Driveway and patio drainage

LAST UPDATED: 9th January 2023 by The Editorial Team

Driveway and patio drainage

Summary: Step by step guide and video showing how to construct driveway or patio drainage and a threshold drainage system using ACO drainage system.

How to install drainage

For larger patios or driveways, there may be a need for a drainage system, particularly if there is a natural slope towards the building. The ideal drain would be a linear drainage system, which consists of a U-section channel bedded in concrete and running into an existing drain or soakaway.

It is important to consider the drainage system at the same time as you plan the patio or driveway. The drainage channel should be positioned at the lowest part of the patio or driveway and have a fall of 1:40.

If the drainage channel runs into a soakaway it must be at least 3m (9ft 9in) away from the building.

When laying the patio or driveway you will leave narrow gaps for the channel in accordance with yours plan. The gap will be approximately the diameter of a drainpipe or length of guttering 100mm (4in).

Building the channel

  • When the patio has set hard, line the narrow gaps in the patio with a concrete mix: 1 part cement to 3.5 parts all-in aggregate, which will include sand.
  • Using a length of drainpipe, shape the concrete to a depth of about 25mm (1 in).Continue along the channel until you reach the drain or Soakaway, but make sure the gully you are creating in the concrete has no ridges so the water will flow freely.
  • As you progress remove any excess concrete from the surface of the slabs or pavers.
  • When you have finished it is a good idea to cover the drainage channel with planks until the concrete has set. This is to avoid cats, dogs or people walking on it and leaving imprints and ridges that prevent the water flowing freely. 
  • Alternatively, you can use ready-made concrete channelling that you will find at a builders’ merchants.

Tools needed

  • Gauging trowel
  • Shovel

Materials needed

  • All-in aggregate
  • Cement
  • Length of drainpipe

Installing solt channel drainage (ACO) video

Installing threshold drainage video

Author

The Editorial Team

The Editorial Team at lets-do-diy.com are a team of experts led by Mark Wilson. We have been creating DIY projects, articles, costs guides and product reviews since 2008. For more info see our about page.