Ever walked into a commercial kitchen or industrial facility and noticed those long, narrow drains running along the floor? They’re not just there for looks—they’re trench drains, and when installed properly, they’re game changers for drainage performance and safety. For plumbers and project managers alike, trench drains are often overlooked until it’s too late. But Read more
Just the Tip
Ever walked into a commercial kitchen or industrial facility and noticed those long, narrow drains running along the floor? They’re not just there for looks—they’re trench drains, and when installed properly, they’re game changers for drainage performance and safety.
For plumbers and project managers alike, trench drains are often overlooked until it’s too late. But when you consider the volume of water, debris, and grease that can accumulate in high-traffic commercial areas, it becomes clear – an efficient trench drain system isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Why Trench Drains Matter in High-Use Environments
Commercial spaces like restaurants, breweries, warehouses, and car parks deal with far more runoff than residential properties. A basic point drain won’t cut it. Trench drains offer:
- Wide surface capture for rapid drainage
- Customisable grates to suit load ratings and slip resistance
- Durability under constant foot or vehicle traffic
They don’t just collect water, they control it. And in a commercial setting, that kind of control prevents costly downtime, water damage, or worse, a slip-and-fall injury.
Grate Selection and Slip Ratings: More Than Just Looks
Choosing the right grate isn’t just about strength—it’s also about safety. Grates come in a range of materials like stainless steel, ductile iron, galvanised steel, and plastic composites. The best option depends on your application. For example, stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and ideal for food-grade areas, while ductile iron handles heavy traffic with ease.
Slip resistance matters too. In Australia, AS 4586 governs slip resistance testing, while the U.S. refers to ANSI/NFSI B101.3. Look for grates that meet R11 or higher slip ratings in wet areas to reduce accident risk. Serrated surfaces, heel-proof slots, and even anti-slip coatings can enhance performance in greasy or moisture-prone environments.
Understanding Load Classes: AS 3996 vs. AASHTO M306
Load ratings help ensure your grate system won’t crack under pressure—literally. In Australia, AS 3996 outlines load classes from A (pedestrian use) to G (aircraft traffic). In the U.S., AASHTO M306 and EN 1433 provide similar guidance.
- Class A (AS): Light pedestrian use, garden paths, patios
- Class C (AS)/H-20 (US): Car parks, light vehicular traffic
- Class D–E (AS)/HS-25 (US): Industrial facilities, loading docks, emergency vehicle access
Always match the drain to the application. Misjudging load class is one of the most common and costly mistakes in trench drain installations.
Design Considerations: Flow Rate, Slope, and Materials
Planning a trench drain system requires more than just digging a channel. Are you working with forklifts or foot traffic? In food prep areas, hygiene and cleanability come first. For outdoor carparks, galvanised steel or polymer concrete channels are ideal for weather resistance.
And then there’s slope. A typical 1% grade (10mm per metre) allows water to flow efficiently, but higher volumes or debris-heavy areas may require a steeper gradient. The U.S. International Plumbing Code (IPC) and Australia’s AS/NZS 3500 both emphasise correct slope for sanitary and stormwater drainage.
Installation Best Practices for Long-Term Performance
Installing trench drains isn’t complex, but it does demand precision. A few centimetres off-level can compromise the entire system. So how do you get it right?
- Plan for the outlet points before pouring concrete
- Use rebar or brackets to stabilise channels during the pour
- Ensure waterproof seals between each channel section
- Match trench depth and width to expected flow rates
Rushed installs and poor preparation often result in weak joins or incorrect elevations. And once the concrete sets, the fix isn’t easy or cheap.
Maintenance Matters: Keeping Drains Functional
Like any system, trench drains need upkeep. Food particles, sediment, or debris can build up quickly. Routine inspection and cleaning is critical, especially in kitchens or auto service bays where fats or oils can cause slow flow or blockages.
Use wet vacs, pressure cleaning, or enzyme-based drain cleaners depending on your environment. And make sure removable grates are regularly checked for corrosion, cracks, or warping.
Case Study: Drainage That Doesn’t Quit
We’ve seen our share of trench drain disasters, but we’ve also helped businesses turn things around. One recent project involved retrofitting a faulty drainage system in a Queensland car wash. Water used to pool around vacuum bays, causing rust and customer complaints. After assessing the layout, the team at Drain Masters Plumbing installed a sloped trench drain system with heavy-duty grates and dual outlets. Not only did the flooding stop, but the owners also saw a boost in online reviews almost immediately.
It’s proof that when drainage works, nobody notices. But when it doesn’t, everyone does.
Final Thoughts: Why Planning Ahead Pays Off
Trench drains might not be glamorous, but they’re critical infrastructure in any commercial plumbing system. The best time to think about drainage is before problems start—not after.
Whether you’re working on a new build or fixing someone else’s mistake, thoughtful trench drain design and installation can mean the difference between a seamless operation and a costly mess. So ask yourself: is your next project built to drain – or built to fail?
Jonathan Simon, Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc. CPVC is one of the most widely used plumbing materials in the U.S. and has a number of advantages that make it ideal for residential plumbing. To follow are some tips for working with CPVC to ensure a fast, professional installation that stands the test of time. These tips Read more
Jonathan Simon, Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc.
CPVC is one of the most widely used plumbing materials in the U.S. and has a number of advantages that make it ideal for residential plumbing. To follow are some tips for working with CPVC to ensure a fast, professional installation that stands the test of time. These tips are specific to Copper Tube Size CPVC (which is typically tan in color) and may not apply to IPS Schedule 80 CPVC (which is typically gray in color). As with any plumbing system, always consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific handling and installation information.
Cutting and Welding Copper Tube Size CPVC
When installing CPVC, the pipe should be cut square, and any tailings and bevel on the pipe end removed by chamfering. Ratchet-style cutters can be used for new CPVC. For older CPVC pipe, a C-style tubing cutter, fine-tooth saw or wheel cutter is suggested as CPVC pipes become more rigid with age.
CPVC pipes and fittings are solvent welded together to create a bond that is the strongest part of the system. Copper Tube Size CPVC can use one-step solvent cement, such as FlowGuard® Gold 1-Step Yellow or new High Contrast Green Cement. The use of green solvent cement with CPVC was added to the 2024 codes of major bodies, including the Uniform Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, International Plumbing Code, and International Mechanical Code.
Because service plumbers often need to make repairs quickly and get to the next job, a specially formulated solvent cement, Oatey® Orange Lava, was developed. It enables one-step cure times as fast as 15 minutes for cold water lines in certain conditions.
CPVC pipes and fittings use an interference fit to ensure a strong bond and it’s a good practice to test the fit before applying solvent cement. When you insert the pipe into the fitting, you should feel some resistance before bottoming out the pipe, which indicates a proper fit.
When applying cement, a good practice is to apply a heavy, even coat to the outside of the pipe end. Then, using the same applicator without additional cement, apply a thin coat inside the fitting socket. After the cement has been applied, the pipe should be inserted until it bottoms out against the fitting.
Always verify code requirements and follow the solvent cement manufacturer’s instructions for cure times and installation procedures.
Avoiding Dry Fits
The friction between the pipe and fitting in a tight interference fit can hold for a long time at pressures above 100 psi without being solvent welded. That means if a joint in the system isn’t solvent welded, the system can still pass a pressure test. Over time, natural movement and stress on the system will cause an unwelded joint to fail. These dry-fit installation errors are extremely rare but can be very frustrating because the failure may occur after the building is occupied.
To avoid dry fits, never pre-assemble the system and then come back through with solvent cement. The best practice is to weld each joint as it is assembled. This also results in a faster installation. For added peace of mind, some contractors may require plumbers to initial joints with a after they are welded. Systems should still be visually inspected and High Contrast Green Solvent Cement makes this quality assurance process easier than ever.
Protecting CPVC pipes
Because CPVC resists degradation from chlorine, chloramines and chlorine dioxide in drinking water, using CPVC eliminates a key factor – incompatibility with local water conditions – that can shorten the life of other plumbing systems. Here are three things you can do to ensure a long life for CPVC pipes and fittings:
- Accommodate expansion and contraction: FlowGuard Gold CPVC can expand about 1 inch per 50 feet of straight length of pipe per 50°F temperature increase. In many cases, normal changes of direction can be enough to account for expansion and contraction provided the natural movement of the pipe is not restricted and there is adequate spacing between elbows and hangers. Overtightening pipe hangers may also restrict lateral movement of the pipe. For long, straight runs, loops or offsets can be used. Consult the manufacturer’s installation guidelines for instructions.
- Check for chemical incompatibility: If properly installed CPVC pipe experiences a failure, one possible culprit is contact with incompatible chemicals. The FBC™ System Compatible Program can be used to identify materials that are compatible and incompatible with FlowGuard Gold, BlazeMaster and Corzan CPVC. For other brands of CPVC piping, consult with the specific manufacturer(s) for compatibility information.
- Protect against freezing: There is no such thing as a freeze-proof pipe. All residential plumbing materials will fail if ice forms in the pipe, blocking water flow and creating pressures that exceed the material’s burst pressure. Always plan for cold weather – even in areas where it is uncommon – and follow best practices for protecting against freezing including those recommended by the pipe manufacturer.
Showcase Your Craftmanship
Professional plumbers appreciate CPVC because it is easy to work with and results in a clean, professional installation that highlights the plumber’s craftmanship and commitment to quality. Builders and homeowners appreciate CPVC because it can handle aggressive water conditions that can cause premature failure in other residential plumbing systems. For more information, visit flowguardgold.com.
These tips are for informational purposes only and do not replace any manufacturer’s instructions for handling or installing pipe.
Jonathan Simon is the North American residential plumbing manager for Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc., the parent company for FlowGuard Gold Pipe and Fittings.
The best way to clear grease, sand and debris from a clogged drain is not with a drain snake. Water jetters are ideal for clearing soft stoppages and ice from clogged drain lines and sewer lines. They use a stream of high-pressure water that hits the stoppage and flushes it away. The thrust of the Read more
The best way to clear grease, sand and debris from a clogged drain is not with a drain snake. Water jetters are ideal for clearing soft stoppages and ice from clogged drain lines and sewer lines. They use a stream of high-pressure water that hits the stoppage and flushes it away. The thrust of the nozzle drives the hose down the line and gives you wall-to-wall cleaning action.
You don’t always need a heavy water jetter to clear a clogged drain.
General’s JM-1000 Mini-Jet brings surprising cleaning power to the job. You can be blasting away with this lightweight powerhouse before you could get your big machine off the truck.
The compact JM-1000 Mini-Jet gives you 1,500 psi of cleaning power, yet weighs just 23 lbs. Clear grease, sand, and debris from 1-1/2″ to 3″ lines. The pump and motor assembly are safely contained in a rugged metal diamond plate case that can handle abuse in the field. The portable package takes little space in your truck – It’s only 24″ x 10-1/2″ x 11″.
Vibration helps the hose slide around tight bends and reach farther down the line. This is what separates General’s Jet-Set from ordinary pressure washers. It breaks the initial tension between the surface of the hose and the walls of the pipe, increasing cleaning power.
The JM-1000 Mini-Jet generates 1,500 psi at 1.4 gpm yet pulls only 13 amps. The pump and motor are enclosed in a diamond plate metal housing and protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.
A Water Sensor detects the moving water and automatically shuts off the motor if water isn’t flowing through the pump to protect the unit from damage.
The Mini-Jet includes Super-Flex™ high-pressure jet hose, a 4 pc. nozzle set including General’s unique Spring Leader nozzle, a water supply hose with a shut-off valve, and a threaded faucet adapter.
It is also available with an optional high-performance 3/16″ stainless steel braid hose with Teflon core for better cleaning power. General’s tough stainless steel braid hose design smoothly slides the jet nozzle down 1-1/2″ to 3″ drain lines – and more easily navigates tight bends. The 3/16″ Teflon core also reduces flow resistance, further improving small-line cleaning power.
Several years ago, my wife and I were driving to Washington DC and saw scores of bucket trucks heading south on I-95. A category 4 hurricane was ravaging the Florida coast at that very moment, and thousands of contractors with their drain cleaning tools and machines were heading south towards the affected areas, ready to Read more
Several years ago, my wife and I were driving to Washington DC and saw scores of bucket trucks heading south on I-95. A category 4 hurricane was ravaging the Florida coast at that very moment, and thousands of contractors with their drain cleaning tools and machines were heading south towards the affected areas, ready to participate in the clean-up and recovery. Over the past several decades, that same scenario has played out in a similar fashion, more times than we wish to remember, and if the weather channel is correct in its predictions, it will not be slowing down anytime soon.
Disaster cleanup and recovery has become a specialty within the trades. Contractors trained in the use of bucket trucks (often referred to as cherry pickers), chainsaws, backhoes, pressure washers, and drain cleaning machines have begun arriving at disaster sites even before the local population emerges from their shelters. The reason for this, of course, is money. It is not unusual for insurance companies, along with local state and federal governments, to pour billions of dollars into recovery efforts after a disaster. Just this year, there have already been a total of eight weather events in the US that created over a Billion dollars in damage. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the federal government alone spent more than 120 billion in emergency relief. With money like that making its way to the ground, contractors all over the country have taken notice.
Most of the activity around disaster cleanup and recovery is straightforward and predictable. After a hurricane, tornado, or flood, there is major damage to buildings and infrastructure that must first be demolished and then rebuilt. Roofs, utility wires, and poles must be repaired and replaced. Downed trees must be cut up and removed. And perhaps most importantly, potable water service and sewage lines must be brought back into operation.
Restoring normal plumbing after a flood, hurricane, or tornado can be more difficult than expected because of the large amount of mud and debris that finds its way into the sanitary sewer system. We’ve all seen contractors and property owners pressure washing mud and debris off affected areas after a disaster, but we seldom think about where all that muddy water is going. Most of it goes down an existing drain. When sewer and drain systems are built, plumbers make assumptions about the volume of liquid the pipes will be required to transport. The most popular rule of thumb that I’ve heard is that the main drain emptying wastewater from a building should be able to accommodate all the possible water that could exit the building at one time. In other words, if you turned on all the water faucets and flushed all the toilets at once, the main drain should only fill up to two thirds of its diameter. Fortunately, plumbers routinely over engineer sewage systems to avoid wastewater spillage. Since this logic applies to all drains, from the smallest to the largest, there usually isn’t much danger that workers with pressure washers will overwhelm the sewage system capacity to handle liquid. However, flood waters are another story, and it is not uncommon for sewage systems to suffer considerable damage during a natural disaster. This damage can open the door for debris clogs and root incursions that can render the system inoperable.
Another huge problem is the enormous quantity of mud that enters the waste removal system immediately after a flood. Some of the mud enters the system during the flood, and almost as much is washed down the nearest drain by the cleanup crew. If all the soil that is suspended in the mud reached the sewage treatment plant, that would be a problem in itself…but of course, it doesn’t. As the muddy water travels down the drainpipe, the soil slowly falls out of suspension and begins to fill up all the available space. Eventually, it can choke the drain completely so that liquids cannot pass, or at the very least give invading roots all the food and water they need to thrive. In either case, the drainpipe will be out of commission.
At that point, the services of a plumber or professional drain cleaner will be needed. Local drain cleaning activity skyrockets after a natural disaster, as does the need for our drain cleaning machines. Not just snake style machines, but high-pressure water jetters, inspection and location equipment, and flexible shaft devices. All these machines, from brands like General Pipe Cleaners, have slightly different functions and benefits, and all will be crucial tools in the affected area’s recovery. In fact, plumbers would argue that repairing the drain system is the most important piece of the disaster cleanup process.
As our ancestors discovered thousands of years ago, human beings cannot live in close proximity without fresh water and waste disposal. Both are necessary, and to a large extent, a plumber’s most important job is to keep fresh water and waste separated from each other. After a natural disaster, one of FEMAs main concerns is the possibility of cholera, because of the presence of human waste in flood waters and debris. Until the drains are open and functional, people cannot move back into their homes, and the area cannot be considered safe. Life as we know it cannot return to normal without a functional sewage system, and this system is maintained by drain cleaning equipment from reputable manufacturers. In the aftermath of a natural disaster, we notice increased demand for all types of drain cleaning machines. Cable or snake style machines are used to cut through hard blockages like debris, roots, and hardened mud. High-pressure water jetters can initially be used to dissolve and remove mud blockages, and then to clean the inside of the pipes to facilitate inspection by pipe inspection camera systems. These same pipe inspection and location systems can pinpoint damage to the pipes, where they’re crushed or displaced, so that repair work can commence. Flexible shaft machines are a new and versatile addition to the plumber’s toolbox and will likely be very useful in many disaster recovery operations.
Several machines, like those provided by General Pipe Cleaners, can be used in the same drain cleaning job. A cable machine or snake style machine is often employed first to create an initial opening in a drain clog caused by mud or debris. Following this, high-pressure jetters and flexible shaft devices come into play to comprehensively clear the obstruction. Camera systems, another vital drain cleaning tool, are often introduced into the drain line in conjunction with jetters or flexible shaft machines. This allows professionals to perform ‘surgical strikes’ on blockages that lie deep within the pipe. Given the wide variety of damage that can be inflicted upon sanitary sewage systems during a natural disaster, contractors must have every available tool and piece of equipment at their disposal to complete this critical job. The right machine can make all the difference when dealing with tough clogs and obstructions in a drain line.
The best way to prepare for a disaster is to have the right tools on hand before the storm hits. In the aftermath of a disaster, demand will be very high and supply will be limited. As we’ve seen over the past several years, it’s not a question of if there will be another disaster, but when. Given the scope and impact of recent weather events, this latest storm season has contractors, insurance adjusters, and emergency services workers on high alert.
After all, life as we know it cannot return to normal without a functional drain system, and we are proud to know that our equipment is instrumental in performing this ‘most important piece’ of the disaster recovery process.
By Thomas Renner For some residential customers, contractors are discovering product selection comes down to warranty. Roman Nino found such an example when recommending products for a California homeowner. Nino, the plumbing wholesale branch manager at Hirsch Pipe & Supply, explained to a customer the benefit of the 12-year warranty on a model from American Read more
By Thomas Renner
For some residential customers, contractors are discovering product selection comes down to warranty. Roman Nino found such an example when recommending products for a California homeowner.
Nino, the plumbing wholesale branch manager at Hirsch Pipe & Supply, explained to a customer the benefit of the 12-year warranty on a model from American Standard Water Heaters. “If the unit leaks after 10 years, then the homeowner receives a new unit that could potentially last another 10 years,’’ he said. “With just one purchase, the homeowner could have a water heater that could last 20 years or more.”
Warranties differ widely in the water heater industry. Many wholesalers offer a “good, better, best” approach according to Chuck Rohde, Product Director for Ariston USA, which manufactures ASWH water heaters. “Contractors who are out looking at something more than a replacement are the ones who are killing it,’’ he said. “They’re trying to build a relationship with the client and gain their trust. The opportunity for a product with an extended warranty will give the customer longer peace of mind.”
When it comes to warranties, Nino said contractors can secure a lifetime customer by explaining the alternatives that best fit their budget. “Our mission is to provide the best customer service available to the homeowner,’’ Nino stated. “With the help of the manufacturer, sales team and contractor, we work together for the best outcome.”
The American Standard Water Heaters Hybrid Heat Pump model comes with a 10-year limited
warranty, built-in leak detection and is available in 40-, 50-, 65- and 80-gallon capacities.
Establishing Purchase Confidence
As the wholesale branch manager at Hirsch’s location in Costa Mesa, Calif., Nino frequently finds himself explaining to customers about the advantages of a wide selection of water heaters. “Price point is a major concern for everyone,’’ he said. “An extended warranty backed by a great product gives the homeowner confidence with the purchase.”
According to Rohde, basic warranties on residential water heaters cover six years on parts. Most contractors, however, focus on replacing the balky unit with a model similar to the one currently in place.
“It’s an opportunity to sell a better model and gain the customer’s trust,’’ Rohde said. “It’s a good opportunity to build a relationship with them and discuss the different options with a customer. Most customers just pay the water bill and never worry about anything until they don’t get hot water.”
Rohde said wholesalers such as Nino can offer models that have different warranties, ranging from 6, 8, 10 and 12 years. Most heat pumps have a 10-year warranty.
American Standard Water Heaters has offered a model with a 12-year warranty for a number of years, according to Jason Alpert, Senior Warranty Manager at Ariston USA. “One of our biggest advantages is we use a thicker gauge steel for tank construction,’’ he said. “We’ve also refined our glass lining process. We also have great confidence in the choice of materials we use in the anode rode. We’re confident in the processes, the product and the way it’s designed.”
Communication is Key
One of the important roles for contractors is communicating with the homeowner to establish proper maintenance habits.
Flushing the tank every six months will allow fresh water to flow through and remove sediment buildup. Regular flushing can prevent issues and save on costly repairs or replacements. Failure to regularly flush the tank will eventually lead to sediment and sludge buildup at the bottom, and the debris will eventually cause tank corrosion.
“The sooner you are able to get the foreign material out of the tank, the better,’’ Alpert said. “The anode rod will help mitigate the effect of corrosion, but they have to be replaced over time.”
Water chemistry is different in every community and can even vary from home to home. “A lot of people focus on the hardness of water,’’ Alpert stated. “That’s an important factor, but there are other factors that come into play as well. As long as the water quality is government standard, homeowners should be OK. It can vary quite a bit in municipal systems.”
The most important task for a contractor is to inform homeowners about the importance and benefits of routine maintenance. “It’s critical to have a professional check out the water heater on an annual basis,’’ Alpert said. “When you’re dealing with gas water heaters, you want to have a professional make sure the combustion is working properly. You don’t want any buildup of materials.”
American Standard Water Heaters offers a tank warranty of up to 12 years on some products,
such as its Low NOx atmospheric unit, which also includes a 6-year warranty on parts.
Watch for Red Flags
For contractors and homeowners, there are some factors to make certain the warranty remains intact. The first step is to register the product with the manufacturer.
“One of the things we’ve done with American Standard Water Heaters is establish an online tool that makes it easier,’’ Alpert said. “We have a new tool designed to give customers the ability to check the warranty. Distributors can even send in warranty information digitally. Online registration with warranties eliminates the challenges that come with handwriting on forms.”
Rohde said most warranties are standard with minor nuances in language. Still, contractors and homeowners should pay attention to details. “For the most part the language is identical,’’ he said. “But there are some exclusions and modifications. It’s important to read the language, and in some cases, the warranty might be limited to the original owner. There may be some language around maintenance. The warranty is something that people need to pay attention to.
Thomas Renner writes on building, construction and other trade industry topics for publications throughout the United States.