable drainage products thanks to over 70 years of innovation. That means that sometimes, when people refer to channel drainage, the name ACO has become so synonymous with the product that they’re unaware ACO is a brand.

This month at Express Drainage Surveys, we’re giving you an overview of ACO drain installation, covering what you need to know and plan for, along with how to keep it in top condition so that it lasts for years to come.

Understanding ACO channel drainage

An ACO drain – or channel drain – is a system designed to intercept and channel the surface water away from your property effectively. Here are two things you need to know about ACO drains:

Their product range includes different load class ratings to indicate what they can withstand: A15 for pedestrian footfall, B125 for driveways and C250-F900 for heavy-duty systems.
Most of their channels are created by moulding polyethylene or polypropylene, with a recycled content in certain products to minimise their impact on the environment.

Why choose ACO?

As previously mentioned, when it comes to channel drains, ACO has become the go-to name for quality and performance. Here are three reasons their products are considered the best:

They’re easy to install. With lightweight components that interlock using connectors, you won’t have to spend so much time on the installation of an ACO drain.
Water-tight seals prevent leaks. Thanks to their careful attention to all aspects of their products, including sealant grooves and silicone joints, you can rest assured there won’t be any leaks when they’re properly installed.
Customisation is available. With multiple products and designs, you can easily choose the right channel drain and grate combination to get functionality and aesthetics in one package.

How to install ACO drains: a checklist

Before we go through how to install an ACO drain, let’s go over some basic checklist items first:

Planning and permits: Where will your drain discharge to? Depending on where this is, you may need to obtain the correct level of planning permission first.
Load requirements: Consider what the expected traffic is for the position of your ACO drain. Most homes will only need A15 for patio areas and B125 for a driveway.
Layout: Mark the layout of your channel, along with where the endpoints will be.
Materials and equipment: Gather everything you need to get started, including the channel, end caps, sealant, concrete and sand, a spirit level, tape measure and some protective wear.

Step-by-step ACO drain installation guide

The following is intended as a brief guide on how to install ACO drains – you may need to adapt to the specifics of your property. If you don’t feel capable of taking this work on, we always recommend that you seek professional assistance.

Excavate a trench. Ensure that this can accommodate the dimensions of your chosen ACO drain, along with any necessary base.
Create your base. Level your sand or concrete base, ensuring you apply a 5mm fall per metre for gravity to do its work when draining.
Assemble the channel. Starting from the lowest outlet end, fit the ACO channel together using the interlocking joints before sealing with silicone.
Connect the plumbing. Now it’s time to connect your outlet to the end of the channel, again with the proper sealing to prevent any leaks.
Position and fix in place. Lower your drainage channel into the trench and tap it into the bed to secure it.
Backfill and surround. Pour the concrete surround to support the channel and allow this to cure.
Final checks. Ensure your channel is free from debris and position your grates. Run a small test with some water to ensure it flows via the outlet as required.

How much does an ACO drain cost?

Whenever it comes to your property, you’re going to want the best. That’s why so many people search for ACO drains and how to install them, but it’s important to understand the costs involved.

The materials for your ACO drain can cost you between £8 and £15 per metre, which depends on the type of system and where you’re getting it from. Add to this the materials and equipment for the surface preparation and backfilling to get an accurate price for the whole project.

Going the DIY route may seem like it will save you on labour costs, but will it cost you more in the long run if it’s not installed correctly and you have to tear the whole thing out to start again? These are the aspects you’ll need to consider as they are personal to your skill levels and budget.

How do I look after my ACO channel drain?

One of the best things you can do if you do choose to invest in a high-quality ACO drain is to look after it. Protecting your investment will mean that it lasts long into the future.

Here are our top tips for post-installation care and maintenance for any channel drain:

Carry out monthly cleaning of grates to clear away any debris, silt and plant matter. At the very least, tackle this monthly.
Conduct a visual inspection of the concrete surround to see if any cracks have started to appear, this way, you can address them before they become a larger problem.
Check and replace your grates if they have been subject to damage. This damage can occur over time due to general wear and tear or could be as a result of a mismatch between the grate and the necessary load rating.

When to call in the experts

It may be time to consider professional help with ACO drains if your site involves heavy traffic or just regular vehicle traffic. This will ensure that you have the right system to meet demands.

Similarly, if you have multiple drains that need to intersect or you aren’t sure how to achieve the right level of fall across such a large system, turn to the experts.

At Express Drainage Surveys, we’re familiar with drainage regulations and the need for compliance. That’s why we offer a wide range of surveys for homeowners and businesses, including:

From routine drainage issues to problems with a channel drain, our expert team are on hand to help. Contact us today to discuss any of the above services in relation to your property or to arrange an appointment with one of our engineers.