You’ve got the basic drain structure, but what about those corners of the channel drain system? Through this guide, you will be able to learn about how to install a corner channel drain and ensure the long-term function of the system.

If you would like full guidance on the main system, check out how to install a channel drain using our guide here.

Table of contents:

• Methods
• Using a quad section
• Cutting a drain

What are the methods?

There are two main ways to create a corner channel drain. Whether that corner may be a standard “L” shape, “T” shape or any other corner type, you can manufacture the drain to suit specific standards.

The method of installation is essentially the same, but the placement of the corner pieces will be key.

One method involves simply cutting the straight pieces to accommodate the corners and one using a quad section. The following will explain each of these two methods and how you can use them in your channel drain structure.

Method 1: The quad system

A quad section can be one of the easier ways to install a corner channel drain. Many ranges already have these available to fit alongside their standard line channel drain parts. Not only can they be placed without the need to cut to a specific size, but come in a wide variety of sizes to suit the channel drain you’re installing.

By placing the quad connector, you can ensure that the drain is flowing in the right direction. Using an end cap, you can block the channels that are not needed and, as a result, allow the water or sewage to flow through the drain the correct way without issue.

Method 2: Cutting the drain down to size

If the manufacturer does not provide quad connectors, then you will need to cut where the two pieces will connect on the corner to make one. The corner sections will need to be made with joints so that an angle of 90° can be made.

Keep in mind that these can be rather difficult to create and take up much of your time. So make sure you have set time aside to create the corner unit. Once this has been done, you can move forward onto the installation after the following steps have been completed.

Step 1: Positioning the corner channel drain

Firstly, ensure that the current set pieces of drain your additional part will connect to extends past the end of the wall where the line of the channel drain is currently against. If this has been done, place what will be the other part of the corner of the channel drain into the position you want ready for marking.

Step 2: The markings

The corner drain has been placed and you are ready to begin marking. Mark with a pencil or sharp marking point where each drain piece will need to be cut to ensure the corner unit fits into place.

Step 3: Cutting the drain parts

Where you have marked the first line drain piece, use a cut-off saw, angle grinder or hand-saw to cut off the spare drain length. This will allow the corner unit to be accommodated following the cutting process. Ensure this is accurate and, as with the line of the channel drain, ensure any debris has been removed before installation to reduce the risk of leaks.

Step 4: Connecting the parts

Following from the cutting process, you can now place the connection piece into position and join the units together. This can be done in the same way as you would do a standard channel drain unit. Slide the unit into the clean connection piece and then gently tap it into place using a mallet or similar hammering type tool.

Step 5: First set of checks

Although not always a priority for drains of a shorter length, you should check for signs of fall in each direction. Short runs of channel drains can be at risk of backfall.

What is backfall?

Backfall is when water or sewage could be at risk of trapping at a lower point; meaning no suitable draining can take place. That is why you will need to ensure that the drain has a fall towards the main channel line to allow the excess material to escape the system.

As a guide, 1:100 type fall can be suitable for smooth drainage fittings.

Step: 6: Fitting the short end

You want to fit the final part of the corner. As before, measure and cut the length of the channel required to fit against to wall of the property. Before you place the channel itself, fit the end cap to the short section to ensure channel can be installed into the correct position after.

As with previous drain pieces, clean and fit the connection piece. This is followed by the short section and the end, then finally placing the end cap on to the corner unit.

REMINDER: Although this is a basic guide, we recommend you follow manufacturer instructions if provided.

If you want more information, check out more via our how-to guides, give our team a call on 01752 692 221 or use the chatbox provided.