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Modular Polymer Concrete Channel Drains
ACO Trench Drain Systems
ACO Drain is the world's leading modular trench drain system, engineered with cast polymer concrete bodies and durable edge rails in galvanized steel, stainless steel, or cast iron. Available in 2″, 4″, 8″, and 12″ internal widths with up to 130 ft of built-in continuous slope — plus a wide range of grates and load ratings for pedestrian plazas through heavy-duty sites. Free shipping on every order.
Free shipping, all orders
2″–12″ internal widths
Load classes up to Class E
Choose Your System
Find the right ACO trench drain
Browse the full ACO lineup below, then use the builder to configure widths, grates, and accessories into a complete parts list. KlassikDrain and PowerDrain both come in 4″ (100), 8″ (200), and 12″ (300) internal widths.
KlassikDrain · 4″
K100 / KS100
General-purpose 4″ channel for parking lots, plazas, and light commercial. Galvanized or stainless edge rails.
Shop K100
KlassikDrain · 8″
K200 / KS200
Wider 8″ channel for higher flow across commercial and light industrial sites where more capacity is needed.
Shop K200
KlassikDrain · 12″
K300 / KS300
Widest 12″ KlassikDrain channel for the highest flow volumes and large contributing areas.
Shop K300
PowerDrain · 4″
S100K
Ductile-iron edge rails on a 4″ channel for heavy-duty, high-traffic vehicle crossings.
Shop S100K
PowerDrain · 8″
S200K
Iron-edged 8″ PowerDrain channel for rugged sites — ports, industrial yards, and loading areas.
Shop S200K
PowerDrain · 12″
S300K
Widest iron-edged 12″ PowerDrain channel for the most severe-duty, high-volume applications like airport aprons.
Shop S300K
FlowDrain · fiberglass
FG200 FlowDrain
Fiberglass 8″ channel offering excellent chemical and corrosion resistance for demanding environments.
Shop FG200
SlabDrain · low profile
SlabDrain H & HK
Shallow channels for depth-restricted sites and suspended slabs — parking structures, plazas, and decks.
Shop SlabDrain H/HK
SlabDrain · HSK series
SlabDrain HSK
Stainless HSK shallow channel for hygienic, corrosion-sensitive, and membrane no-hub drainage applications.
Shop SlabDrain HSK
Brickslot · discreet
Brickslot
Slot-drain top that hides the channel beneath brick or stone pavers for a nearly invisible drainage line.
Shop BrickslotACO Trench Drain System Builder
1 Select ACO System
2 Select Model / Width
Select a system above to see models.
3 Runs
Each run is calculated independently with its own end caps and outlet. Max 5 runs.
4 Select Grate
Load Class
Material
Compliance
No grates match your filters.
Select a system first to see compatible grates.
⚠️ Incompatible materials: You've selected a grate with a edge rail channel. Galvanized and stainless steel edge rails are not compatible — mixing them can cause galvanic corrosion and premature failure. Please select a grate that matches your channel's edge rail material.
5 Accessories
Installation Devices
1 device per channel — for setting and aligning channels during pour (optional)
End Cap(s)
Qty based on outlet configuration
Outlet Unit
1 unit — type based on outlet selection above
Your Parts List
⚡ Updates Live
Select options to build your list →
| Item | Qty | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Configure your system on the left to see your parts list. | ||
⚠️ Incompatible materials: Your selected grate material does not match the channel edge rail. Galvanized and stainless steel edge rails are not compatible — mixing them causes galvanic corrosion. Please match your grate material to the channel edge rail before adding to cart.
Prices confirmed at checkout. Quantities are calculated estimates — always add 10% for cuts and waste.
Practical Guide
ACO Trench Drain Systems: A Practical Guide for Reliable Surface Water Control
ACO Drain® is a modular trench drain system made from cast polymer concrete with durable edge rails (galvanized steel, stainless steel, or cast iron). Channels are available in 2″, 4″, 8″, and 12″ internal widths and can be installed with a built-in continuous slope up to 130 ft (40 m) for fast, predictable water removal. A wide range of grates—mesh, slotted, perforated, and ductile iron—covers everything from pedestrian plazas to heavy-duty sites like airports.
How Trench Drains Work
A trench drain is a long, narrow channel installed flush with the surface. Water enters through the grate, flows along the channel, and exits to a pipe or outfall. In ACO systems, the built-in slope (up to 130 ft / 40 m) accelerates flow, which helps move water off the surface quickly and reduces ponding.
Why polymer concrete? It's a dense, non-porous composite that resists freeze-thaw damage and chemical attack. In plain terms, it's tough, smooth, and long-lasting—ideal for frequent wet-dry cycles and de-icing salts.
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Modular channels for fast layout and consistent slopes.
- Grate options for different aesthetics and load ratings.
- Edge rails (galvanized, stainless, cast iron) protect channel lips and extend life.
- Wide width range (2″–12″) to match flow and footprint needs.
A low-profile channel drain with a slotted grate can integrate cleanly into pavers and hardscape, keeping the surface flush and unobtrusive while still moving water to the outlet.
How to Choose the Right ACO Trench Drain
Selecting the right drain starts with site conditions and load rating. Load classes scale from pedestrian areas up to heavy vehicles—e.g., Load Class E supports severe duty like industrial yards and airport aprons (think heavy trucks).
Fast Selection Checklist
- Flow & contributing area: Estimate runoff from roofs, pavements, and slopes.
- Channel width: 2″, 4″, 8″, or 12″ internal—match volume and debris expectations.
- Grate material/design: Mesh, slotted, perforated, or ductile iron—balance slip resistance, heel-safety, and aesthetics.
- Load rating: Pedestrian (light) → forklift/truck routes (heavy, up to Class E).
- Edge rail material: Galvanized steel (value), stainless steel (corrosion resistance), cast iron (heavy-duty durability).
- Outlet strategy: End outlet, bottom outlet, sump boxes, or tie-in to storm pipe.
Pro Tip: If the drain crosses vehicle paths, size for load first; if it runs along patios/walkways, lead with grate style, heel-safety, and slip resistance.
A clean edge finish pairs durable rails with a heel-safe grate—capturing water along the backyard edge while keeping the walking surface safe and comfortable underfoot.
Spotlight: ACO K100 Trench Drain (4" Internal Width)
The ACO K100 is a general-purpose, 4″-wide modular system with continuous slope installation up to 130 ft for efficient water management. Choose galvanized or stainless steel edge rails to match environment and aesthetics.
| Feature | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Boltless locking (DrainLok® / QuickLok®) | Secure grates quickly—no loose bolts to manage. |
| Anti-shunt lugs + numbered channels | Grates don't shift under load; channels line up accurately. |
| Grate options up to Load Class E | Can handle heavy vehicles where required. |
| 4″ internal width | Great balance of capacity and compact footprint. |
Where K100 fits best: commercial entries, plazas, pool decks, garages, small vehicle crossings, and long runs where built-in slope improves flow without complex grading.
Installation Overview (Step-by-Step)
- Layout & slope: Snap chalk lines and confirm outlet points. Use ACO's numbered channels to maintain the designed fall along the run.
- Excavate & base: Trench to depth/width per spec; compact subgrade; add a stable gravel or concrete base (per load class).
- Set channels: Start at outlet. Bed channels in fresh concrete; keep grating frames true to finish grade.
- Join & align: Use the modular joints; check numbering to keep slope sequence correct.
- Pour surround: Place concrete haunching to the required thickness and load rating.
- Install grates: Snap in with DrainLok or QuickLok; verify seating and anti-shunt engagement.
- Finish & test: Set adjacent pavers/asphalt/concrete; flush test to verify positive flow to outlet.
Tip: For vehicular crossings, follow the manufacturer's concrete surround details and pick a grate that matches the expected wheel loads.
Case Study: Regrading a Retail Parking Lot to Stop Flooding
Project Snapshot
- Location: Suburban retail center
- Problem: Stormwater ponding along storefronts after 1–2″ rain events
- Constraints: Minimal downtime, mixed pedestrian/vehicle traffic, frequent de-icing salt use
Solution
Engineers specified an ACO K100 run with built-in slope over ~100 ft, tying into the site's existing storm line via a sump box and end outlet. Cast iron grates (Load Class E) were selected across drive lanes for durability, while heel-safe slotted stainless grates were used near storefront walkways for pedestrian comfort.
Results
- Standing water eliminated: Graded flow and continuous slope moved runoff to the outlet during peak events.
- Lower maintenance: Anti-shunt lugs kept grates seated under traffic; boltless locks sped up seasonal checks.
- Better customer experience: No splash-through at entrances; safer footing on heel-safe grates.
Takeaway: Matching load class to traffic patterns and using the built-in channel slope were the two biggest wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What load class do I need?
Pedestrians/bikes: light duty. Parking aisles/delivery access: look to heavy duty (up to Class E for severe service). When in doubt, size for the heaviest wheel load crossing the drain.
Which edge rails should I choose?
Galvanized steel for value in general sites, stainless for corrosive/wet or coastal areas, and cast iron where impact and wheel loads are frequent.
How do I keep debris out?
Use heel-safe or tighter grate patterns where leaves and mulch are common. Add upstream screens where applicable, and include accessible clean-outs or sump boxes.
Build your ACO trench drain system
Use the System Builder to configure channels, grates, and accessories into a complete parts list — and every order ships free.