Drains that are Easy to Clean & Sanitary
Commercial - Industrial Buildings
We've got you covered - safe, clean, hygienic and sanitary.
There are a lot of options to consider with floor drains in a brewery. Since these will be set in concrete, they are a permanent part of your infrastructure and should be installed with durability in mind.
Area drains necessitate that the floor is sloped in four directions leading to the drain body. This design can impose undue strain on workers, forklifts, and pallet jacks due to the multiple slopes present on the floor. If the floor is not uniformly sloped, it becomes necessary to utilize a squeegee to direct water toward the drain.
Slot drains present an affordable drainage option, designed with a built-in slope that promotes gravity flow to transport debris to a cleanup sump with a basket. Installers can conveniently slope the floor in one direction toward the channel opening, making it significantly easier to squeegee water in that same direction.
Breweries are generally filled with various equipment and tank vessels, creating areas that are hard to maintain. Stainless trough drains are vital for effective sanitation in these environments. Utilizing high-pressure hoses allows for thorough cleaning, with water flowing into the trench. Any debris will be gathered in the sump area, which can be emptied easily thanks to the stainless basket.
Floor Cleanouts and P-Traps serve as a safeguard for your plumbing system. Their value becomes evident when unexpected drainage problems occur. They offer dependable access for maintenance, allowing you to address clogs without the need for extensive reconstruction, such as breaking through concrete. By utilizing floor cleanouts and traps, you can effectively clear blockages and prevent harmful odors from infiltrating your facility.
Your vision is about to come to life, and you are set to design and construct your brewery. By choosing the "Do it Right, Do it Once" strategy, you highlight the significance of the brewery's foundational components. It is essential that both the slab and drainage systems are built to last for the duration of the building's existence. You can easily alter the surroundings of the floors without experiencing prolonged downtimes. This is where premium stainless steel drains demonstrate their true value.
All our drains, from area drains to narrow slot drains, are made to the highest standards and NO rework is required.
Commercial and Industrial drain fabrication in 12 Gauge 304 or 316 stainless. Let's work together on your next project.
We maintain a large inventory of standard 12" stainless floor drains with 3" | 4" | 6" outlets.
Designing and installing a drainage system for a beer brewery is crucial to ensure cleanliness, safety, and regulatory compliance. Breweries handle a lot of water and liquid waste, so an efficient drainage system will prevent contamination, maintain hygiene, and reduce the risk of accidents.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the design and installation process:
✅ 1Assess Brewery Layout and Flow
Start with a clear understanding of your brewery layout, including:
* Fermentation tanks
* Brewhouse
* Packaging area
* Cold storage
* Cleaning stations (CIP systems)
* Wastewater collection points
Goal: Identify areas where water, beer, or chemicals are most frequently discharged.
✅ 2Understand Liquid Types and Volumes
Determine the types of wastewater that will flow through the system, such as:
* Rinse water
* Cleaning solutions (alkaline and acidic)
* Spent yeast/sludge
* Waste beer or wort
Estimate peak volumes during cleaning and brewing operations.
✅ 3Choose the Right Drain Types
Different areas need different drain styles:
Drain Type Ideal Location Notes
Trench Drains Brewhouse, Packaging Handles large volumes, easy to clean
Floor Drains Fermentation area, CIP stations Smaller volume, point source
Slot Drains Walkways Narrow, low-maintenance
Hub Drains Equipment outflow Connect directly to floor drain/trench
✅ 4Material Selection
Brewery drains need to withstand corrosive chemicals, heat, and pressure washing. Choose:
* Stainless Steel 304 or 316: Highly resistant to corrosion, durable, easy to sanitize.
* PVC or HDPE (for buried piping): Resistant to chemicals, cost-effective.
✅ 5Drainage Design Best Practices
* Sloped Floors: 1–2% slope toward the drains to ensure complete runoff.
* Drain Spacing: No more than 12–15 feet apart in heavy use areas.
* Odor Traps: Install P-traps or similar to prevent foul odors.
* Backflow Prevention: Especially if you're connecting to municipal lines.
* Clean-outs: Install regularly spaced access points for maintenance.
✅ 6Grease & Solids Interceptors
Install screens or interceptors to catch solid particles and prevent clogging, especially important near mash tuns or grain handling areas.
✅ 7Ventilation & Safety
Ensure drains are vented to prevent pressure buildup. Also consider non-slip grates and covers for all trench and floor drains.
✅ 8 Drainage System Installation Steps
Tools & Materials
* Pipe (stainless/PVC)
* Drain bodies
* Concrete saw
* Epoxy/sealant
* Grates/covers
* Traps/interceptors
Steps
1. Mark locations for all drains.
2. Cut concrete or trench as needed.
3. Install slope in the floor toward drains (1/8–1/4 inch per foot).
4. Install drains and connect to main drainage lines.
5. Seal joints to prevent leaks.
6. Test with water before backfilling and pouring concrete.
7. Install grates and covers once flooring is complete.
✅ 9Local Codes & Environmental Considerations
Check local plumbing and wastewater codes:
* Discharge permits
* Pre-treatment requirements
* Environmental disposal (yeast, hops, chemicals)
✅ 10Maintenance Plan
Design your system for easy cleaning and schedule regular:
* Inspections
* Cleaning (jetting/flushing)
* Filter/interceptor emptying
⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
* Inadequate slope (leads to pooling)
* Cheap materials (corrosion, failure)
* Ignoring chemical compatibility
* Not planning for future expansion
Drains are USDA approved and known as the industry standard across the United States.
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