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Sidewalk Trench Drain System - 39.37" Channel

$156.00


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SKU K100

The Sidewalk Trench Drain System is a modular drainage solution designed to handle surface water efficiently in a variety of exterior settings. Featuring a 4-inch internal channel width, it offers reliable water management while maintaining a clean, unobtrusive profile. Built with either galvanized or stainless steel edge rails, this system supports continuous slope installations of up to 130 feet, ensuring consistent flow in both residential and commercial environments.

Key Features

  • Simple Installation – Innovative boltless locking mechanisms (DrainLok® and QuickLok®) allow for quick grate placement and removal, reducing time on the jobsite.

  • Secure Fit – Anti-shunt lugs combined with numbered channels ensure accurate alignment and a stable grate connection.

  • Grate Variety – Choose from mesh, slotted, perforated, or ductile iron grates, with options rated up to Load Class E to meet the demands of heavy-traffic areas.

System Selection:

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

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


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Ordering Info:

Please scroll down for the complete K100 product listing with pricing. Looking for a written quote? Add the ACO items to the cart and click on "Request a Quote".

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.

Sidewalk Trench Drain System: A Complete Guide for Clean, Safe Walkways

A Sidewalk Trench Drain System keeps pedestrian areas dry, ADA-friendly, and long-lasting by collecting and conveying surface water before it becomes a slip hazard or undermines paving. This guide explains how the system works, how to choose the right components, installation best practices, and includes a real-world case study.

Sidewalk trench drain protecting a library entrance from ponding water
Sidewalk trench drain at a public library entry.

What Is a Sidewalk Trench Drain System?

The Sidewalk Trench Drain System is a modular linear drainage channel designed to sit flush with paving and capture sheet flow across sidewalks, plazas, and building entries. With a 4" internal channel width, it balances compact footprint with efficient hydraulic performance, maintaining a clean, unobtrusive look that suits high-visibility pedestrian areas.

Built with galvanized or stainless steel edge rails, the system supports continuous slope installations up to 130 feet for reliable water movement. Grate options—mesh, slotted, perforated, and ductile iron—can be selected to match aesthetic goals and load ratings up to Class E for demanding environments.

Key Benefits (Plain English + Specs)

  • Safer foot traffic: Helps reduce slips by moving water off the walking surface.
  • Clean look: Slim linear profile blends with concrete, pavers, and decorative hardscapes.
  • Fast service access: Boltless locking (DrainLok® / QuickLok®) speeds grate removal for cleaning.
  • Precise alignment: Anti-shunt lugs and numbered channels keep grates seated and joints tight.
  • Right grate for the job: Mesh, slotted, perforated, or ductile iron—choose per traffic and style.

Selecting the Right Sidewalk Drain Components

Linear sidewalk channel drain integrated with pedestrian walkway
Linear drain blended into a pedestrian walkway.

Choosing components for a Sidewalk Trench Drain System starts with confirming hydraulic needs, maintenance access, and surface requirements (ADA/heel-safe). For most pedestrian areas, a 4" internal channel balances capacity and a slim profile. Use stainless where de-icing salts or coastal exposure are common; galvanized works well for general duty.

Grate selection should match traffic and look: slotted or longitudinal for ADA compliance, mesh/perforated for aesthetics, and ductile iron where occasional vehicle loading is expected. Boltless locking simplifies cleanouts and reduces closure time.

Component What It Means (Plain Language) Best-Fit Guidance
Channel Width (4") The internal opening that carries water. 4" is ideal for sidewalks—compact but effective for typical runoff.
Edge Rails (Galv. / Stainless) Metal edge that protects channel and supports the grate. Use stainless near de-icing salts/coast; galvanized for general duty.
Grate Type The top cover pedestrians walk on. Pick for traction, look, and load; verify ADA/heel-safe where needed.
Continuous Slope (to 130') Built-in fall that moves water to outlets. Use where site slope is limited; extend runs while maintaining flow.
Locking System (Boltless) How grates attach—no tools vs. bolts. Boltless speeds maintenance; bolts are optional for extra security.
Sidewalk trench drain at a fire station apron handling runoff
Sidewalk drainage near an apparatus bay apron.

Installation Overview (Contractor-Friendly)

  1. Layout & Elevations: Set channel inverts to achieve continuous slope (laser level helps).
  2. Excavate & Base: Over-excavate for concrete haunches; compact base to spec.
  3. Set Channels: Start at outlet, use numbered channels to maintain sequence and slope.
  4. Connect Joints: Engage male/female ends; check alignment with straightedge.
  5. Pour Haunches: Encapsulate sidewalls/anchor points to the engineer’s detail.
  6. Install Grates: After cure, place grates; use DrainLok®/QuickLok® for tool-free seating.
  7. Final Checks: Confirm grate seat, flushness, and flow to outlets; water test if needed.

Maintenance Made Simple

  • Seasonal cleanouts: Pop grates, remove debris, flush to outlets.
  • Winter readiness: Verify clear flow paths before freeze-thaw cycles.
  • Grate inspection: Replace damaged units; confirm locks engage firmly.

Case Study: Library Entry Plaza — Ponding Eliminated in One Weekend

Project type: Municipal library entry walkway  |  Constraints: Shallow utilities, heavy foot traffic, frequent rain events

A city library struggled with ponding at its main entrance, creating slippery conditions and premature paver settlement. The site had limited cover over utilities, so the engineer needed a shallow, modular solution that could be installed quickly with minimal disruption.

The team selected the Sidewalk Trench Drain System (4" internal width) with stainless edge rails for corrosion resistance and boltless locking for easy maintenance. A continuous 0.5% slope was used across a 110-ft run with two intermediate outlets tying into the storm line. ADA-friendly slotted grates ensured a smooth, heel-safe surface.

  • Result: Standing water eliminated; improved pedestrian safety and aesthetics.
  • Timeline: Weekend install (demo Friday PM, open to public Monday AM).
  • O&M: Quarterly grate pop-and-flush takes under 30 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 4" channel enough for sidewalks?

Yes, in most pedestrian applications. For long runs with significant upstream area or roof discharge, add more outlets or consider a larger outlet size.

Which grate should I choose?

For public sidewalks, pick ADA/heel-safe patterns that balance slip resistance and debris passage. Use ductile iron where occasional vehicle loading is expected.

How do boltless locks help?

DrainLok® and QuickLok® allow tool-free grate removal, reducing service time and limiting lane/sidewalk closures.

When would I choose stainless over galvanized?

Use stainless near de-icing salts, coastal environments, or where appearance longevity is critical. Galvanized works well for general-purpose settings.

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Keywords: sidewalk trench drain system, linear sidewalk drain, channel drain for sidewalks, ADA compliant grates, stainless edge rail trench drain, 4-inch trench drain, continuous slope drain, pedestrian drainage.