Placing Drain Inlets
Drain inlets are the entry points for surface water into your drainage system. Scapiera supports two inlet types: a compact point drain and an extended trench drain.
Drain InletsA drain inlet is a single-point surface water collector — the entry point for water entering your drainage network. It supports two inlet types: a compact Point Drain (circular yard drain) and a Grate Drain (grated collection point). Each inlet can be styled with one of four fixture appearances — Round Grate, Square Grate, Slot Drain, or Trench Grate. Once placed, inlets connect to drain pipes and catch basins to complete a routed drainage system.
Click to place the inlet
Click on the canvas at the location where surface water needs to be collected — typically at the lowest point of a patio, at the base of a slope, or in a lawn depression. The inlet appears as a small symbol on the plan. You can place multiple inlets in sequence without reselecting the tool.
Set the inlet type in the Inspector
Select the placed inlet to open the Inspector. Set the drainType field to pointDrain for a circular area drain, or trenchDrain for a linear channel inlet. For a trench drain, enter the length in meters (lengthM) and the orientation angle in degrees (angleDeg) so the trench aligns with the slope or paved edge it serves.
Configure burial depth
In the Inspector's Burial Settings section, set the burial mode and depth. Most drain inlets sit at or just below the finished surface level — use the On Surface mode for flush-mounted grates, or Buried with a shallow depth for recessed installations. See the Burial Depth article for details.
Connect to the drainage network
With the inlet placed and configured, switch to the Draw Pipe tool. Click on the drain inlet to start a pipe from it, then route the pipe to a catch basin, another drain, or directly to an outlet. The pipe endpoint snaps to the inlet when you hover near it.
Rename the inlet for clarity
In the General section, type a descriptive label in the Name field such as 'Patio NE Corner Drain' or 'Lawn Low Point'. Clear names make it easier to identify inlets on the exported plan.
Connect to the drainage network
Place a Drain Pipe from the Conveyance & Discharge section and draw a pipe from the inlet toward a catch basin or outlet point. Repeat for all inlets until every inlet feeds into the network.
For patios and hardscape areas, place inlets at the lowest corner of each slope. For lawn areas, place an inlet wherever water pools after the terrain falls. One inlet per isolated collection zone is usually sufficient for residential-scale designs.
The Water tab is a schematic planning aid. Run a pipe from every inlet to a catch basin or outlet, and verify the drainage design with a qualified professional before construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Point Drain and a Grate Drain inlet?
A Point Drain is a small circular yard drain typically used in lawn areas and tight patio corners. A Grate Drain is a larger grated surface collector used where higher water volumes concentrate. Both are surface-level entry points; the below-grade holding chamber is a separate Catch Basin object.
How do I place a long linear surface drain instead of a point inlet?
Use the Channel object instead. A drain inlet is always a single point collector. Channel draws a path-based linear grate run suited to driveways, level changes, and long slope bases.
Can I change the fixture style after placing an inlet?
Yes. Select any placed inlet, open the Inspector, and change the Fixture Style. The plan symbol and 3D model update immediately.
How many inlets should I place per drainage zone?
Place one inlet at each distinct low point or concentrated collection area. Avoid placing inlets on high ground, where they would collect little water.