Drainage Solutions
EXPOL QuickDrain and EXPOL StyroDrain are unique drainage products that can be used separately or in combination to deliver the ultimate solution for economic removal of excess ground water.
EXPOL Drainage Solutions Efficient Water Management for Residential and Commercial Sites
EXPOL provides innovative drainage solutions engineered for the efficient removal of excess groundwater around retaining walls, landscaping, foundations and perimeter drainage applications.
EXPOL QuickDrain and EXPOL StyroDrain can be used individually or combined to create a complete water management system that is lightweight, cost-effective and tailored to New Zealand conditions. Both products incorporate recycled polystyrene content, offering an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional drainage materials such as scoria.
StyroDrain, manufactured from 100% recycled EPS, directs water downward while protecting waterproofing membranes, making it particularly effective for retaining walls or difficult access sites. QuickDrain, a ready-to-install no-scoria drainage solution, provides fast and efficient groundwater removal and can halve installation time compared to traditional methods.
Expol QuickDrain and StyroDrain system working together to deliver a Retaining Wall Drainage Solution.
Designed for residential and commercial non-traffic applications — including waterlogged areas, retaining wall backfill and perimeter drainage — EXPOL drainage systems help protect structures from moisture-related damage, soil instability and hydrostatic pressure. Lightweight and easy to handle, both components simplify installation, reduce site disruption and support long-term site performance.
Containing recycled material and fully recyclable through EXPOL's nationwide recycling programme.
Installation & System Components
EXPOL QuickDrain
QuickDrain comes in easy-to-handle 2.5 metre lengths. Each length comes with a QuickDrain Joiner and cable tie. Dig your trench the same width as your QuickDrain and deep enough to allow a minimum of 200mm of soil coverage. Simply clip the length together to achieve the required length for your project. Once the QuickDrain has been laid in the trench you are ready to start covering the QuickDrain.
EXPOL StyroDrain
EXPOL makes drainage easy. To ensure you get the best result, follow these simple steps.
Place EXPOL StyroDrain polystyrene sheets hard up against the retaining wall after the water proofing membrane or tanking has been applied. Use EXPOL StyroFix to secure the sheets in place while backfilling.
If your wall is 1.8 metres or higher it is recommended that two layers be used to maximise drainage.
Place the sheets of EXPOL StyroDrain on top of a 100mm perforated drain. Ensure the perforated drain is surrounded by drainage gravel and situated at the base of the retaining wall. On high reach retaining walls, it may be necessary to use a double thickness along the base of the wall to allow for increased compression and better drainage.
EXPOL StyroDrain should cover all of the waterproofing membrane and tanking areas. Sheets should not be exposed at the top of the wall.
Drainage Board System
Complete drainage board system for comprehensive water management in various applications.
Key Benefits
Why choose EXPOL Drainage Solutions for your project
Superior Drainage
Efficient removal of excess ground water in residential and commercial applications
Environmentally Responsible
StyroDrain made from 100% recycled content, QuickDrain includes recycled material
Versatile Applications
Perfect for retaining walls, waterlogged backyards, and perimeter drainage
Economic Solution
Cost-effective alternative to traditional drainage materials like scoria
Drainage Solutions FAQs
Answers to common questions about choosing and installing EXPOL QuickDrain and StyroDrain.
What can I use instead of scoria for drainage?
EXPOL QuickDrain is a no-scoria drainage solution designed to efficiently remove excess groundwater. It incorporates recycled polystyrene aggregate and a filter sleeve to provide drainage and filtration, making it a lightweight alternative to traditional scoria drainage for suitable non-traffic applications.
How do I drain water behind a retaining wall?
Effective retaining wall drainage needs to collect groundwater and direct it away from the wall. EXPOL StyroDrain is installed against the waterproofed retaining wall to provide a drainage path down to a perforated drain at the base. EXPOL QuickDrain can also be used as part of the groundwater drainage system, either separately or together with StyroDrain.
What is the difference between QuickDrain and StyroDrain?
EXPOL QuickDrain is a ready-to-install, no-scoria drainage system designed to remove excess groundwater. EXPOL StyroDrain is a 90mm-thick recycled EPS drainage sheet designed primarily for retaining walls, where it provides drainage and protects the waterproofing membrane. The two products can also be used together as an integrated drainage solution.
Can QuickDrain and StyroDrain be used together?
Yes. EXPOL QuickDrain and StyroDrain can be used together to create an integrated retaining wall drainage system. StyroDrain provides a drainage layer against the retaining wall and protects the waterproofing membrane, while QuickDrain can be used to collect and remove excess groundwater.
Can polystyrene be used for drainage?
Yes. EXPOL uses recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) in its drainage products. QuickDrain incorporates recycled polystyrene aggregate, while StyroDrain is manufactured from 100% recycled EPS. Both are engineered for groundwater drainage applications rather than simply using loose polystyrene as a drainage material.
What drainage solution can I use for a waterlogged backyard?
EXPOL QuickDrain is designed for applications including waterlogged areas and backyards where excess groundwater needs to be removed. It provides a lightweight, no-scoria drainage solution and is designed for non-traffic applications where it is not exposed to high loads.
What is the best drainage solution for a retaining wall?
The appropriate drainage system depends on the retaining wall design, site conditions and drainage requirements. EXPOL StyroDrain provides drainage directly against the retaining wall while protecting the waterproofing membrane, while EXPOL QuickDrain provides a no-scoria method of removing excess groundwater. The two systems can be used together where appropriate.