Drainage systems are an indispensable component of the technical support of territories exposed to excessive moisture. Rain and melt water, as well as liquids from domestic and industrial use, necessitate adequate drainage. Such a system is implemented with the help of special sewer elements through water drainage. As a rule, the basis is a plastic drainage tray with a grill, the installation of which is carried out on the site directly in the collection area. There are various designs of such systems, which allows you to mount a drainage system at facilities with different sizes and requirements for materials. In particular, high-strength metal and concrete gutters are available on the market today, but the relatively new material in the form of a plastic composite is considered the most technologically advanced.
General information and purpose of trays
Drainage trays perform the simple task of preventing puddles in the territories. Specialists divide these structures into two types: road and engineering. The first category includes systems for the removal of ground and storm water from cars and rail transport, garden and park paths, as well as sidewalks. The use of gutters on the road eliminates the risk of collecting water on the roadway, which increases the operating life of the canvas. The second category includes a plastic drainage tray with a grate, which is part of the storm sewer of private households. In this case, the basement, basement and foundation are protected from the negative effects of water. Again, the use of special drainage systems increases the durability of buildings and utility structures on the site.
Trays in the surface drainage system
The described types of drainage belong to the surface type of drainage. A traditional design of this type is linear drainage, which is usually implemented in private homes. At the same time, surface drainage can be point and linear. Communication elements for the first scheme are implemented with the expectation of servicing local sites. For example, it can be zones under drains, door sumps, watering taps and other gathering places. However, the trays are used in the second case, forming a network of channels through which the water collected at local points is discharged.
We can say that the combined system will be the best solution in ridding the site of excess water. In this case, the surface drainage system will include gangways, storm water inlets, drain lines or storm gates, as well as a network of buried trays that ensure the removal of water from the surface of access areas, terraces, walkways and other significant coatings.
Gutter construction
Externally, the tray resembles an ordinary ditch. It can have a rectangular, rounded or square niche. The main feature of such an element is the presence of a grill, which covers the functional part from debris and damage. By the way, this element is usually made of high-strength metal, and depending on the model, it can also be equipped with gate valves or a locking mechanism. It is worth noting that the plastic drainage tray with a grill can also have a non-standard design. For example, it is not so popular, but in some cases the curb gutter is simply irreplaceable. In the upper part, it has a characteristic L-shaped protrusion that allows you to cover the gap in the tray case.
What are the benefits of plastic trays?
Such gutters are made of polymeric materials. In particular, polypropylene with fillers from mineral substances is used. Compared to metal and concrete counterparts, a plastic drainage tray with a grate is notable for its low weight, resistance to chemicals and, as a result, ease of installation. For arranging a home drain, this is the best option. However, questions may arise regarding strength and frost resistance. But according to these characteristics, plastic gutters are at least not inferior to traditional materials. Moreover, users note that even after prolonged use, traces of mechanical damage are not observed on the surface of the trays. However, specific operational properties are largely dependent on production technology and the integrity of the manufacturer.
Types of plastic gutters
There is no official classification, but conditionally polymer trays can be divided into four categories: high-strength, universal, wear-resistant and in-depth. Based on the names, we can conclude about the features that a particular drainage plastic tray with a grill has. The price, by the way, also depends on a bias towards a certain characteristic - for example, models with increased strength are estimated at 400-500 rubles. for 1 m. A feature of such trays is the presence of stiffeners. This option is suitable for areas with unstable soil and sites whose operation is accompanied by the movement of equipment or vehicles. Wear-resistant gutters have similar qualities, but the presence of anti-vandal coatings can also be attributed to their features.
Separately, it is worth considering universal and in-depth models. Their common feature is high throughput. This characteristic makes it appropriate to install drainage trays of this type in regions with heavy rainfall. In this case, an increase in throughput in the case of universal models is achieved by expanding the gutter, and in the second case, respectively, due to the depth.
Range of sizes
The drainage system can have different components, and they can differ both in shape and size. Plastic models of trays are also beneficial in that they are delivered to the market in different sizes. For example, they can reach a width of 50 cm and a minimum of 14 cm. This range makes it possible to install drainage systems with high throughput without the need for a deep trench. The height of the drainage trays usually does not exceed 80 cm. But in the private sector this format is rare. The most common indicator is still a height of 6 to 12 cm. If we talk about gutters, then in the form of a circle that is completed in a circle, their radius, as a rule, is 10 cm. By weight, one module is from 9 to 14 kg. This is a rather modest weight when comparing similar figures for modules made of metal and concrete.
Manufacturers and prices
Despite the simplicity of the design, gutters for drainage require the use of high-quality materials in the basis and reasonableness from an engineering point of view. The products of many manufacturers meet these requirements, but the brands Gidrolica, Spark and Polymax enjoy the special trust of professionals. If you need to perform a standard undemanding design in a small area, you can opt for the basic Spark solutions. Reinforced construction allows you to form a tray drainage plastic Polymax Drive series. Such models are resistant to mechanical loads, as well as the ability to complete the lattices of different metals, including galvanized coating. Gidrolica products are also famous for their wear resistance, but also stand out against the general background due to the variety of hydraulic sections.
Drainage Design
In the design process, it is necessary to draw up an approximate installation diagram of the drainage structure and determine the requirements for its components. The most important task at this stage is to calculate the position of the gutter and determine what the substrate will be. Experts recommend making a slope of the drainage tray with a calculation of 1 cm to a meter. Save on the substrate should not. It should be a sand and gravel pillow. If possible, then gravel should also be added. Such a base improves the strength properties of the soil and minimizes deformation heaving. In terms of choosing the tray itself, everything is quite simple. It should provide optimal throughput for drainage, as well as meet the level of mechanical stress.
Installation technique
Work begins with digging a trench. This is usually done around the perimeter of a house or other structure. The channel should be arranged taking into account the size of the trays, and also provide for the possibility of laying on the bottom of the pillow and side support elements. If you have to deal with loose or unstable soil, it is recommended to additionally strengthen the base with metal wire or rods. Next, drainage trays are installed using concrete barriers on the sides. In corner places, you will inevitably have to cut the gutters and form joints with the sealant treatment. It is important to note that the upper part of the gutter should go at least 5 cm from the surface of the earth.
Conclusion
Installation of a drainage channel is a mandatory component of the engineering and communications support of a modern house. It is needed not only to protect houses and structures on the site, but also to preserve the soil layer from erosion. As an optimal solution, it is worth considering a plastic drainage tray with a grate, the price of which is about 300-500 rubles. for one module. There are more expensive models, but if we talk about standard solutions, then the cost varies in the indicated range. Plastic gutters are leakproof, easy to install and durable. In addition, they are easy to maintain. While the concrete surface needs thorough cleaning, the maintenance of polymer trays does not require much effort and saves the user time.