At its simplest, a drainage channel (or drain channel) is there to collect rainwater, plus any other water from things like watering gardens or using showers and indoor plumbing.
Drainage channels are a key part of any drainage systems, They help manage the natural flow of water by collecting it and directing it into the main sewers, a separate drainage system, natural water basins, or just soaking it away into the ground below.
You can think of a drainage channel as doing the same job as a traditional gully or manhole, but it works a bit differently – and often, more effectively. Let’s take a closer look.
Drainage channels come in different materials, each with its own pros and cons.
These are the heaviest on the market, which makes them trickier to transport and move around. Despite their weight, they’re actually quite fragile. Concrete absorbs chemicals and is easily damaged by weather over time. They’re cheap and easy to get hold of, but there’s a reason for that.
These are made from lightweight concrete mixed with chemicals. Compared to standard concrete, they’re thinner, lighter, and easier to handle. But they’re still brittle, and the production process is slow because of the added chemicals.
Steel channels have a much lower flow capacity than concrete or polymer ones, and they cost more to make. If you need a higher flow rate, you have to use thicker steel, which drives the price up even further.
These are among the most popular options right now. They’re made from recycled plastic (industrial and post-consumer waste). Here’s why they stand out:
| Material | Weight | Strength | Flow Capacity | Other Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement | Very heavy – needs machinery to move | Fragile; absorbs chemicals | High | Heavy and not very resistant to chemicals and weathering |
| Polymeric | Lighter than cement; easier to handle | Fragile; slow to produce due to chemicals | Similar to cement | Lightweight concrete with chemicals – a middle-ground option |
| Steel | Requires thicker sections for high flow rates |
Limited flow unless steel is thick | Lower than cement or polymer | Heavier steel = higher cost |
| Plastic (PP) | Very light; easy to handle | Much more durable during installation; easy maintenance and cleaning | Higher flow due to better viscosity | Made from recycled plastic; allows L-shaped and T-shaped interlocking systems |
They do the same basic job, so why choose a drainage channel
Good installation starts with two key checks before you even pick up a shovel.
Rainfall data for your area – you’ll need a qualified engineer to work out how much water you need to handle (the flow rate).
Ground drainage – how well does the soil drain naturally? This affects how quickly water moves away.
Once you’ve got those details, you can work out the right channel size, flow capacity, and load class (foot traffic, cars, heavy vehicles, etc.), following the UNI EN 1433:2008 standard.
Our drainage channels are plastic linear drainage systems designed to collect and manage rainwater in residential, industrial, and road settings.
Dakota Group has been in the construction industry for over 40 years. We make and supply gridded drainage channels in polypropylene (PP – our Pegasus range) and high-density polyethylene (PE-HD – our Taurus range). They’re ideal for industrial and road use (yards, driveways, car parks, access ramps), as well as for pool surrounds, terraces, and wet rooms.
Pegasus channels are made from lightweight, strong, functional PP. They come in several colours (grey, black, sand, white) and sizes, from 130 to 370mm wide and 40 to over 300mm high, so you can match the flow capacity and surface type.
The range includes models such as:
There's also the Pegasus Short Kit: designed for ramps, entrances, and basements. It includes 24 grey PP drainage channels (130 x 75 x 500mm), five end caps, and 24 PP grilles at 500mm each.
Taurus channels are professional-grade, made from PE-HD. They’re tough, impact-resistant, and suitable for collecting rainwater or industrial liquid run-off.
Paired with a wide selection of heavy-duty grilles, they’re used in pedestrian areas, driveways, roads, motorways, ports, and airports. The Taurus 370 model is built for large infrastructure projects like motorways, airports, and big car parks.
A pre-formed drainage kit designed for garages, ramps, and technical spaces.
With a wide choice of accessories and load classes up to F900, Dakota drainage channels offer a high-quality, complete solution for rainwater management. If you’re a builder’s merchant or hardware retailer looking to add a top-performing plastic drainage range to your stock, they’re well worth a look.