Residential Trench & Channel Drain Installation

Keep Water Moving Across Driveways, Patios, and Walkways

If water runs across your driveway, pools in front of your garage, or flows toward your foundation, a trench or channel drain may be the right solution. These surface-level drains collect and redirect runoff before it can pool or cause damage. At Diversified Drainage, we install professional-grade trench and channel drains that blend into concrete, pavers, or hardscaping—protecting your home while maintaining curb appeal.



drain tile installation in progress
/OUR PROCESS

About the Service: What Are Trench & Channel Drains?

Trench and channel drains are linear surface drainage systems installed flush with the ground to capture fast-moving runoff across driveways, sidewalks, patios, and other hard surfaces.

We install:
  • Driveway Channel Drains
    Installed at the base of sloped driveways to catch rainwater or snowmelt before it enters the garage or flows toward the foundation.
  • Garage Threshold Drains
    Protect garage entries from water intrusion, especially in homes with sloped approaches or low door thresholds.
  • Patio & Pool Deck Drains
    Capture runoff from patios, pool decks, or outdoor living spaces and direct it to safe discharge points.
  • Custom Drainage Integration
    Tie channel drains into French drains, dry wells, or downspout systems for complete water control.
  • Heavy-Duty and Decorative Grates
    Choose from load-rated, low-profile, or aesthetic grate styles that match your property’s look and traffic needs.
/Protect Your Home. Improve Your Property.

Why Homeowners Choose Channel Drains

Protect Your Garage & Foundation - Keep water from seeping into garages or damaging your home's foundation.
Prevent Ice Buildup - Eliminate pooling that can freeze into dangerous slick spots in winter.
Preserve Hardscaping - Reduce water-related wear and settling on pavers, concrete, and slabs.
Improve Curb Appeal - Trench drains can be cleanly integrated into hardscaping without disrupting aesthetics.
Control Runoff Around the Home - Direct surface water safely away from doors, windows, and sensitive areas.
Dashboard mockup

Built for Minnesota Conditions

Our trench and channel drains are designed to perform in:
Freeze/thaw cycles
Snowmelt and rain-on-snow events
High-volume rainstorms
Concrete, asphalt, and paver installations

Who We Work With

We install trench and channel drains for:
Single-family homes
Lake homes with sloped driveways
Patios, garages, and outdoor living areas
Landscaped yards with hardscape runoff
Existing drainage system upgrades

Why Choose Diversified Drainage? 

a pair of excavators working to install a commercial drainage solution

25+ Years of Experience

With over two decades of hands-on experience, we’ve seen—and solved—every kind of drainage issue for both homes and commercial properties.

Fully Licensed & Insured

Our team is fully licensed, insured, and qualified to work on residential neighborhoods, large-scale commercial sites, and everything in between.

Local Expertise

As a Plymouth-based company, we understand the soil, slope, and drainage challenges unique to Minnesota properties.

Effective Solution Design

We provide high-quality drainage systems that are both cost-effective and built to perform season after season.

Customer-first Service

From homeowners to property managers, we prioritize clear communication, honest recommendations, and long-term results.

Ready to Redirect Runoff the Right Way?

If surface water is creating problems around your home, a trench or channel drain could be the cleanest and most effective fix. We’ll assess your property and design a system that works—and looks good doing it.

Residential Drainage FAQs

Proper residential drainage starts with the right system—and a clear understanding of how it works. Explore these FAQs to learn more about drainage.

What’s the difference between a trench drain and a French drain?

A trench drain collects surface water; a French drain handles subsurface water. We often use both together in the right spots.

Can a channel drain be added to an existing driveway?

Yes. We cut and install channel drains in concrete or asphalt with minimal disruption.

Do I need a permit to install a trench drain?

Not always, but it depends on the scope and where the water discharges. We’ll handle compliance as part of the process.

Where does the water go after it enters the drain?

It’s typically routed to a dry well, French drain, downspout system, or municipal tie-in—depending on your site layout.