Installation of the Channel Slope® Precast Polymer Concrete Systems are achieved by following these basic steps:

1. Excavate a wide and deep trench to accommodate the channel and bedding concrete. Erect a temporary string line at each end of the drain run as a guide for laying the channels to the required level. Lay a bed of foundation concrete and place the first (deepest) drain channel or catch basin in position. The depth of the bedding concrete should be a minimum of 4" thick or equal to the surrounding slab thickness, whichever is thicker. (Fig. A)

2. Successive channels should be installed in order to ensure the top edge of the channel follows the string line. It is important that the arrow cast on the channel point toward the outlet or catch basin. (Fig. B)

3. The final channel in the run may require cutting to length with a masonry saw. End plates are placed in position and backfilled with concrete. (Fig. C)


4. Grate covers should be placed in the channels when filling the concrete along the sides. This ensures channel side walls are supported. During this process, mask the grates to protect against concrete splashes and stains. (Fig. D)

5. For drain channels laid in concrete floors, expansion joints must be provided parallel to each side of the drain run. Smith Drainage Systems also recommend placing crack control joints at right angles to the channels. Line up these joints with the joint lines of the channels. (Fig. E)

6. Installation is complete. A complete installation guide is available upon request.


The following channel surface preparation steps must be followed in order for PJ-Seal-P (flexible one part urethane sealant), ACO Bond-P (2 part polyester polymer resin epoxy) or ACO Bond-V (2 part vinylester polymer resin epoxy) to seal the channel sections. The adjoining section surfaces must be cleaned using a wire brush or sand paper, which will expose a lighter color of the channel that will allow the sealant to bond. Please note that the channel sections have a wax release agent coating on the surface and it must be removed from any areas that are going to be sealed.

X=variable dimension