All About Brewery Floor Drains

What are brewery floor drains?

You know how when you’re taking a shower, within a short time after you turn off the water, it all flows to the drain and disappears?  That’s exactly what floor drains do for a brewery!  Brewery floor drains are the plumbing fixtures that are installed in the floor of a brewery, and that are used to collect, convey, and discharge wastewater. Brewery floor drains are typically made of durable materials, such as stainless steel or polyethylene, and are designed to withstand harsh brewery conditions like high temperature, high pressure, low pH, and harsh chemicals.  Brewery floor drains are an absolutely essential part of the brewery’s plumbing system, and are necessary for maintaining the cleanliness, the safety, and the efficiency of the brewery.

Brewery floor drains typically consist of a grate, a body, a sloped pitch (so water flows in the proper direction), and a drain outlet. The grate is the opening in the floor, through which the wastewater flows into the body of the floor drain. The body of the floor drain is the chamber that is installed below the floor, and that is used to collect and convey the wastewater. The drain outlet of the floor drain is the connection to the brewery’s plumbing system, and is used to discharge the wastewater to the sewer or to the treatment system.

Brewery floor drains are typically installed in the areas of the brewery where wastewater is generated, such as the brewhouse, the fermentation area, the bottling area, and the cleaning area. Brewery floor drains are usually installed in the middle of the floor, and are spaced at regular intervals, depending on the size and the layout of the brewery, and on the type and the volume of the wastewater that is generated. Brewery floor drains are typically installed by plumbing contractors, and are inspected and maintained by the brewery’s staff, in order to ensure that they are functioning properly and not clogged or damaged.

Brewery floor drains are an important part of the brewery’s sanitation and safety program, and are used to prevent the accumulation of wastewater on the floor, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria and other contaminants — and can pose a slipping hazard for staff and the customers. Brewery floor drains are also an important part of the brewery’s environmental program, and are used to prevent the discharge of wastewater into the environment (which can pollute the water, the soil, and the air, and can cause damage to the ecosystem).

By considering the benefits of brewery floor drains, you can evaluate the value and the necessity of these fixtures in your brewery, and you can make informed decisions about the installation, the maintenance, and the replacement of the floor drains in your facility.

What are the benefits of brewery floor drains?

The benefits of brewery floor drains can be grouped into three main categories: cleanliness, safety, and environmental protection. Some of the potential benefits of brewery floor drains include:

1. Cleanliness: Brewery floor drains prevent the accumulation of wastewater on the floor and help maintain the cleanliness of the brewery. Brewery floor drains are an important part of the brewery’s sanitation program, and are used to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and other contaminants, which can affect the safety, quality, taste, appearance of the final product.
2. Safety: Brewery floor drains are reduce the slipping and tripping hazards for the brewery’s staff and the customers. Brewery floor drains are an important part of the brewery’s safety program, and are used to prevent injuries, accidents, and liabilities from wet, slippery, or cluttered floors in the brewery.
3. Environmental protection: Brewery floor drains protect the water, the soil, and the air from pollution. Brewery floor drains are an important part of the brewery’s environmental program, and are used to comply with the regulations, the standards, and the best practices that are set by the government and the industry, and that are used to protect the ecosystem from the impacts of wastewater.
4. Efficiency: Brewery floor drains reduce the downtime, the labor, and the energy that are needed to clean and maintain the floors of the brewery. Brewery floor drains are equipped with features to facilitate the flow of wastewater, and to minimize the clogs, the backups, and the overflows that can occur in the plumbing system of the brewery.
5. Cost savings: Brewery floor drains can reduce the amount of water, the chemicals, and the cleaning supplies that are needed to clean and maintain the floors of the brewery.  Most importantly, brewery floor drains exponentially reduce the amount of labor required to maintain the brewery floors.  And they also prevent the damage and excessive wear and tear that can occur in the brewery due to the accumulation of wastewater on the floor, which will save the brewery money in the long term.
6. Flexibility: Brewery floor drains can accommodate different types and volumes of wastewater that are generated in the brewery.  They are available in various sizes, shapes, and materials, and can be customized to fit the layout, the design, and the needs of the brewery. They can also be connected to different types of plumbing systems, and can be used to discharge the wastewater to the sewer, to the treatment system, or to the recycling system, depending on the preferences and the requirements of the brewery.
7. Comfort: Brewery floor drains help provide a clean, dry, and comfortable environment for the brewery’s staff and the customers. Brewery floor drains are also help control the humidity and the odor of the brewery — and can be equipped with features such as air vents, sump pumps, and deodorizers, that are used to improve the air quality, the ventilation, and the ambiance of the brewery.
8. Durability: Brewery floor drains are made of durable materials, such as stainless steel, cast iron, and polyethylene, that are resistant to corrosion, to impact, and to chemicals, and that can withstand the harsh conditions, the high temperatures, and the heavy loads that are typical in the brewery.  Equipped with features such as removable grates and sealed joints that are used to extend the lifespan and the performance, brewery floor drains are also designed to be easy to clean, to maintain, and to repair.
9. Sustainability: Brewery floor drains can reduce the amount of wastewater that is generated in the brewery and can conserve water and energy. Brewery floor drains are also used to recycle, to treat, or to discharge the wastewater in a responsible and sustainable manner.  The brewery wastewater system can also be equipped with features, such as separators, filters, and disinfectants, that are used to remove contaminants, pollutants, and pathogens present in the wastewater.
10. Compliance: Brewery floor drains are used to collect, convey, and discharge wastewater from the brewery, which can prevent the discharge of wastewater into the environment, and can ensure the compliance with regulations, standards, and best practices set by government industry.  By equipping brewery floor drains with sensors, meters, and alarms, they can also be used to monitor, measure, and record the quality, quantity, and characteristics of the wastewater that is generated in the brewery — and provide the brewery with the data, information, and alerts that are needed to comply with the environmental regulations and improve the sustainability of the brewery.
11. Innovation: The data, information, and samples provided from innovative floor drain installations can improve processes in the brewery, support the adoption of new technologies, the implementation of new strategies, and be used to enhance capabilities, performance, and value.

By considering these benefits, you can appreciate the value and the versatility of brewery floor drains, and you can make informed decisions about the installation and maintenance — and use these fixtures in the brewery in a creative and responsible manner.

Are there any potential drawbacks to brewery floor drains?

Yes, there are potential drawbacks of brewery floor drains that are worth considering. Some of these drawbacks include:

1. Cost: Brewery require a significant investment in terms of time, planning, money, and resources.  They are available in different sizes, shapes, and materials, and can be customized to fit the layout, the design, and the needs of the brewery.  And different suppliers offer different solutions, which can make it challenging to compare the prices and the quality of the floor drains that are available in the market.  Equipping the floor drains with sensors, meters, and alarms can also add to the cost of the floor drains — and can require the brewery to invest in additional staff, expertise, and equipment to maintain and to operate them.
2. Maintenance: Brewery floor drains require regular maintenance, cleaning, and inspection to ensure their proper and safe operation — and ensure their efficiency and effectiveness. Brewery floor drains are generally extremely tough, but they can still be damaged, clogged, or contaminated.  If equipped with sensors, meters, and alarms, these may require regular calibration, testing, and troubleshooting to ensure their accuracy and reliability.
3. Safety: While the safety benefits far outweigh them, there are still some safety risks staff and the customers if they are not installed, maintained, and operated in a proper and safe manner.  That’s why it’s important to ensure that the floor drains are installed in a secure and stable manner — and that grates are replaced immediately after cleaning.
4. Odor: Because floor drains are used to collect, convey, and discharge wastewater from the brewery, unpleasant odors can linger if they are not properly maintained and operated.  However, proper cleaning and maintenance should prevent this.
5. Liability: Like with safety, the mitigation of liability risk far outweighs any liability created by the drains.  However, improperly maintained or operated floor drains can expose the brewery to legal and financial liability.  Floor drains are subject to local, state, and federal regulations that are designed to protect the environment, the public health, and the public safety, and that require the brewery to install, maintain, and operate the floor drains in a manner that is consistent with the standards, the requirements, and the expectations of government and industry.

How are brewery floor drains installed?

Brewery floor drains are typically installed during the construction or renovation of a brewery. The steps involved in installing brewery floor drains may vary depending on the specific type and size of the drains being installed, as well as the layout and design of the brewery — but there are some general steps that are typically involved in the installation process when refitting an existing building for your use:

1. Determine the locations of the floor drains:  The first step in installing floor drains is to determine the locations where the drains will be installed. This will typically involve working with the brewery’s layout and design plans to identify the areas where wastewater is most likely to be generated, and to locate the floor drains in those areas.
2. Plan and obtain permits:  Local building codes, regulations, or other requirements may need to be met, so in order to avoid costly mistakes it’s important you work with your local permitting authorities to approve your drain installation, obtain proper permits, and understand inspection requirements prior to starting the work.
3. Prepare the floor for installation:  This may involve removing any existing flooring or other materials, as well as pitching, leveling, or smoothing the floor to ensure that it is ready for the drains to be installed.
4. Cut and prepare the floor channels:  This will typically involve using a saw or other cutting tool to create an opening in the floor where the drain will be installed, and then cleaning and preparing the area around the opening to ensure that the drain will fit properly.
5. Install the drains: The next step is to install the drain itself. This will typically involve setting the drain into the opening in the floor, and then securing it in place according to the manufacturer instructions. Depending on the type of drain being used, this may also involve attaching a grate or cover to the top of the drain to prevent debris from falling into the drain.
6. Seal the joints and connections: While the floor drains are being installed and connected to the brewery’s plumbing system, it is important to carefully seal the joints and connections (according to manufacturer instructions) to prevent leaks and other issues. This may involve using plumber’s putty, silicone caulk, or other types of sealants to seal the joints and connections and ensure that they are watertight.
7. Connect the drains to the plumbing system:  This will typically involve running pipes from the floor drains to the brewery’s main wastewater system, and connecting the drains to the pipes using fittings and other plumbing components.
8. Install any additional features or accessories:  Some brewery floor drains may come equipped with additional features or accessories, such as removable strainers or grates, air gaps, or backflow prevention devices. If your floor drains have any of these features, they will typically need to be installed as part of the overall installation process.
9. Test the floor drains:  After the floor drains have been installed and connected to the brewery’s plumbing system, the next step is to test the drains to ensure that they are functioning properly. This may involve running water through the drains and checking for any leaks or other issues.
10. Clean up the installation area: Finally, after the floor drains are installed and tested, it is important to clean up the installation area to ensure that the brewery is ready for operation. This may involve removing any debris or excess materials, as well as cleaning and disinfecting the area to ensure that it is free of any contaminants or other potential hazards.

In addition to these steps, there may also be other considerations that need to be taken into account when installing brewery floor drains.  By working with a trained professional or skilled/experienced contractor and carefully considering all of these factors, you can help to ensure that your brewery floor drains are installed properly, compliant with all relevant regulations, and able to effectively handle the wastewater generated by your brewery.

How are brewery floor drains maintained?

Brewery floor drains are typically maintained by a combination of regular inspection, cleaning, and repair, as well as by implementing preventative measures to minimize the need for these activities. Here are some of the key steps involved in maintaining brewery floor drains:

1. Inspection & Monitoring: Floor drains should be regularly inspected and monitored to ensure they are functioning properly and to identify any potential issues or problems that may need to be addressed. This can involve visually inspecting the floor drains to look for signs of damage, blockages, or other issues.  This can also involve installing sensors, meters, or alarms to monitor the flow rate, the pressure, or the temperature of the wastewater that is flowing through the floor drain, as well as using other monitoring equipment to detect any issues or problems that may arise.
2. Cleaning: Floor drains should be regularly cleaned to remove any debris, sediment, or other materials that may have accumulated in the drain. This can involve using specialized tools, such as brushes, scrapers, and high-pressure water jets, to remove the debris, as well as using chemicals, such as acids, to dissolve any sediment or materials that may be stuck to the walls of the drain.
3. Repair: Floor drains should be repaired as needed to address any issues or problems that are identified during inspection. This can involve patching or welding any damaged areas of the drain, replacing any broken or worn parts, or making other repairs as necessary to ensure that the floor drain is functioning properly.
4. Preventative measures:  Floor drains can be maintained more effectively by implementing preventative measures to minimize the need for cleaning and repair. This can involve using filters or screens to prevent debris from entering the drain, using chemicals to prevent sediment from accumulating in the drain, and implementing other measures to prevent issues from developing in the first place.
5. Testing: Floor drains should be tested periodically to ensure that they are functioning properly and to identify any issues or problems that may need to be addressed. This can involve conducting flow tests, pressure tests, or other tests to determine the performance of the floor drain, as well as using specialized equipment, such as cameras, to inspect the interior of the drain to identify any potential issues or problems.
6. Maintenance schedule: Floor drains should be maintained on a regular schedule to ensure that they are functioning properly and to prevent any issues or problems from developing. This can involve developing a maintenance schedule that outlines the specific tasks, such as inspection, cleaning, and repair, that should be performed on the floor drains on a regular basis, as well as setting aside time and resources to carry out these tasks on a regular basis.
7. Training: Brewery floor drains should be maintained by properly trained staff who how to inspect, clean, and repair the floor drains — and have the necessary tools, equipment, and materials to carry out these tasks effectively.

What about a pitched floor as it relates to brewery floor drains?

A pitched floor, also known as a sloped floor, can be beneficial in a brewery setting because it improves the flow of wastewater off the floor, into the drains, and out of the production and packaging areas — nobody wants to squeegee a floor all day!  A pitched floor is typically sloped at a slight angle, with the floor sloping downward toward the floor drains.  The slope of the floor is typically designed to be gentle enough to avoid creating tripping hazards, but steep enough to ensure that the wastewater flows smoothly into the floor drains.

In addition to improving the flow of wastewater through the floor drains, a pitched floor also prevents the accumulation of standing water or other liquid in the brewery, reducing the risk of slips, falls, and other accidents — and preventing microbial growth.

Do I really need floor drains in my brewery — are they worth the investment?  What about a sloped floor?

Floor drains are an important component of a brewery, and they can provide a number of benefits that make them absolutely worth the investment. Here are some of the key operational and financial reasons why floor drains are a valuable addition to a brewery and an investment that quickly and exponentially pays for itself:

1. Collection and disposal of wastewater: Without floor drains, this wastewater would have to be collected and disposed of manually, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive — and far more expensive than drains in the long run.
2. Improved safety and hygiene: Having floor drains improve the overall safety and hygiende of your facility. By preventing standing water and other hazards, floor drains can reduce the risk of slips, falls, and other accidents — which can help to keep your employees safe, avoid costly workers’ compensation claims, and increase your bottom line.
3. Improved efficiency and productivity: Floor drains improve the efficiency and productivity of a brewery, minimizing down time, and ensuring process continuation without interruption. Floor drains can help to maximize the efficiency and output of the brewery and to improve its overall financial performance.  By having floor drains in your brewery, you can improve the overall efficiency of your wastewater management system as well. This can help to reduce the amount of time and labor required to manage wastewater, which can in turn help to save you significantly on labor costs.
4. Reduced risk of damage: By having floor drains in your brewery, you can help to prevent water damage and other types of damage to your brewery’s floors and other surfaces. This can help to reduce the risk of costly repairs and replacements, which can save you money in the long run.

Overall, floor drains are a valuable addition to any brewery, and they provide a benefits far in excess of their additional cost.  This makes them ABSOLUTELY worth the investment.  Don’t jump over dollars to get to pennies — floor drains are an absolute necessity in your operation!

A sloped (or pitched) floor is a little more nuanced.  It can be beneficial to help to improve the flow of wastewater through the floor drains.  If you’re building a new building, you’d be a fool not to include them — but when building out an existing facility it’s not so cut and dry.  They will certainly save lots of time and enhance all the benefits of the floor drain system, but the cost and complexity of installing them may just not be feasible — especially if it requires pouring a totally new floor.

How do I choose the right brewery floor drains?

When choosing brewery floor drains, there are several factors that you should consider to ensure that you select the right drains for your brewery:

1. Determine the locations of the floor drains: As stated above, this will typically involve working with the brewery’s layout and design plans to identify the areas where wastewater is most likely to be generated, and to locate the floor drains in those areas.
2. Consider the flow rate of the wastewater: When choosing floor drains, it is important to consider the flow rate of the wastewater that will be flowing through the drains. This will help to ensure that the drains are large enough to handle the volume of wastewater that will be flowing through them, and that they will not become clogged or overwhelmed.
3. Consider the types of contaminants in the wastewater: It is also important to consider the types of contaminants that may be present in the wastewater that will be flowing through the floor drains. This can help to ensure that the drains are equipped with the right filters or other features to prevent these contaminants from clogging the drains or causing other problems.
4. Consider the safety and hygiene requirements of the brewery: In a brewery, it is important to ensure that the floor drains are safe and hygienic to use. This may involve choosing drains that are easy to clean and sanitize, and that are designed to prevent the growth of bacteria or other microorganisms.
5. Consider the cost and maintenance requirements of the floor drains: Finally, when choosing floor drains, it is important to consider the cost of the drains and the maintenance requirements that they will have. This can help to ensure that you choose drains that are affordable and that will not require a lot of maintenance or other upkeep over time.
6. Research different types of floor drains: When choosing brewery floor drains, it can be helpful to research the different types of floor drains that are available, and to compare their features and benefits. This can help you to determine which type of drain will be best suited for your brewery, and to make an informed decision about which drains to purchase.
7. Consult with a brewery floor drain expert: Another step you may want to take is to consult with a brewery floor drain expert. This can help you to get advice and guidance on the best type of floor drain to choose for your brewery, and to ensure that the drains you select will be able to effectively handle the wastewater generated by your brewing operation.
8. Review the warranty and customer service policies of the drain manufacturer: Finally, when choosing brewery floor drains, it is important to review the warranty and customer service policies of the drain manufacturer. This can help to ensure that you will be able to get the support and assistance you need if you have any problems with your drains, and to protect your investment in the event that the drains fail or need to be replaced.

Overall, there are several steps you can take to choose the right brewery floor drains for your brewery. By taking the time to carefully consider these steps, you can help to ensure that you select drains that are well-suited for your brewery, and that will be able to effectively handle the wastewater generated by your brewing operation.