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Shallow Trench Drain System - 39.37" - ACO H100-8

Shallow Trench Drain System - 39.37" - ACO H100-8

Shallow Trench Drain System - 39.37" - ACO H100-8

$155.00


FREE SHIPPING
SKU SLABDRAIN-H-HK

The Shallow Trench Drain System is designed for projects with limited installation depth such as parking decks, plazas, balconies, and retrofit applications. Each channel is built from polymer concrete with a compressive strength of 14,000 psi and low water absorption, ensuring long-term durability and resistance to chemical exposure.

Key Features:

  • Edge Options – Choose from polymer (H Series), galvanized or stainless steel (HK Series), or ductile iron (HSK Series) edges to meet load requirements up to Class F.

  • Widths – Available in 4″, 8″, and 12″ internal widths with a neutral-depth (flat invert) design for simplified layout.

  • Grating & Locking Systems – Offers a wide selection of ADA-compliant, heel-resistant, and decorative grates secured with QuickLok®, DrainLok, or PowerLok, making installation and maintenance fast and efficient.


System Selection:

  • Scroll down to select your system components. Multiple channel units are connected together and then paired with accessories such as drains and grates. 

Note: ACO drainage products are subject to a $750 minimum order


Please Use the Order Form Below to Order ▼

View Our Full Selection of ACO Trench Drain Products →

Ordering Info:

Please scroll down for the complete SlabDrain H & HK Series product listing with pricing. Not sure of the exact parts needed for your project? Please submit an ACO Trench Drain Quote Request >

Spec Sheets

Visit acowm.com to download specification sheets and other technical information.

Shipping

  • All items ship for free (standard ground, see map)
  • Call: (800) 583-4891 for pricing and shipping questions. Shipping estimates shown on the map pertain to this specific product only.
  • Orders typically ship in 1-3 business days. Transit times displayed in the map are listed in business days, and are approximate. The day that the order is shipped is not counted as a transit day.
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Trench Drain System & Accessories (Free Shipping)

Please see the below product listing. Please note, accessories (grates, basins, caps, etc.) must be purchased with a trench drain system including channels and cannot ship alone.

Shallow Trench Drain System: Practical Guide to Low-Depth Surface Drainage

What is a shallow trench drain system? It’s a low-profile channel drain engineered for sites with limited excavation depth—think parking decks, plazas, balconies, and retrofit projects. In plain terms: you get reliable drainage performance without digging deep.

Featured example: ACO SlabDrain — polymer concrete channels (≈14,000 psi compressive strength) with low water absorption for long service life, chemical resistance, and smooth hydraulics in tight elevation conditions.
Shallow trench drain protecting patio pavers by directing stormwater
Shallow channels protect hardscapes without deep excavation

Why Choose a Shallow System?

Limited build-up: Ideal where slab thickness, utilities, or structural depth restrict excavation.

Neutral-depth design: SlabDrain’s flat invert simplifies layout across balconies, plazas, and deck transitions.

Durability: Polymer concrete body resists chemicals and moisture ingress, reducing maintenance and extending life.

Core Specs (ACO SlabDrain)

  • Widths: 4", 8", and 12" internal options to match project flows.
  • Edges: Polymer (H Series), galvanized or stainless steel (HK Series), or ductile iron (HSK Series).
  • Load ratings: Edge and grate combinations available up to Class F for heavy traffic areas.
  • Grate systems: ADA-compliant, heel-resistant, decorative options with QuickLok®, DrainLok, or PowerLok for fast access.
Low-profile trench drain along a commercial walkway for ADA-friendly surface drainage
Clean lines for plazas, courtyards, and ADA-friendly walkways

Best-Fit Applications

  • Parking decks & podium slabs: Manage sheet flow without exceeding slab depth.
  • Plazas & courtyards: Blend decorative grates with architecture while meeting inflow needs.
  • Balconies & terraces: Low profile helps manage thresholds and waterproofing details.
  • Retrofits: Add drainage to existing hardscapes with minimal demo.

Selection Checklist

  • Hydraulics: Contributing area, slope available, rainfall intensity.
  • Load class: From pedestrian to heavy vehicular; choose edges/grates accordingly.
  • Grate style: ADA, heel-resistant, decorative, or ductile iron for tough zones.
  • Maintenance: Tool-free locking (QuickLok®/DrainLok/PowerLok) speeds cleanouts.
  • Corrosion: Consider stainless edges and polymer concrete in aggressive environments.
Close-up of ACO SlabDrain channel and grate showing neutral-depth profile
Neutral-depth channels simplify elevations and detailing

Installation Tips (Step-by-Step)

  1. Survey & layout: Confirm finish floor elevations, thresholds, and outlet locations.
  2. Excavate shallow trench: Allow for bedding and channel height per manufacturer guidance.
  3. Set channels: Align neutral-depth sections; check straightness and grate elevations.
  4. Connect outlets: Tie into risers or laterals; seal joints per spec.
  5. Haunching: Place/compact concrete haunch to support edges and resist traffic loads.
  6. Install grates & locking: Engage QuickLok®/DrainLok/PowerLok; verify heel safety and seating.
  7. Commissioning: Water test; document O&M access points for future cleanouts.

Maintenance

Set a seasonal debris removal schedule. Tool-free locking speeds grate lift, clean, and reset—reducing downtime and maintaining inlet capacity.

Case Study: Plaza Retrofit on a Tight Elevation

Project: Urban office plaza • Problem: Shallow slab and waterproofing limited excavation; puddling at entry created slip hazards.

Solution: A 120-ft run of shallow trench drain using 8" internal width neutral-depth channels (similar to ACO SlabDrain HK Series). Stainless steel edges were specified near doors for corrosion control. ADA heel-resistant decorative grates with QuickLok® allowed rapid access for cleaning. Select ductile iron grate panels were added at service vehicle cross-overs.

Results: Surface water now clears quickly, with no ponding at entries. Maintenance reports faster cleanouts due to tool-free locks. The decorative grate pattern blends with plaza pavers, improving aesthetics while meeting performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is a shallow trench drain better than a deep system?

Use shallow drains where structural depth is limited (decks, podiums, balconies) or in retrofits that must minimize demolition. They manage surface water while preserving elevations and thresholds.

Which width should I choose—4", 8", or 12"?

Base the choice on contributing area and peak flow. Smaller courtyards or balconies often use 4"; mid-size plazas and walkways fit 8"; high-inflow zones or vehicle areas may use 12" with suitable grates and edge rails.

Are grates ADA and heel-safe?

Yes—select ADA-compliant and heel-resistant patterns. Decorative options allow visual integration without compromising safety or inflow.

Plan Your Shallow Trench Drain System

Send drawings or photos and we’ll help size channels, choose edges (polymer, galvanized, stainless, or ductile iron), and match grates (ADA, heel-resistant, decorative, or ductile iron) to the required load class—up to Class F.

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