Platinum AquaTrack Drainage Channel

Site Preparation:

The initial stage in preparing your basement for the installation of the Platinum AquaTrack Drainage Channel involves meticulous site preparation to ensure a seamless integration with your existing structures. Start by creating a precise trough along the critical junction where the basement wall meets the floor. This trough should be carved out to specific dimensions, 130mm deep by 130mm wide, to perfectly accommodate the drainage system.

Prior to the installation of the drainage channel itself, it is essential to apply the Platinum Cavity Drain Membrane to the walls. This membrane plays a vital role in the overall effectiveness of the drainage system and must extend at least 100mm below the existing floor level to ensure a watertight seal and optimal waterproofing interface.

Installation Method:

Once the site is adequately prepared, the installation process can begin. Start by laying a shallow bed of 20mm stone within the prepared trough. This layer serves as a stable base for the AquaTrack Drainage Channel. Carefully position the channel on this stone bed with the upstand at the top, ensuring that the flat side is snug against the waterproofed wall or cavity drain membrane. This alignment is crucial for the effective capture and management of water ingress.

For effective water management, especially in extensive basement areas, ensure a minimum setup of one sump pump per 50 linear metres of installed channel. Integration of the AquaTrack Drainage Channel into a Type C cavity drained system requires meticulous connection of the channel lengths

Use the AquaTrack Connector Pieces to join channel sections end-to-end along straight runs, ensuring a tight and leak-proof fit.

In corners, both internal and external, use the AquaTrack Corner Pieces. These are designed with a 'Push Out' feature, which allows for additional installation of AquaTrack Inspection Ports, enhancing the system's maintainability. For terminal ends of the channel runs or where you need to interface with sump pumps or external drainage, the AquaTrack End Caps can be employed. These caps are versatile, serving either as blanking plates or, with their 'Push Out' feature, as connectors for drainage pipes.

In areas where channels intersect or where a central sump pump is used, the AquaTrack T Pieces are indispensable. They not only facilitate the crossing of three channel points but also include 'Push Out' features for the inclusion of AquaTrack Inspection Ports.

Finally, the AquaTrack 110mm Drainage Outlet Connector, with its T-shape design, allows for straightforward connection of the AquaTrack Drainage Channel to standard 110mm round pipes, enhancing the functionality of your drainage system.

After installing the channel, backfill the remaining space between the channel and the sides of the trough with 20mm stone and level the surface flush with the top of the AquaTrack Channel. Depending on your specific basement setup, if a membrane is to cover the floor, lay this over the stone-filled area and securely seal it to the wall membrane using Platinum Corner Tape. Alternatively, if no membrane is to cover the floor, apply a 50mm screed to finish the surface neatly.

Maintenance:

Maintaining the AquaTrack Drainage Channel is vital for ensuring its long-term functionality and efficiency. It is recommended to perform a thorough cleaning of the channel at least once every six months. This maintenance can be efficiently carried out using the AquaTrack Access Port Units or through the AquaTrack Inspection Ports, which are specially designed for easy access.

During the cleaning process, activate any installed pumps to run water through them from the sump chamber to verify their full operational status. Additionally, remove any accumulated sludge or silt from the sump chamber. Regular maintenance checks should also include inspections of the high water level battery alarm and the alarm sensor to ensure they remain in proper working order, safeguarding your basement against water damage and maintaining the integrity of your structure.

Q) What is the Platinum AquaTrack Drainage Channel?

A) The Platinum AquaTrack Drainage Channel is a sophisticated drainage component, designed specifically for use within Type C Cavity Drainage Systems. Constructed from robust black PVC, it spans 2 metres in length and is engineered to effectively manage water ingress and hydrostatic pressure in underground settings such as basements. Its intelligent design includes a series of perforations to facilitate optimal water intake, essential for protecting subterranean structures from water damage and structural instability.

Q) How does the AquaTrack Drainage Channel work?

A) AquaTrack Drainage Channel operates by collecting water that enters through perforations along its walls at the critical floor/wall junction, where water ingress is most prevalent. This water is then efficiently directed towards a sump pump chamber for removal, effectively relieving hydrostatic pressure that can lead to structural damage. Its integration with Platinum Waterproof Cavity Membranes ensures a seamless and stable installation, crucial for long-term protection and efficacy.

Q) What are the dimensions of the AquaTrack Drainage Channel?

A) Each section of the AquaTrack Drainage Channel measures 2 metres in length, with a width of 80mm and a height of 50mm, plus an additional 60mm upstand. This size provides significant capacity for water conveyance while maintaining a low-profile, ensuring minimal intrusion in the finished space of a basement.

Q) Can the AquaTrack Drainage Channel be used in residential settings?

A) Absolutely, the AquaTrack Drainage Channel is ideal for residential basements prone to dampness or water ingress. Its design ensures a dry and stable environment, making it suitable for converting basements into livable or storage spaces while protecting the home's foundation from water damage.

Q) What are the benefits of using the AquaTrack Drainage Channel in commercial buildings?

A) In commercial buildings, including offices and retail spaces, the AquaTrack Drainage Channel ensures that substructures remain dry and structurally sound. This is crucial for maintaining property value, usability, and preventing costly repairs due to water damage. Its robust design and compatibility with various ancillaries make it a versatile and reliable choice for any commercial property.

Q) Is the AquaTrack Drainage Channel suitable for historical or heritage buildings?

A) Yes, AquaTrack Drainage Channel is particularly beneficial in historic and heritage structures where non-invasive solutions are preferred. It provides effective moisture management to preserve the integrity of the building without the need for extensive or damaging alterations.

Q) What installation preparations are required for AquaTrack Drainage Channel?

A) Installation of AquaTrack Drainage Channel begins with meticulous site preparation, which includes creating a trough along the basement wall/floor junction to precise dimensions (130mm wide by 130mm deep). Additionally, a Platinum Cavity Drain Membrane must be applied to the walls, extending at least 100mm below the floor level to ensure a waterproof seal.

Q) What steps are involved in the installation of AquaTrack Drainage Channel?

A) The installation process involves laying a bed of 20mm stone in the prepared trough for stability, positioning the channel with the flat side against the cavity drain membrane, and connecting channel sections with AquaTrack Connector Pieces. For corner installations, AquaTrack Corner Pieces are used, and End Caps or T-Pieces are implemented as needed for complete system integration.

Q) How is AquaTrack Drainage Channel maintained?

A) Maintaining AquaTrack Drainage Channel involves semi-annual cleaning via jet washing through Access Port Units or Inspection Ports. Regular maintenance checks include activating any installed sump pumps, removing silt from the sump chamber, and ensuring the high water level alarms and sensors are fully operational to maintain system efficiency and prevent flooding.

Q) What ancillary components are compatible with AquaTrack Drainage Channel?

A) The system's modularity is supported by a range of Aquatrack Ancillaries, including Connector Pieces, Corner Pieces, T-Pieces, End Caps, and Drainage Outlets. Each component is designed for seamless integration, enhancing the system's functionality and adaptability to various installation scenarios.

Q) What are the limitations of using AquaTrack Drainage Channel?

A) While AquaTrack Drainage Channel is designed for versatility, it is primarily intended for use in Type C Cavity Drainage Systems and may not be suitable for applications outside of designed specifications, such as very high-flow water ingress areas without additional adaptations or enhancements.

Q) What technical specifications should be considered before installing AquaTrack Drainage Channel?

A) Before installation, it is important to consider the structural requirements, such as the integrity of the existing basement walls, the specific hydrostatic pressure challenges of the site, and the overall design of the drainage system to ensure compatibility and effectiveness of AquaTrack Channel.

Q) How does AquaTrack Drainage Channel interface with other drainage systems?

A) AquaTrack Drainage Channel is specifically designed to interface seamlessly with other components of Type C Cavity Drainage Systems, including sump pumps and cavity drain membranes. Its connectors and ancillary components allow for flexible integration with existing drainage solutions to enhance overall water management.

Q) What are the key design features of AquaTrack Drainage Channel that enhance its functionality?

A) Key design features include the channel's perforations for water intake, the robust PVC construction for durability, and the modular design that allows for extensive configurability with ancillary components. These features ensure that AquaTrack Drainage Channel provides effective, reliable water management in a variety of settings.

Q) How does AquaTrack Drainage Channel contribute to hydrostatic pressure relief?

A) By efficiently redirecting water to a sump pump chamber, AquaTrack Drainage Channel alleviates hydrostatic pressure against basement walls and floors, which is crucial for preventing structural damage and ensuring the longevity of the building's substructures.

Q) What warranty or quality assurances does the Platinum AquaTrack offer?

A) The Platinum AquaTrack comes with a manufacturer's warranty that guarantees the product against defects in materials and workmanship, providing clients with assurance of its quality and durability under normal usage conditions.

Q) Are there any special considerations for AquaTrack Drainage Channel's installation in specific climates or environments?

A) While AquaTrack Drainage Channel is designed to be robust in a variety of environments, special considerations might be needed for extremely cold climates where ground freeze can affect installation, or in areas with exceptionally high groundwater levels where additional waterproofing measures might be necessary.

Q) How does AquaTrack Drainage Channel manage water ingress in comparison to traditional drainage solutions?

A) AquaTrack Drainage Channel is specifically engineered to offer a more efficient and reliable solution for managing water ingress compared to traditional methods. Its design focuses on quick water capture and effective redirection, which is enhanced by its compatibility with modern sump pump technology and waterproofing membranes.

Q) Can AquaTrack Drainage Channel be customised for large-scale projects?

A) For large-scale projects, AquaTrack Drainage Channel system's modular nature allows for extensive customisation to meet specific site requirements. This includes the ability to extend channel lengths, integrate additional inspection ports, and modify the layout to accommodate unique architectural features or particularly challenging water management needs.

Q) What are the environmental considerations associated with using AquaTrack Drainage Channel Drainage Channel?

A) AquaTrack Drainage Channel is made from high-quality PVC, which is durable and has a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising waste. Additionally, its effectiveness in managing water ingress helps prevent structural damage and the associated need for major repairs, contributing to a reduction in resource consumption and enhanced sustainability of building projects.