Greenhouse Trench Drains
Greenhouses require reliable, corrosion-resistant drainage systems to manage irrigation runoff, prevent standing water, and protect plant and soil health. Proper drainage maintains humidity control, minimizes disease risk, and ensures efficient water reuse or treatment. TrenchDrainCo trench drain systems are engineered for long-term performance in humid, chemical, and temperature-variable environments — ensuring safe, efficient, and clean greenhouse operations year-round.
Key Requirements
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Load Rating
Typically A15 to C250, depending on greenhouse type and equipment use.
• Walkways and grow aisles: A15 for pedestrian and cart traffic.
• Greenhouse service and equipment zones: B125–C250 for light utility vehicles and carts.
• Exterior loading or washdown areas: D400 for heavier traffic or forklifts.
Drainage must accommodate both irrigation runoff and wash water without clogging or compromising floor stability.
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Material Durability
Greenhouse environments expose drainage systems to constant moisture, fertilizers, and temperature shifts.
• HDPE or PVC channels for lightweight, corrosion-resistant performance.
• Polymer concrete channels for structural stability and long-term durability.
• Stainless steel grates for chemical resistance and easy sanitation.
• Composite or slotted polymer grates that resist rust and minimize algae growth.
• Non-reactive materials that will not leach contaminants into soil or growing media.
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Site Conditions
• Greenhouse floors often have low, controlled slopes (0.5–2%) to direct irrigation runoff into drains.
• Drains should connect to collection or filtration systems for water reuse.
• Internal humidity and fertilizer exposure demand corrosion-resistant and smooth drain surfaces.
• Channels must be easy to clean and accessible for maintenance without disrupting crop layouts.
• Non-slip and low-profile systems ensure worker safety and cart mobility.
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User Requirements
• Plant safety: Non-toxic, non-reactive materials safe for horticultural environments.
• Drainage control: Efficient water evacuation without oversaturation or runoff waste.
• Ease of cleaning: Removable grates and smooth interior surfaces prevent algae buildup.
• Durability: Withstand carts, hoses, and moderate equipment loads.
• Corrosion resistance: Resist fertilizers, nutrients, and cleaning agents.
• Environmental efficiency: Compatible with sustainable water reuse systems.
Recommended TrenchDrainCo Systems
TrenchDrainCo 600 Series
6” HDPE trench drain system — ideal for grow aisles, irrigation lanes, and greenhouse walkways.
TrenchDrainCo Polymer Concrete Series
Rigid, long-lasting channels for high-moisture greenhouse zones.
TrenchDrainCo Stainless Washdown System
Stainless steel channels and grates for chemical and fertilizer exposure.
TrenchDrainCo Sierra 5 Shallow Linear System
Shallow-profile drain for compact greenhouse installations or retrofits.
Engineering Notes
When designing trench drainage for greenhouses:
- Maintain shallow slopes to collect runoff efficiently without disrupting floor levels.
- Use corrosion-resistant materials to prevent reaction with fertilizers and nutrients.
- Ensure adequate flow rate to handle simultaneous irrigation discharge.
- Incorporate sediment traps to capture soil and organic matter before drainage outflow.
- Use sealed joints to prevent water infiltration under slabs and prevent structural degradation.
- For sustainable operations, integrate trench drains with water recovery, filtration, or recycling systems.
Grow smarter with precision drainage
Contact TrenchDrainCo for a trench drain system engineered for greenhouse irrigation, water recovery, and long-term plant health.
📞 Call us: 212-946-3798
📧 Email us: info@trenchdrainco.com
