They’re also helpful for washing things inside the garage or cleaning up after minor leaks and spills. A garage floor drain can prevent water from soaking into your concrete or running onto your driveway. When the concrete floor is pitched into a drain, all of the water flows into it and away from your home’s foundation.
Installation of garage drain
1: Locate Your Drain Line
When you’re ready to install a new drain line, start by locating where you want to put it in your garage. Make sure that there isn’t already one on the ground and measure it out (length, width, and depth).
2: Install a Drain Line
Install a PVC drain line by pouring concrete around the pipe. For added protection, run a bead of caulk around the bottom of the access cover before positioning it into place on top of your new drain line. Ensure that there’s an excess pool of water before covering the opening with sand or soil for drainage purposes.
3: Prepare Your Site
Prepare your site where you’re planning to install your drain standpipe by digging out about three inches around it (this will give you enough room for rainwater) and then adding gravel below grade for better drainage. After placing larger rocks at the base, fill the hole with soil, making sure to tamp it down as you go.
4: Cover the Drain
Cover your newly installed drain with a piece of metal or concrete. Use a level to ensure that it’s even before attaching it permanently in place.
5: Finish Up
Finish up by attaching your drain hose and testing for proper drainage. Once everything is in order, reattach the door to your garage. Now you can safely wash your car or motorcycles on the garage floor without worrying about water damage!
Types Of Garage Drains
Garage floor drains are used to collect water from the garage floor. The drain is simply a hole in your garage floor with an attached pipe that carries the water away. There are two main types of drain systems – perimeter or trench drains, and slab (or “French”) /Sump style drains.
Perimeter Drain System
A perimeter drain system works well for most garages. A perimeter drain system consists of perforated underground piping installed at the edge of a concrete slab underneath a layer of sand which functions as a filter.
Perimeter drains should always be located on the exterior side of any wall or divider within your garage so that all water flows towards its center—the focus being downspout(s). The downspouts will discharge the water away from your garage and foundation.
Trench Drain System
A trench drain system is designed for areas where the surface water drainage is poor or for higher driveways than the garage. A trench drain system consists of trenches filled with gravel, which collect and carry the water away.
Slab / French Drain Style
A slab or French drain style is a more sophisticated drainage system that can be used in place of or in addition to a perimeter drain system. This system collects water through drilled holes in the concrete slab and funnels it into a sump basin where it is pumped out and away from the building.
The type of garage floor drain you choose will depend on the layout of your garage, the slope of the ground, and the severity of the water problem.
No matter what type of garage floor drain you choose, be sure to keep it clean and clear of debris so that it can function correctly. Be sure to regularly check your downspouts and gutters to ensure they are doing their job and directing the water away from your home.
How much does it cost to install a garage floor drain?
A garage floor drain is used to remove excess water from surfaces. These are commonly installed around automotive lifts, boat lift areas, and garages. The cost of a garage floor drain will depend on the quality of the materials used, where it’s being installed, and if there’s an additional installation fee or not.
On average, a standard garage floor drain kit will run anywhere from $50 – $200, with installation fees being between $100 – $300 depending on your contractor’s pricing and where they’re located. You may also need to purchase a garage floor grate, which can run anywhere from $10 – $75 depending on the size and style you choose. The average cost for a garage floor drain will be around $150 – $350. If you’re looking for a way to quickly and easily remove water from your garage floor, then a garage floor drain is the perfect solution.
FAQs
- What is a garage floor drain?
A garage floor drain is a device that allows water to leave your garage quickly. When you wash the car, empty the buckets or let the hose end run, water goes into this hole and down into the ground. It looks like a round access panel on your garage floor with a circular ringed handle on it.
The garage floor drain is proudly made in the USA and features a patent-pending design with an easy twist-off, easy-clean lid.
- What sizes are available for garage floor drains?
The garage floor drain comes in 2 Sizes: 1 ft. & 2 ft. Just measure your garage floor to see which size you need to work correctly. The hole should be slightly more significant than the drain itself to ensure a good seal.
- Can anyone install a garage floor drain, or do I need a professional?
No special tools are needed to install a garage floor drain. Everything you need is included in the package. We’ve also made installation as easy as possible, no more cutting through your garage slab! Please check the installation instructions for further details.
- How does it connect to my floor?
Once installed, the drain is connected to your garage subfloor via three screws attached directly to the drain. There is no pressure connection to your drainage system, all connection takes place under your garage slab (subfloor). Installation instructions also feature a video on how this works.