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What Are the Different Types of Outdoor Drains?
What Are the Different Types of Outdoor Drains?
4.8 RATING

What Are the Different Types of Outdoor Drains?

Drainage is an essential aspect of any landscape design. Outdoor drains are designed to redirect water away from your home's foundation and landscape.

October 12, 2026
What Are the Different Types of Outdoor Drains?

Drainage is an essential aspect of any landscape design. Outdoor drains are designed to redirect water away from your home’s foundation and landscape. In this article, Mr. Rooter Plumbing walks you through the different types of outdoor drains and their uses. If you’re looking for a professional and top-rated plumbing service to install outdoor drains in your property, look no further than Mr. Rooter Plumbing.

Channel Drains

Channel drains are discreet outdoor drains that capture and redirect surface water. They are often installed on patios or driveways. These drainage systems are best suited for areas where the goal is to avoid water accumulation on surfaces, such as your lawn. They feature a long, narrow grate that blends seamlessly with outdoor surfaces. These drains prevent water pooling and are suitable for both residential and commercial spaces.

Catch Basins

Catch basins, also known as storm drains, are installed in yards, streets, and paved surfaces to direct runoff water into city sewer mains. These drains are installed beneath the surface and are covered with a grate. They are connected to a network of pipes that transport the collected water away from the area. One of the best things about catch basins is that they are easy to integrate with other drainage systems.

Our Customers Reviews

Chahib Chakrome

Summit, NJ

The service provided was great, nothing to say about the work of the plumber. 5 stars to him. But the company charges felt way too much for the work. We would have liked to have the same plumber take care of other things in the house, but every time he check how much extra the company will charge for the job, the price just got too much. The plumber did an amazing job he selected a beautiful faucet to replace our old one. He did his best. But the company prices have no room for negotiation.

Tiffany DeSande

Plainfield, NJ

A million stars!!!! Steve and Lucas were absolutely amazing. My parents pipes burst and within 4 hours of calling they came and fixed everything!!! Very nice guys and dealt with my panicking. I will always use them if needed in the future and you all should too!!! Thank god for people like this!!! Thank you so much guys!!!

Naomi Langer-Seltzer

New Brunswick, NJ

We got very quick service, I think the plumber actually arrived in less than an hour! After reviewing what was happening, he gave us our options and performed the option we selected. This happened in the late afternoon or early evening. It was already dark and there was a lot of snow on the ground.

Steve Smith

Mountainside, NJ

I needed immediate, same day service in the early evening at my home. I went to the internet and looked up plumbing services that offered "24-hour, 7-day a week" availability. The first 3 places I called said that they could not get to me until the following day. Then I called Mr. Rooter. They were courteous and promptly got a technician to my house within an hour and a half. The technician, Lucas Kaufmann, was exceptional. The job was not easy, but he figured the problem out and got me all fixed up within an hour's time. Moving forward, I…

Stephanie Brown

Cranford, NJ

Despite what was quite obviously a busy day (day after Thanksgiving at 10pm) TJ came out and did not leave until the job was done! There were several setbacks, which at the late hour might have prompted him to leave- but he chose to stay and continue until the job was complete! I only have one bathroom so I was really hoping he could make it work, and he really did a wonderful job! So thankful for all of his help! I highly recommend TJ!

Shaheen Dhanani

Union, NJ

This is my second time using Mr. Rooter and I have to say they are an excellent company of experienced professionals! The service techs were courteous, experienced and actually spent time trying to figure out the issue before proposing the solution. They were also patient and answered all my questions without rushing the work. I will be using them again.

Christie Murphy

Montgomery, NJ

TJ was amazing! 10/10 recommend this company. We were in an emergency state of panic with a burst pipe in the middle of a bad snowstorm. TJ came with knowledge, professionalism, kindness, and found the root of the problem within five minutes of being here. We will be using him again in the spring to fix an outdoor issue he found!

Alan Abraham

Clark, NJ

The technicians were friendly, professional and knowledgeable. The price was too high I believe, but the technicians had no control over that. The technicians took their time and did a great job. I would use them again and also recommend them.

Amy Swart

Berkeley Heights, NJ

Excellent service! Charles and Nicholas of Mr. Rooter arrived to my scheduled service a few minutes early, wore sanitary shoe coverings, and were extremely professional. They found the source of my leak quickly and fixed the issue. While they here, I requested an additional hydraulic heating inspection which they accommodated. They were very knowledgeable and provided helpful tips. I highly recommend this team and I will definitely call them for all future plumbing needs!!

JACKY Coppola

Wall Township, NJ

TJ came to my aid as the water pipe froze in my house. Although nothing could be done he gave me hints of what could be done my me which was very helpful. I found TJ very professional and caring about my situation. The best part of the very long night was the dogs adored him one wanted to accompany him to his next job. Thank you for employing such an amazing man. Plus today there is water running in the house. Thank you TJ and thank you Mr. Rooney plumbing for employing a man with helpful hints!!!!!

Traditional Trench Drains

Traditional trench drains are the most common type of outdoor drains installed in industrial settings, driveways, and commercial spaces. They feature a robust design and a grated surface that collects and channels large volumes of water away from surfaces.

French Drains

French drains are versatile subsurface drainage systems that consist of a perforated pipe enclosed in gravel or stone. These drains are designed to redirect groundwater away from low-lying areas, preventing water damage and flooding. The basic concept of a French drain is to redirect water away from an area by providing it with the easiest and controlled route to flow downhill. In a French drain system, excess water runs into a gravel-filled trench and then enters a perforated pipe located near the bottom of the trench. This pipe serves as a conduit for the collected water, ensuring it is efficiently channeled away from the area. French drains blend seamlessly into landscaping, making them a discreet and practical solution for managing excess moisture. If you have a flat yard that usually fills up with standing water, a French drain could be your answer. French drains can last for decades and do not have a visual impact on the yard. However, they tend to clog quite often.

Dry Wells

Dry wells, also known as soakaways, are simple structures consisting of a hole lined with porous material. They are responsible for collecting and dispersing stormwater runoff into the surrounding soil. You’ll commonly find dry wells in areas with poor drainage. If you’re tired of dealing with standing water on your property, it may be time to call a professional plumbing service to help you install a dry well.

Drainage Swales

Drainage swales, also known as swale drains, are gently sloped, landscaped features that help to manage stormwater runoff and control erosion. They consist of erosion-resistant grasses, vegetation, or rocks. Drainage swales not only serve a functional purpose but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces.

Professional Drain Installation, Repair, and Maintenance Services

Need help with outdoor drain installation? You can trust the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing to do a great job. Mr. Rooter Plumbing is a locally owned and operated plumbing company that specializes in drain installation & repair, drain cleaning, drain line repair, plumbing maintenance, and more. Call us today or contact us online to book an appointment.

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