U-Drain vs. grated drainage: who is the winner?

​When it comes to surface drainage, the most common type of drain seen in public applications is a grated drain. In contrast, U-drain is a trench drain with a single narrow “slot” intake that features no grates. The question is, which is the better option? In this article we examine three key factors that play into choosing a drainage system; durability, maintenance and aesthetics. Within each of these factors we will compare the grated vs. trench design.

DURABILITY
Grated Drains

• Feature a wider intake where grates act as a “bridge” between the two sides and handle traffic over the intake void.
• Grates must be built heavy enough to handle load over the intake void (this often translates to increased material costs).
• Over time, grates can bend/warp under the pressure of regular traffic and must be removed and replaced.

• Many grated drain systems feature trenches constructed out of cement or plastic, which can breakdown and/or damage easily.

U-Drain

• Features a narrow 1” or ½” (Commercial or Residential) intake which minimizes intake void so that no “bridge” is needed.
• Is designed with breaks in the trench body to allow for load transfer from the drain directly into the concrete floor surrounding it (U-drain is as strong as the concrete around it).
• Sump Pit Lids are designed to exceed HS-20 weight load standards (16,000 lbs
• Built with galvanized steel which provides exceptional structural rigidity and offers long-lasting rust protection in high moisture environments (stainless steel finish also available).

MAINTENANCE
Grated Drains

• Debris is caught by the grate and eventually the grate is clogged at which point the grates must be removed and cleaned.

U-drain

• No grates to clog up. Simply clean out the drain trench by inserting a cleaning paddle and dragging it along the drain to the sump pit.
• A Flush Nozzle is available which allows you to connect a pressure washer line to the drain for an efficient flush clean.

AESTHETICS
Grated Drains

• Grates have a large and more defined footprint
• Grates can rust over time
• Grates can collect debris and bacteria

U-drain

• Narrow intake is low-profile and does not stand out
• Drain edges are neutral and blend with the surface material
• Galvanized or Stainless Steel finish prevents rust

When you take the factors of durability, ease-of-maintenance and aesthetics into consideration, which drainage system do you think is best?