How to Install a Residential Slot Drain

Lay out the drain pipes where you plan to install them. Attach the sections together using the included bolts and fittings, or weld the sections together if the manufacturer calls for it. Cover the opening along the top of the pipe with duct tape to prevent concrete from clogging the drain.

Cut your dowels to the planned height of the concrete floor plus 3 inches. Drive the dowels into the ground about 1 inch in sets of two, with one set for every section of the pipe. The dowels should be positioned so they are slightly wider apart than the width of the drain pipe.

Measure the dowel and mark the planned height of the surface of the concrete. Nail another section of dowel across both at that height to create a cross-beam. Loop a piece of wire around the drain pipe so that the top of the pipe fits tightly against the bottom of this beam.

Pour enough concrete to fill in the bottom of the suspended drain pipes. Leave the dowels in place until the concrete has set to support the drains at the right height. Remove the dowels and carefully pull the wire out from around the pipe.

Pour the rest of the concrete to the desired surface height, which should leave the drain pipe flush with it. Level and smooth the concrete around the drain. Create a slight slope towards the drain with the hand screed if the layout of the room calls for it.

Remove the tape covering the drain opening after the concrete sets but before it dries completely. Rinse out the drain if any concrete fell into it. Grind down any welding spots that protrude above the surface of the floor if welding was required to connect the pipes.