Floor Drains Guide

Floor drains are used in all buildings and places where water may need to drain. They are installed in the floor of the room and are connected to the sewer system for cleaning, accidental floods inside the building and other water problems that may occur inside a building.

Drains are usually round in shape but there are some used for specific reasons that are square and even rectangular shaped. They can be as small as two inches in diameter up to twelve inches in diameter. The standard size of floor drains is about 4 inches. The drains are covered I a metal grating that protects debris and trash from falling into the drain and causing it to stop up. If the floor is made of tile, this could be a major problem to repair.

Usually, the floor around the drain is in downward slope position to allow any water to drain more easily into the drain. This makes clean up easier and faster. If the drain is located in the basement floor, there will usually be more than one drain installed. There will probably be one floor drain in every room in the basement, especially if the area the home is located at is prone to flooding. The basement drains are usually installed close by the washer, mop sink, or water heater. If you have a bathroom in the basement, you will want to keep it close to the floor drains in case you have a toilet over flow or shower drain stop up.

Commercial buildings are required by law to have drains installed through out the building. Public swimming pools, laundry mats, locker rooms at the gym or in a school, kitchens at a restaurant, and many other places in the public use will have drains installed.

A floor drain needs to have a strainer over it that is secured in order to prevent injuries and dirt and trash from falling into it. The drain should be cleaned periodically and even routed out to keep the pipes clean. If there is ever a real need to use the drain, the pipes need to be free from debris so that is will drain quickly and efficiently. If may be against the law not to have the drains in public areas. Check with the fire marshal if you are unsure. You may need to upgrade if you are not in compliance.

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