The Different Types of Floor Drains

There are several different types of floor drains, and each one must be treated differently.  This is so that they are not only safe, but can continue to function properly for years to come.  We will start by breaking them down into two sections: Waste Water, and Ground Water.

Waste Water Floor Drains

These are drains that are connected to the waste water system – meaning the sewer system.  They are usually indoors, but they are sometimes found outdoors.

Since they are connected to the sewer system, they must be trapped and vented.  In situations where they may not get enough use to replenish the water in the trap often enough to keep up with evaporation, fixtures must be installed (called trap primers) that regularly flow fresh water to the trap.  This is most common in bathrooms, but may be necessary in janitorial closets, as well as other applications.

Usually, a trap primer is connected to a fixture water line, so that it detects the pressure drop from using the fixture, and flows a small amount of water to the floor drain trap.  A malfunctioning trap primer can cause problem like a persistent sewer smell coming directly from the drain.  There are also cases where flushing a toilet, would cause water to splash up out of the floor drain.

Other types of floor drains that receive regular water, may not need a trap primer.  The shower drain in your home is an example.  Since they regularly get used, the water level in the trap never really goes down (unless you have a spare shower that sees little use).

Ground Water Floor Drains

These drains, while they function pretty much the same, go by a different set of rules.  Since they are not connected to the waste water system, they do not have to be trapped.  Separate vents are also not usually needed.  Still, these drains have their own issues that need to be considered.

The first concern is line size.  Since you do not have separate vents for your ground water lines, you need to make sure the pipe sizes are large enough so that the lines never actually fill with water.  If that happens, your flow will be compromised.

Another big consideration is the fact that with ground water comes debris.  Debris getting into the drain line can do bad things for our flow as well, and even clog the drain line completely.  Since smaller groundwater lines are not usually as sturdy as sewage drain lines, clearing blockages can be a major challenge.

Regular maintenance is very important for groundwater drains.  Keeping them clean and free of debris can be tough, but doing so can really keep even bigger problems from occurring.

Finally, a difference that cannot be overstated is the fact that, unlike waste water, ground water is not treated.  It winds up going directly back to the water table, and in the Bay Area, it often goes directly into the bay.

This means that great care must be taken to ensure that nothing goes down those drains that is not untainted ground water.  Even oils and soap from washing your car can do serious damage to the eco system.  Keep the water that goes down storm drains, and other ground water drains, clean.

Whether you need new floor drains installed, or have a problem with your existing ones, Allstar Plumbing has the experience and expertise to handle the task.  Give us a call for a free, no obligation estimate on your project.