Gullys and Aco Drainage Channel

Sep 10, 2026 Last reply: 1 hour ago 2 Replies

Good Morning DIY Team



Not strictly DIY, more a call for expertise here.



I am currently having my drive block paved and the recommendation from the contractor is to run Aco channel around the front of the property.



This makes sense, as the drive generally slopes toward the house.



The problem comes where the Aco channel runs up to the rainwater gullys serving the house roof, as there isn't enough room between house and gully for the channel to pass.



The contractor has suggested removing the gullys and discharging the fall pipes into the Aco channel, but I am concerned about the capacity and viability of this in a serious shower situation.



So it looks like either the Aco channel stops and starts either side of each gully, or the gullys are offset from the wall sufficiently to get the channel to run behind.



Can anyone advise the correct approach here please and/or comment on the above options?



Many thanks



Phil


I can't comment on the proposed design, but have a comment on Aco drainage channels.

I have one at the end of the tarmac drive which slopes down towards the house. The tarmac stops about 700 mm from the garage door, then there's the Aco channel. There is 600 mm of concrete on the other side of the drainage channel. It's one of these:

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It carries rainwater away pretty well ,even in a serious shower, but

*only* if it's kept clean. The galvanised grid has fairly wide gaps, and leaves and other material fall through easily. They soon partially inhibit the flow of water in the channel. If your block drive is made with fine sand between the blocks, some of that might also get into the Aco channel.

Move the gully and do what's shown in the pic

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- it works well.

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