How to fit drains to decking

Good drainage on decking and patios is essential to avoid mould, moss and slippery surfaces forming on the wood or stone; good drainage also protects your patio or decking from premature ageing and damage. Here's a quick guide on how to install good drainage in patios and decking.

Level of difficulty

Level 3: Advanced

What you need

  • Tape measure
  • Power drill
  • Screws
  • Manhole cover
  • Pipe brackets
  • Drainage pipes
  • U-section drainage pipes
  • Hacksaw
  • End caps

The steps to follow

Note:
The decking should be lifted 2.5 cm (1 in) on one side, so that water drains towards the drainage system.

Drainage accessories for decks and patio

  • One method of draining your decking is to install draining accessories such as a manhole cover. This will blend in with the surrounding paving and can be installed in concrete.
  • An existing manhole cover often spoils the appearance of paving. You can replace the existing manhole cover with a manhole cover that is hollow in the middle so that it blends into the surrounding paving:
    1. Purchase a manhole cover from your local DIY shop.
    2. Fit the cover into the paving that is near the access hole.
    3. Finish off by bedding the metal frame in concrete.
  • You can also install linear drainage channels along the decking, which will direct water to your soakaway.

Installing linear drainage channel

Note:
Draining rainwater from a large flat area of paving can be a problem. One solution is to include one or more linear drainage channels running to a soakaway.

  1. Measure along the edge of the decking where you plan to install the drainage channel.
  2. Saw a plastic U-section drainage pipes to size.
  3. Fit pipe brackets along the edge of patio or decking, at an interval of 1 m (3 ft 3 in) apart. Secure these brackets with screws.
  4. Position the plastic U-section drainage pipes onto the edge of the decking and fit them into the brackets.
  5. Fit an end cap on one end of the drainage pipe.
  6. Lead the other end of the drainage system into the soakaway. You can connect to extend the pipes until they reach the soakaway.

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