Help & FAQs

A slot drain is a linear, grate-free drainage system characterized by a narrow, elongated slot-like opening along the top of the drain that allows water to enter the drainage channel. 

The body of a slot drain has a teardrop shape with the top of the drain (the slot) being much narrower than the interior. The body of the slot drain is embedded in concrete or packed substrate for structural stability. 

Slot drains are meant to be installed flush to the finished floor. Their narrow profile design produces a minimalist aesthetic. Slot drains are ideal for areas with heavy foot or vehicle traffic.

*Always check load ratings to accommodate vehicular traffic.

A trench drain is a linear drainage system characterized by a “U” shaped drain body, open the length of the drain allowing large amounts of liquids and solids to enter the drainage channel.

Trench drains have no variation between the walls of the drain body and the opening at the top, they are typically covered with a grate in order to allow for persons and vehicular traffic to pass across.

*Always check load ratings to accommodate vehicular traffic.

A pre-sloped drain is any linear drain that has a built-in slope, creating positive drainage from inlet to outlet and ensuring no standing water remains in the drain. 

Pre-sloped drains are engineered and constructed so that the top of the drain is installed flush to the floor/ground while the bottom of the drain body gets lower with each section of drain. 

Pre-sloped drains will automatically evacuate liquids when they are installed level. This makes them easier to install than neutral slope drains which must be manually sloped during installation.

Global Drain Technologies 1” and ½” Slot Drain Kits are both examples of pre-sloped drains.

Neutral sloped drains feature sections of consistent depth and diameter. In contrast to pre-slope, neutral slope drains need to be sloped manually to ensure the positive drainage of water. For these drains to be effective, the surface needs to be graded to match the installed slope of the drain.

Global Drain Technologies 1/2" Aluminum Slot Drain Kit is an example of a neutral slope drain.

A catch basin or sump is a tub or cistern that temporarily stores and transfers water either between runs of surface drainage (inline) or between surface and subsurface drainage (termination). Catch basins act as an access point to clear debris from the drainage system and/or to access the inside of the plumbing system. Catch basins are round or square cisterns of varying depth and width. 

When found at the termination of a drainage run, catch basins connect the deepest flange of the run with the plumbing that carries water below grade. Catch basins create a physical break between above and below grade plumbing systems. This break can function to trap and hold debris from surface operations before it enters the underground system. The use of strainer baskets in catch basins is best practice, allowing for the easy removal and cleaning of debris as well as the retrieval of lost items.

Please visit our Installation page for full installation instructions.

You can clean a slot drain with a few simple cleaning tools and a bit of knowledge. Slot drains are designed differently from traditional trench drains and understanding how they are designed and shaped is key to cleaning a slot drain properly.

A slot drain is a linear drainage system characterized by a narrow, elongated slot-like opening along the top of the drain that allows water to enter the drainage channel. This channel is the key to cleaning a slot drain. Because the entire drain body is accessible via the slot, cleaning a slot drain is as easy as using tools like paddles, brushes, and pressure systems to clear, scrub, and flush the entire inside of the slot drain.

Read the full blog on how to clean a slot drain here.

If your order has not been shipped, we may be able to cancel your order. Please contact our team as soon as possible to discuss possible options. orders@globaldraintech.com

Reach out to our sales team with detailed information about your project. We’ll review your requirements and provide a comprehensive quote tailored to your needs. Contact our team.

We start by understanding your requirements, designing a custom solution, providing prototypes or detailed plans, and then manufacturing and delivering the final product. We guide you through each step to ensure satisfaction.

We offer a comprehensive range of drain technologies, including floor drains, trench drains, linear drains, slot drains, and custom drainage solutions for various industrial, commercial, and residential applications.

We currently ship to the United States and Canada through our stocked program. To inquire about shipping to a different destination, please contact us.

Standard delivery times generally range from 3-5 business days. Expedited shipping is available for all Canadian and US customers (for an additional charge). Please contact our service team or click on our live chat to enquire about expedited shipping. International shipping times depend on product and destination (estimated at checkout). Custom orders can be completed for jobs of all shapes and sizes. Contact our team about industry leading custom solutions with lead times between 2-6 weeks.

Once your order has shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email. Use this number to monitor your shipment's progress on our website or through the carrier’s tracking system.

The lead time for custom slot drain orders varies depending on design complexity and production schedules. On average, custom orders may take between 2 to 6 weeks. We will provide a more accurate timeline based on your specific requirements.

We generally do not accept returns of any custom products, with in-stock system we may accept return with restocking fees. Please see our terms for full information.

Refunds are processed within 7 days from when we receive the item(s).

Once an order is confirmed, modifications or cancellations are subject to our policy. For custom orders, changes may be limited. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss any adjustments.

If you receive a damaged or incorrect item, please contact our customer service team immediately. We will arrange for a replacement or issue a refund, depending on the situation. Contact orders@globaldraintech.com