Usually found in basements and garages for drainage. These consist of a simple grate on top with the drainage directly to the sewer. Shower Drains control water flow from a shower.
These are installed outside on driveways or patios and typically combined with a house’s area drain or storm drain system. Trench Drains are Linear drains that collect water over a wide expanse. The floor drain is a critical component of any plumbing system.
Having it fitted on a building’s floor helps divert water away and prevent basements, garages, laundry rooms, and bathrooms from flooding. If there weren’t a floor drain, water would accumulate on the floor and, over time, seep out through any cracks and destroy the floor. A floor drain is an affordable and helpful technique to prevent costly water damage to your home. People often safely dispose of water by connecting a floor drain to the sewage system.
1. Why We Need to Use Floor Drains?
It is easier to eliminate water through the use of a floor drain. It places the connections in a way that draining is not a challenge. However, sometimes people need to be reminded to install floor drains in the basement. Install basement floor drains for the following reasons. The basement is where we do laundry. Since we have washing machines there, we must install floor drains so that we can drain the water.
Basement floor drains are used for draining wastewater. Disposal of solid waste via these drains is improper. These lines remain running because they are repaired periodically. It should not let any considerable trash go through.
It can be a nuisance if too much water keeps flowing or staying in the basement. This problem can destroy the walls and the foundation of the home. In the long run, a floor drain is helpful. It spares you trouble by flushing out standing water.
2. Manufacturing Types of Floor Drain
Floor drains also come in several types. It may be challenging for homeowners who don’t understand how the types function or where to place them.
1) Box Floor Drain
The most popular type of floor drain is when the majority of people understand the phrase “floor drains,” they immediately relate to it. The drain collects water below the floor and sends it through pipes to become waste. It has an open round or square grate atop a box. Some of these sewers have a lock that prevents trash from entering the drainage pipes. This is a widely applied type of drain design in showers and bathrooms.
2) Baseboard Floor Drains
Baseboard drains are comparable to long drain systems that are utilized in large areas like basements to handle a lot of water. Such a drain removes water accumulated in a pipe after gathering water from the sewage and other drainage systems. It is a ground-floor drain that removes water by an embedded slope. It is difficult to maintain unless it is installed appropriately. It is not, however, recommended for most commercial or residential use.
3) Foundation Floor Drains
It is a floor drain installed in the foundation of homes or businesses to control the accumulation of groundwater that might happen as a result of intense rain or storm activity. These drains direct water directly into the wastewater system and should require little yearly maintenance.
4) French Drain
This trench slopes to a point of drainage with a perforated pipe with gravel placed in it. It’s a wonderful method of stopping groundwater from creeping up. Typically installed 6 to 24 inches below grade, it stops water from seeping through walls. Before plastic pipes became available. Old roof tiles created this type, hence the drain tile.
5) Curtain Drain
This is usually confused by most people to be a French drain because they look so similar. So, what’s the difference? Curtain drains are not as deep.
It has perforated pipes that are wrapped in gravel in a sloping trench. The drainage pipes can collect and direct the water that seeps through the walls because of the shallow placement. Because it does not require much depth to dig.
6) Trench Drain
In either the center of the floor or around the periphery, it is a bare slope trench that is contained within a metal grid. It drains water to a sump trench or other location intended for safe drainage rather than absorbing it. It protects against basement flooding from plumbing leakage and the like.
The basement floor will slope for a channel drain to accommodate, so the trench is dug at its bottom.
7) Standard Floor Drain
The standard floor drain is likely the most distinctive of all basement drains. It features a circular or square grid around the opening. It takes in water that has seeped in via the walls or elsewhere and is in the lowest position. It sends the water to the plumbing or drainage basin via an underground pipe.
8) Sump Pit and Sump Pump
A sump pump and sump drain are used with an additional drainage system. But, with extra drainage, a sump system can protect a basement from flooding because of a high water level. Underground through the sump pit, groundwater infiltrates. The pump activates to clear the trench when the level reaches a hazardous threshold.
9) Exterior Perimeter Drain
Groundwater is diverted and directed by the foundations around the foundation. French drains are installed near the foundation wall or base if there’s high groundwater or too much discharge. Where only discharge is the problem, a channel drain can suffice. At times, an exterior drain is sufficient to maintain the basement dry, but in areas of high groundwater. They are simply an entire drainage system component.
10) Shower Drain
A very important plumbing fixture, the shower drain drains water efficiently while or after showering. Positioned on the shower floor, it maintains smooth water flow to the plumbing system without creating buildup and damage. With different designs and materials, shower drains smoothly integrate operational efficiency with elegance, ensuring a clean and dry shower area for an improved and more enjoyable showering experience.
3. What are the Design and Components of a Floor Drain?
A standard floor contains the following components of a factory floor drain:
1) Strainer or Grate
The top visible part of the floor drain is a strainer or grate. This is the component that prevents the running water by keeping larger particles from flowing into the gutter.
2) Trap
Most floor drains contain a trap—a J, S, or U-shaped pipe—under the grate to prevent sewer gases from entering the building. The trap contains a very small quantity of water.
3) Drain the body
It is the principal passage for the removal of water. It is connected to the building’s main waste and sewage system.
4) Cleanout plug
The optional feature on some floor drains helps to clear obstructions and makes cleaning easier.
4. Types Of Floor Drains Based On Location And Placement
Floor drainage systems are essential for managing excess water in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, helping to prevent water accumulation, flooding, and structural damage.
1) Slope Drainage System
Their design facilitates water to run from a building downwards towards the drain. Pipes can be employed to develop the slope drainage system. The pipes enable the collection of contaminated water on the ground level and lead it into the sewer using their sloping structure.
2) Surface Drainage System
Surface drainage, with the assistance of ditches and channels, dispels excess water from the surface of the land. Certain ground surfaces pitch towards surface drainage to facilitate water flow.
3) Subsurface Drainage System
A subsurface drainage system is a system of underground pipes and materials employed to regulate water below the ground surface. It is employed to avoid waterlogging and soil saturation by regulating excess water. A subsurface drainage system typically comprises perforated pipes, drainage tiles, or other channels buried beneath ground level to carry water away from the ground surface. The subsurface drainage system is necessary for sports fields, agricultural fields.
4) Downspouts and Gutters
Spouts and gutters are the most widespread types of water drainage. They primarily function to prevent floods and other standing water caused by storm overflow.
Water runs to a concealed drainpipe, an aluminum extension pipe, or a rain bucket. The subsurface sewer line is connected to downspouts and gutter systems. They primarily function to lead water to other drainage systems and drain water from the surface.
5. How can you install a Floor Drain?
Determine where to position the sanitary tee on the last tie-in point before you begin with this work. You use a sanitary tee to remove a branch line from the middle vertical drain. The branch line could be of the laundry room drain. The middle vertical drain discharges the house.
If the bottom level is a completed basement or livable level, you might need to tear down some of its ceilings. Removing ceiling panels provides access to drop ceilings mounted on suspended metal grids.
When working with drywall, you need to cut the ceiling. Then remove the damaged section. Finally, replace the drywall upon completion.
1) Find and Cut a Hole in the Floor
Cut a 2-inch opening in the laundry room floor at the designated drain location using a 2-inch hole saw or jigsaw. Additionally, if the floor of your laundry room is tile, a small section of tile, mortar, and grout must be removed.
2) Install the Floor Drainage
Fasten the ABS floor and shower drain in place on the floor. The lower extension should extend into the level below and fit the opening.
3) Install an Extender Pipe to the Drain Assembly
Section 12 inches of ABS pipe. Make sure you cut the pipe square. Remove plastic burrs using abrasives. Place more ABS adhesive on the outside of the ABS pipe under your laundry room floor. Put ABS glue on the inside of one-half of the 2-inch ABS connector, too. Join the two pipes and hold firmly for approximately one minute or until the adhesive sets.
4) Install a P-Trap
Connect the drain pipe to the house’s drainage system, as they will ultimately connect. Make sure that you connect the P-trap to the first stage assembly in a direct line. Next, use adhesive to glue both sections of the P-trap together, ensuring that you position the joint on the drain line.
5) Cut the End-Point Drainage Pipe
Make a cross-sectional cut using a hacksaw or reciprocating saw on the end-point drainage line. Fit the 2-inch sanitary tee in the cut piece with adhesive, assuming this pipe to be ABS. Mount steel hanging harnesses and fix them on the floor foundations to support the weight of the ABS pipe.
6) Attach the Pipe to the ABS Tee
1/4 inch per horizontal foot slope is required for the discharge line. Cut the 1/2-inch ABS conduit to length from the P-trap to the ABS connector. Take measurements with the inclusion of the interior of the hubs of couplings.
6. Applications of Floor Drains
1) Laundry Rooms
It drains water away from overflowing or spilling washing machines accidentally. Basement floor drains are useful in flood-prone areas because they can prevent water buildup and destruction.
2) Balconies and Patios
They obstruct lakes by channeling away rain and purifying water.
3) Restaurants and Kitchens
Restaurant floors and kitchen floors require floor drains. They catch extra water and facilitate the cleaning of areas where food is being prepared.
4) Manufacturing Facilities
In factories, where water is employed in various processes, sewers facilitate effluent control.
5) Warehouses
Warehouses with areas that must be cleaned regularly or are subject to leaking can be assisted by drains.
6) Public Areas
Drains are required for airports, railway stations, and bus stations to prevent water accumulation during normal cleaning routines.
7) Parking Lots
In heavy rainfalls, drains prevent waterlogging.
7. How Does a Floor Sink Differ from a Floor Drain?
Now, let us highlight some distinctions between a floor drain and a floor sink:
1) Purpose
Their respective purposes are the basic difference between a floor drain and a floor sink. While floor drains are meant to discharge effluent, floor sinks are meant to accept solid rubbish and trash.
Where heavy-duty cleaning is done and where solids and detritus have the chance of getting into the drain system, floor sinks are utilized. Floor drains, on the other hand, are applied in areas where water leakage is expected and where removal of effluent is necessary.
2) Application
In addition, floor sink and drain applications are diverse. Permanently fixed basins are used for aggressive cleaning in laboratories and food preparation areas. They are made to accommodate massive waste and detritus, and are simple to clean too.
3) Design
Design difference also exists between a floor sink and a floor drain. Floor sinks are larger compared to floor drains and possess a raised rim to contain any excess water. They come with a strainer receptacle incorporated within their design to collect solid waste and residue from flowing through the draining system.
Land drains are generally of a small diameter so that there is free passage of water through them. They are generally composed of a cover or grating so that the large bodies of matter do not enter the sewer.
4) Shape
Floor sinks come in round, square, and rectangular shapes. Their shape is generally that of a receptacle.
Specific configurations of floors include U’s and cups. It’s U’s design contains an enormous volume of water at maximum capacity. Floor drains have a connection to a conduit to drain water with ease.
5) Diameter
Floor sinks are typically larger than the standard floor drains. They consist of a diameter of 12 inches by 12 inches, while most floor drains consist of a diameter of 4/6 inches by 4/6 inches.
8. What Is the Difference Between a Floor Trap and a Floor Drain?
A floor trap and a floor drain are plumbing fixtures to handle water in room interiors, yet they serve different purposes.
1) Floor trap
A floor trap, or a gully trap as it is otherwise called, is an underground apparatus that segregates and traps solid particles or waste matter in the effluent. Blocking the flow of such disturbances into the wastewater system avoids pipe clogging. Floor traps are constructed of materials such as PVC, stainless steel, or cast iron to resist pressure and foot traffic load.
Though all shapes and sizes exist, the most traditional are the P-traps and the bottle traps. The P-trap gets its name because it resembles the letter “P.” A curved part of the device retains a small quantity of water, thereby forming a close seal so that the wastewater vapors will not re-migrate into the residential or commercial space. Bottle traps, due to their smaller size, are employed where rooms are not very large.
2) Floor drain
Floor drains are used to dispose of water and other fluid materials off the floor surface instead of floor traps. They are used in the toilet, kitchen space, laundry rooms, basements, and other places that are prone to accumulating water. Sewage is directed to the sewer system or septic system by floor drains that are part of the plumbing system.
To permit water flow without inhibiting the entry of larger objects into the drain system, floor drains include a grate or solid slab on the floor surface. There is a trap primer, a minute device that is used to maintain the seal in the trap by refilling water in it periodically. The use dries the trap seal and seals off avenues for sewer vapors.
3) Differences in Functionality
The primary function of a floor trap is to intercept solid waste and keep it from flowing into the wastewater system. A floor drain will eliminate liquid materials but divert away from water buildup on the flooring surface. Although both play critical functions in piping system management, they are different in scope.
4) Drain Vs. Trap
The reasoning behind each is the prime difference between a floor trap and a floor drain. The primary function of a floor trap is to trap solid waste, thereby not allowing it to pass into the wastewater system, where it would cause clogs. A floor drain is therefore intended to drain liquid material, thereby not allowing water to collect and leaving the space dry and clean.
5) Accumulation of Water Vs. Preventing Blockages
The segregation that all parts create in providing proper passage of drainage is improved. The primary function of a floor trap is to prevent clogs by solid sediments, food scraps, hair, or other items from entering the sewer inadvertently. Entrapment is a plug, permitting liquids to pass through but nothing else.
9. How to Choose Between Floor Trap and Floor Drain?
Having established the variance between floor traps and floor drains, the following are some things to consider while deciding upon the best choice for your plumbing requirements:
1) Placement
The position where the fixture will be placed comes first. Where there is a drainage system in a kitchen or toilet is an ideal place to have a floor drain installed. Where a floor trap will be used to prevent solid waste from flowing into the sewer system, like a commercial parking lot or kitchen floor drain, is a better place.
2) Space Constraints
In terms of the amount of space available for choosing. A small bottle trap would be an ideal choice if there is not much room. Bottle traps are used where there is not much room and regular P-traps would not work. Floor drains, however, take up less space because there is no additional space to hold the trash that is caught.
3) Aesthetics
Especially if you prefer your plumbing fixtures to match the appearance of your surroundings, appearance can also work as a contrasting factor. Floor sewers are concealed by ornamental gratings or coverings to include ornamentations as well to fit into the surroundings. Because they already have their basic utilitarian shape, floor traps will perhaps not be aesthetically pleasing.
10. What Is the Difference Between a Hub Drain and a Floor Drain?
You need to choose a drain system among them based on the purpose for which you are planning to use it. Or, it will be inconvenient to change your drainage system in the future. A brief comparison is given below at your convenience.
1) Purpose of Use
Hub drain drains indirect liquid waste and relieves pipes and hoses of air. It connects trench sewers, sanitary drains, pipes, and hoses in a hub.
Floor drain pipes drain water off the floor onto the sewer system. It also keeps gases from the city system from entering your house.
2) Locations To Use
There should be a hub drain fitted on the female end of the pipes. The reason is that there are two ends in each conduit, i.e., a female end and a male end. There should be a non-hub drain fitted on the male end, and there should be a hub drain fitted on the female end.
The bathroom and kitchen are the best in the house. It is advisable to use a floor grate there since it bars vapors coming into the kitchen or toilet and protects against flooding.
3) Appearance
Because a hub drain will be installed on a pipe’s female end, its feature is like a bell. A hub drain can thus be identified as it resembles a hub.
Round floor drains are standard. It can be rectangular as well. Square floor drains are available for purchase as well. Metal is the raw material for making the floor drain grating. Plastic gratings can be used if the budget for a floor drain is low. Traps are present inside a floor drain.
11. Size Guide For the Floor Drains
Typically, the size of floor drains is measured depending on the purpose to be served by the drain in question, the volume of water to be expected, and local building regulations. Although sizes differ, the following are standard specifications for floor drains:
1) Length
This feature is mainly utilized in linear drainage. The length itself may show significant ranges based on the related environment. However, it generally ranges from 24 to 60 inches. Moreover, the length can be designed as adjustable for specific installation applications.
2) Width
Diameters of standard round or square floor drains may differ, from 2 inches for smaller household drains to 12 inches or wider to support commercial or industrial applications. Thus, linear drains can differ in width from 2 to 4 inches.
3) Depth
Other than being large enough to enter the trap, the drain depth must also form a proper slope through which water runs off. This is four to six inches; big commercially or industrially large sewers will require more depth.
4) Outlet Diameter
The pipe used to connect the sewer to the drainage system is the discharge. The anticipated water flow might cause some fluctuation in the diameter of this outlet. 2 inches, 3 inches, and 4 inches are common sizes.
5) Grates’ size
Depending on the design, grate size can even be less than the drain diameter or width. It must be so created that big objects never come into the drain, but water may flow through it.
12. How Do You Select The Right Floor Drain Manufacturer?
Selecting a good floor drain manufacturer ensures great customer care, quality products, and a no-hassle and smooth experience. The following steps will help you guide to selection of an appropriate floor drain manufacturer for you:
1) Defining Requirements
Specify the precise details of your project, such as the kind of floor drain, size, material, and space for customization. Determine how many floor drains you require within the budget limit.
2) Evaluation of Customization Options
If customization is integral to your project, make sure that the manufacturer can customize floor drains to suit your needs. Request the process of customization, available options, and whether they involve additional costs.
3) Assessment of Product Quality
Verify the quality record of the manufacturer. Select to buy floor drains with heavy-duty materials such as brass or stainless steel. Verify their structural quality, anti-corrosion quality, and general build quality of floor drains by asking them to provide samples or references and, if feasible, seeing the products personally.
4) Research and Shortlist Manufacturers
Perform in-depth research to identify reputable manufacturers and suppliers of floor drains. Companies with a good reputation, positive customer reviews, and industry certifications should be prioritized. Their level of experience, range of products, degree of customization, and quality requirements should all be considered.
5) Evaluate Manufacturing Capabilities
Do a review of the drain factory manufacturing plants and capacities. Research hiring advanced procedures, technologies, and machinery to ensure accurate manufacturing, consistent quality control, and effective output. This ensures a timely and consistent supply of your floor drains.
6) Verify Standards
Check whether the manufacturer is certified and adheres to industry standards. Have certifications that ensure that they adhere to the quality management systems set, e.g., ISO 9001. Adherence to set standards ensures that the manufacturer is committed to producing durable and quality floor drains.
7) Customer Service and Support
Ensure that the customer service and support are delivered by the manufacturer. Ensure that the manufacturer is communicative and responsive and that they deliver well-informed support throughout the entire purchasing process. Inquire about the post-sales support, terms of warranty, and technical support offered by the company.
8) Pricing and Value
Assess the value and value-for-money of the floor drains offered by the manufacturer and the value they will deliver. Assess the manufacturer’s credibility, quality, level of customization offered, and customer service. Select a manufacturer that offers the best blend of competitive prices and exceptional value.
9) References and Recommendations
Get consultations from contractors, industry professionals, or colleagues with experience in handling floor drain manufacturers. Request their references and recommendations, and receive customer satisfaction and experience comments against particular manufacturers.
10) Quotation And Selection
Confirm quotations from shortlisted manufacturers fit your project specifications. Approach the quotations with price labels, delivery times, and modes of service in mind as you compare them against each other.
13. Factors To Consider While Wholesale Floor Drains
Uninterrupted overflow will lead to damage to floors, toilets, and bathrooms. You should therefore select the appropriate floor drain.
You will have to think about various factors before picking the ideal floor drain for your residence. As the drains are installed in kitchens and bathrooms, you will receive a combination of styles and sizes to suit your specific needs.
1) Flow Rate
The choice of an appropriate flow drain can also be directed by the speed of running water in the bathroom or kitchen. Where the speed of discharging water is too high, a drain with large openings through which water is permitted to flow shall be required. Not doing this will slow down the speed at which water flows through the floor drain, thus it will pile up in the bathroom.
2) Consider the Designs
Your bathroom’s design will determine the appearance, size, and other specifications of the floor drains. Its layout will have to be considered when selecting a floor drain. Furthermore, every drain will be installed separately. Compression piping is needed for some solutions; others can be placed without difficulty on fiberglass. Your lavatory’s material make-up and style will become crucial.
By voting for both of them, you can pick the most excellent material, design, and size for your lunch shower drain. It will also make installation easier and avoid future problems. To do this, make sure to have the specifications measured accurately before ordering.
3) Sloping Angle
A typical round or square drain for a bathroom will have the water flow towards one corner. But with the linear floor drain, it is possible to direct the water to one of the walls. While it would be a great addition, it is not needed.
14. Why Plumberstar is The Best Floor Drain Manufacturer
Choose Plumberstar for customized solutions, elegant and practical floor drains seamlessly integrated into your setting. We believe in solidity, and that’s how we deliver robust and durable products. With international distribution, eco-friendly policies, and customer-centric operations, Plumberstar is a trusted industry icon.