Why Proper Drainage is the Secret to a Long-Lasting Driveway

James Webley
Dec 20, 2025
2 min read

When investing in a new driveway, most homeowners focus on the colour of the resin or the pattern of the blocks. However, what happens underneath and at the edges is actually more important. Without proper water management, even the most beautiful driveway can fail.

At Initial Driveway Installations, we’ve been protecting Tamworth homes since 2018 by installing high-capacity ACO channel drainage and soakaway systems.

1. What is ACO Channel Drainage?

An ACO channel is a high-strength trough installed at the lowest point of your driveway (usually across the garage threshold or the property entrance). It’s topped with a discreet grating that collects surface water and diverts it away from your home’s foundation.

Preventing Damp: It keeps water from pooling against your brickwork.
Safety: It prevents icy patches from forming on your drive during winter.
Aesthetics: We offer various finishes, from classic black to sleek silver, to match your driveway design.

2. The Power of a Soakaway

In many cases, current regulations (SuDS) require that rainwater stays on your property rather than flowing into the public sewer system. This is where a soakaway comes in.

A soakaway is an underground pit filled with high-strength crates that collect water and allow it to filter slowly and naturally back into the soil.

Eco-Friendly: It mimics natural ground drainage.
Structural Protection: It prevents the sub-base of your driveway from becoming "waterlogged," which is the leading cause of sinking and cracking.

3. Our Professional Installation Process

We don't just "dig a hole." Drainage requires precision. When Patrick visits for a quote, he uses a spirit level and precision measurements to calculate the "fall" of the land. This ensures that every drop of water flows exactly where it's supposed to.

By using the Marshalls app, we can also show you how the drainage gratings will integrate seamlessly into your chosen paving style.

4. Our 10-Year Guarantee

We are so confident in our groundworks that we offer a ten-year guarantee. By installing correct ACO channels and soakaways, we ensure your driveway stays as solid as the day it was laid.