How to Replace a Trench Drain

Locate the locking trigger on locking system trench drains. Look for a lever installed parallel to the trench drain system. Use a flathead screwdriver to pop this lever upward so that you can manipulate it by hand. Pull back on this trigger completely so that the locking system connecting the sections is released. Remove the section to be replaced now that it is unlocked from the adjacent drain sections.

Locate the fins or flanges attached to a cast-iron trench drain. Break the trench fins or bend them out of the way using a chisel bit and hammer or a crow bar. Continue this process until all the drain lid connection points are freed. Remove the old cast-iron grate piece and dispose of it. Clean out the trench itself with a broom and hand brush. Install a new cast iron grate that matches the section removed. Hammer or bolt down the flanges on the new section to secure it to the trench.

Use a hammer drill or a jackhammer to break up the connection of a concrete trench drain. Breakup all the adhesion points of the drain to the surrounding cement. Use a broom to sweep out the debris as you work along the drain. Dig out the old concrete trench drain pieces and dispose of them. Build the wood forms for the new drain once the area is clear. Pour new cement to form the new trench drain after using a cement mixer to prepare the material with water and cement mix. Use a shovel and cement spade to smooth the cement as it is poured into place in the forms. Install the remaining pre-fabricated cement top on the new cement drain after it has hardened. Adhere the top to the drain with additional cement on the sides once the wood forms are removed.

Test any of the drain methods in Steps 1 through 3 with running water. Allow the water to run for an extended period of time to make sure the water is not leaking through the section and pooling. Observe the water path through the drain to make sure the repaired section works as desired. Turn the water off and use the drain as necessary when satisfied the new section works.