Drainage systems can be installed on existing sports fields with very little disruption to the playing surface. This process involves placing lateral drainage (collectors) at 5 to 10m centres and secondary gravel slits at 0.5m to 1.5m.

Lateral drainage is feed into a large catchment drain and this in turn is routed to designated area. Turf can also be removed first from lateral drains and replaced once pipe and stone are added. This reduces pitch healing time and reduces visible scaring on surface.