Corner Overview

 

Trench drains are a type of drainage system used to remove surface water from outdoor areas such as parking lots, sidewalks, and driveways. They are commonly used because they are highly effective at preventing flooding and reducing slip hazards, and they are easy to maintain. One of the most challenging aspects of installing a trench drain is forming corners. In this article, we will explain how to form corners with trench drain systems and how to cut and miter the corner using a side outlet or cutting a 45°.

 

Forming Corners with Trench Drain Systems

When installing a trench drain system, corners are formed by joining two or more drain sections together at an angle. The two most common ways to form corners are to use a side outlet or to cut a 45° angle. Which method to use depends on the type of trench drain system being installed and the angle of the corner.

Using a Side Outlet

A side outlet is a special fitting that connects the trench drain to a pipe or other drainage system. To form a corner using a side outlet, the outlet is installed on one of the drain sections at the desired angle. The other drain section is then attached to the outlet, forming the corner. The two sections are secured together using screws or other fasteners.

 

Using a Catch Basin.

Both rectangular and in-line catch basins can be used to form corners for trench drain systems.

Cutting a 45° Angle

Cutting a 45° angle is another method for forming corners with trench drain systems. This method is used when the corner angle is not a standard 90° angle. To cut a 45° angle, a miter saw is used to make a precise cut at a 45° angle on each of the drain sections to be joined. The two sections are then joined together, forming the corner.

Mitering the Corner

Once the corner is formed, it is important to miter the corner to ensure a proper fit. Mitering the corner means cutting the end of each drain section at an angle to ensure a tight fit at the corner. The angle of the cut should be the same as the angle of the corner.

To miter the corner using a side outlet, the end of each drain section is cut at a 45° angle, matching the angle of the side outlet. The two sections are then joined together, forming the corner.

To miter the corner using a 45° angle cut, the end of each drain section is cut at a 22.5° angle. This ensures a tight fit at the corner, with no gaps or spaces.

Forming corners with trench drain systems may seem challenging at first, but it is essential to ensure proper drainage and prevent flooding for a particular perimeter layouts. Whether using a side outlet or cutting a 45° angle, it is important to miter the corner to ensure a proper fit. By following these steps, installing a trench drain system with corners can be done with ease and confidence. For example, for 6 inch wide trench drain systems, one method forming a corner is by using a side outlet adapter that is 4 inches in diameter and cutting a hole into the adjacent channel that is 4 inches in diameter.

 

 

What are trench trains?

Trench drains are essential components of modern drainage systems and are widely used in various outdoor and indoor settings, including parking lots, sidewalks, and industrial facilities. Trench drains provide efficient surface water management by collecting water runoff and directing it to a designated area for discharge. However, the installation process of trench drains can be complicated, particularly when forming corners. Corner formations are critical in providing a smooth and uninterrupted flow of water around corners, minimizing the risk of water accumulation and potential damage to the drainage system.

When are corners used?

Corners in trench drain applications are used in various situations, such as perimeter configurations, pools, tracks, rectangular warehouses, production areas, chemical processing among others.

How do we form corners with trench drains?

To form corners with trench drain systems, various methods are utilized, including side outlets and 45° cutting angles. The choice of the corner formation method will depend on the type of trench drain system being installed and the angle of the corner. Generally, side outlets are preferred for standard 90° corners, while 45° cutting angles are preferred for non-standard angles.

The installation process of a trench drain with a side outlet corner formation method involves installing a side outlet on one of the drain sections at the desired angle. The other drain section is then attached to the outlet, forming the corner. The two sections are secured together using screws or other fasteners.

The 45° cutting angle corner formation method is more complex and involves the use of a miter saw to make a precise cut at a 45° angle on each of the drain sections to be joined. The two sections are then joined together, forming the corner. This method is used when the corner angle is not a standard 90° angle.

Once the corner is formed, the next step is to miter the corner to ensure a proper fit. Mitering the corner is essential to ensure a tight and secure joint that minimizes the risk of water leakage. Mitering involves cutting the end of each drain section at an angle to ensure a tight fit at the corner. The angle of the cut should match the angle of the corner. To miter the corner using a side outlet, the end of each drain section is cut at a 45° angle, matching the angle of the side outlet. The two sections are then joined together, forming the corner.

To miter the corner using a 45° angle cut, the end of each drain section is cut at a 22.5° angle. This ensures a tight fit at the corner, with no gaps or spaces. Achieving an accurate and precise miter cut requires the use of specialized tools and expertise.

 

Another  method to form a corner is using a catch basin. Catch basins are an essential component of trench drain systems, and they play a vital role in ensuring efficient water removal from outdoor areas. In addition to collecting and channeling surface water, catch basins can also be used to create corners in trench drain systems.

When designing a trench drain system that requires a corner, catch basins can be strategically placed at the corner location. The catch basin acts as a junction point where the drain sections from two different directions meet, creating the corner. The catch basin typically has two or more inlet ports, which can be used to attach the drain sections at the required angles.

To use a catch basin to create a corner, a few steps need to be followed. First, the catch basin must be positioned at the corner location, and the drain sections leading to it from both directions must be precisely cut and angled to fit the inlet ports. The catch basin inlet ports can be angled at 90°, 45°, or any other angle depending on the required corner angle. The drain sections are then attached to the catch basin, forming the corner.

One advantage of using a catch basin to create a corner is that it offers flexibility in terms of the angle of the corner. Unlike the traditional methods of forming corners, where the corner angle is limited to either 90° or 45°, a catch basin can be used to create a corner at any angle, making it ideal for irregularly shaped areas.

Another benefit of using a catch basin to form a corner is that it adds an additional layer of water collection and filtration. Catch basins have grates that cover the inlet ports, which filter out debris and other contaminants from the surface water, preventing them from clogging the drain system. By adding a catch basin at the corner location, it provides an additional filtration point, ensuring that the water that enters the drain system is clean and free from debris.

It is important to note that when using catch basins to create corners, the size and placement of the catch basin must be carefully considered. The catch basin must be large enough to handle the volume of water that flows into it from both directions, and it must be placed at the right location to ensure that water flows smoothly through the system. Improper placement or sizing of the catch basin can lead to backflow, blockages, and other drainage issues.

In conclusion, catch basins are versatile components of trench drain systems that can be used to create corners. By strategically placing a catch basin at the corner location and attaching the drain sections at the required angles, a corner can be formed at any angle, providing flexibility and customization to the drainage solution. Using a catch basin to form a corner also adds an additional layer of filtration to the system, ensuring that the water that enters the drain system is clean and free from debris.

In conclusion, forming corners with trench drain systems is a crucial process in ensuring efficient surface water management. The selection of the corner formation method will depend on the specific project requirements and the expertise of the contractor. Accurately mitering the corner joint is essential to ensure a tight and secure joint that minimizes the risk of water leakage. The installation of trench drain systems requires specialized tools, knowledge, and expertise, and should only be carried out by experienced contractors to ensure optimal performance and longevity.