If you’ve got water pooling on driveways, patios, pool surrounds or door thresholds, shallow strip drains (also known as linear or trench drains¹) are often the neatest way to move water fast and without deep excavation. Here’s a practical guide to what they are, when to use them, and how to install and maintain them so they keep working for years.
What is a shallow strip drain?
A shallow strip drain is a long, narrow drainage channel with a removable grate on top. Unlike traditional deeper trench drains, shallow profiles fit where dig depth is limited, on balconies, over services, across slabs, or where you simply don’t want to disturb existing finishes.
Where they are beneficial:
- Patios, paths & courtyards: keep outdoor areas usable after rain.
- Door thresholds/alfresco indoor to outdoor transition areas: line the doorway to stop water tracking inside, while removing a trip hazard like a hob.
- Commercial entries & accessible areas or walkways: achieve drainage while keeping walking surfaces smooth, level, safer and compliant.
Key benefits
- Minimal excavation
- Retrofit-friendly: ideal for upgrades on existing concrete or paving, particularly for high rise apartment balcony renovations and upgrades.
- Clean lines: continuous grates look modern and reduce trip points.
- Performance: long capture line intercepts water before it spreads.
- Flexibility: straight runs, corner pieces, end caps and outlets to suit your layout.
Choosing the right system (quick checklist)
1) Depth & space
- Confirm the available dig depth and slab thickness. Shallow systems solve clashes with services or footings.
2) Capacity
- Longer runs or larger catchments need more capacity. If you’re draining a big driveway or steep surface, look for channels/grates with higher flow or add multiple outlets.
3) Grate style
- Heel-guard: for safety.
- Wedge wire.
- Material: 316L stainless steel balances looks, corrosion resistance and durability.
4) Outlets
- Check available bottom or end outlets, sizes to suit your plumbing and mandates.
Planning the layout
- Map the water: in heavy rain, where does it run or pool?
- Pick the line: place the drain where it can intercept water.
- Confirm the fall: shallow channels rely on the surface crossfall (often 1.25%–2%) to feed water into the grate.
- Locate services: in Australia, use Before You Dig Australia to avoid underground clashes.
- Outlet route: plan the connection into existing plumbing.
Maintenance
- Quarterly (or after storms): lift grates, clear leaves/sand, flush through to outlet.
- Annually: inspect connections and surrounds.
- Pools/coastal: rinse stainless grates periodically to minimise tea-staining.
A few minutes of maintenance prevents overflow and protects adjacent finishes.
FAQs
Do shallow drains flow as well as deep ones?
For typical residential and light commercial surfaces, yes. Length of capture and grate area matter as much as depth. Pair with adequate outlets and surface fall for best results.
Can I retrofit across an existing balcony?
Yes. Shallow systems are ideal for retrofit.
What about accessibility?
Select heel-guard, slip-resistant grates and set them flush with surrounding surfaces. Linear drains can improve accessibility by removing scattered point falls.
Next steps
- Planning a project? Sketch your area, note available depth, surface falls, and where you can connect to stormwater.
- Need help sizing or specifying? The Strip Drains team can recommend a shallow-profile system with the right grate style and outlets for your site.
This article provides general guidance only. Always follow the product manufacturer’s instructions and local council/plumbing requirements.