The successful functioning and preservation of commercial properties depend on their drainage systems. The purpose of commercial drainage systems is to properly drain areas like landscaping, rooftops, parking lots, and sidewalks of any excess water. This protects them from water damage and makes sure that customers and staff are safe.
The primary goal of commercial drainage systems is to efficiently manage large volumes of water in a variety of commercial settings.
Here are some common types of commercial drainage systems:
Bio-Retention Systems
These commercial drainage systems, which also go by the name rain gardens or bio-swales, help to improve the quality of stormwater runoff before sending it to the natural waterways or municipal sewer system. They achieve this by employing natural and vegetation-based filtration methods.
Sanitary drainage systems
Plumbing fixtures such as toilets and sinks contribute to sanitary drainage systems. These then transport wastewater to on-site treatment facilities or municipal sewer lines. Sewage pumps, traps, pipes, and vents work together to keep things moving smoothly and avoid backups.
Industrial Drainage Systems
Industrial drainage systems can withstand the immense amounts of sediment, chemicals, and water commonly seen in industrial facilities, warehouses, and manufacturing plants.
Grease Interceptors
Grease interceptors, sometimes called grease traps, are a common fixture in commercial kitchens and restaurants. They filter out particles and grease from wastewater.
Detention/Retention Ponds
These vast basins collect rainwater runoff, settle the sediment, and filter out contaminants before slowly releasing the water to the municipal drainage system or into the environment.
Dry Wells
These underground structures are designed to collect and penetrate stormwater runoff into the surrounding soil. It is useful in cramped quarters or areas with poor drainage.
Trench Drains
In order to collect surface water and avoid floods, trench drains—also known as linear drains or channel drains—are lengthy, thin channels embedded in pavements or floors. They are commonly found in outdoor areas, warehouses, and industrial sites.
Stormwater drainage systems
These structures control the flow of precipitation off hard surfaces, such as parking lots and rooftops. For water drainage, standard features include underground piping, storm drains, and catch drains.
Sump Pump Systems
Basements and other below-grade locations house sump pumps to drain excess water or groundwater. To keep the building dry, they remove water from a sump basin and send it outside.
Different commercial properties and environments call for different drainage systems, each of which can be tailored to fulfill a unique function.
What is commercial drainage?
Any network of channels, pipes, and other structures put in place to redirect runoff from commercial assets like public facilities, industrial sites, or businesses is known as commercial drainage. It is important to prevent water buildup to avoid floods, safety issues, and property damage.
Common components in commercial drainage systems include:
- Stormwater Management Systems
In order to control the flow of rainwater and avoid floods, these systems incorporate elements such as infiltration trenches, retention basins, and detention ponds to control stormwater runoff and avoid floods.
- Grates and Covers
You place these over drainage pipes and catch basins to keep large debris out of the system while water can still flow through.
- Catch Basins
These buildings are erected at low points to collect debris and surface water from the ground and divert it from the property.
- Channel Drains
Channel drains are long and narrow, and you can install them in places where water tends to pool, such as driveways and parking lots.
- Drainage Pipes
These pipes collect and direct water away from the property. You can get them in metal, concrete, or PVC.
Types of Drainage Systems
Drainage systems are crucial in controlling runoff and avoiding floods in rural and urban areas. Many different drainage systems exist, each tailored to unique circumstances. Here are a few typical kinds:
Agricultural drainage systems:
Agricultural drainage systems that enhance soil quality and crop production use subsurface drainage techniques such as tile drains.
Subsurface drainage systems:
To avoid waterlogging, bury them in the soil to drain excess water. They consist of:
- Tile Drains
A network of underground pipes that collect water from fields or low-lying areas and transport it away through holes in the ground.
- French Drains
Feature a rock or gravel bed encircling a perforated pipe that collects and redirects groundwater.
Combined sewer systems:
The same sewer system collects rainwater runoff and wastewater from businesses and houses in certain older urban areas. Combined sewer overflows release raw sewage into bodies of water when these systems overflow due to excessive rainfall.
Stormwater Detention Basins:
Stormwater runoff basins help to temporarily store the water and gradually release it so that it does not cause floods downstream.
Green Infrastructure:
To control stormwater runoff and encourage ecological preservation, this method uses both natural and man-made systems. Rain gardens, permeable pavements, and green roofs are a few examples.
Stormwater Management Systems:
These systems help manage and treat stormwater runoff to prevent erosion and pollution. They consist of:
- Retention Ponds
Stormwater retention ponds are man-made bodies of water that collect and temporarily hold runoff from storms. This allows contaminants and sediment to settle out before releasing the water downstream.
- Bioretention Systems
Rain gardens help collect and treat stormwater runoff through natural processes such as absorption and filtering.
Urban drainage systems:
Subsurface, surface, and stormwater management components form comprehensive systems that control urban stormwater runoff.
Surface drainage systems:
The purpose of these systems is to control the flow of surface water. They consist of:
- Ditches:
These are man-made channels dug into the earth to collect runoff and direct it to wider drainage networks.
- Swales
These channels help to carry and slow down surface water runoff, which is shallow and vegetated.
- Downspouts and Gutters
When installed along roof edges, these help collect rainwater and channel it away from structures.
Several elements, including available funds, soil types, climate, and land use, determine the drainage system that is most suited for a certain area.
How does a commercial floor drain work?
Commercial floor drains operate similarly to standard floor drains. However, they undergo special engineering to handle higher water flows and, occasionally, solid debris, a common occurrence in industrial facilities, food processing plants, and restaurants. Here’s how a commercial floor drain works:
Collection Basin
A collecting basin embedded into the floor is the usual part of the drain. This basin features long-lasting materials, such as PVC or stainless steel. Additionally, its engineering ensures it can withstand harsh chemicals and heavy loads.
Cover or grate
A cover or grate sits atop the collecting basin. Through this grate, water can still drain into the drain, but larger objects and debris can’t get past it. For easier cleaning and maintenance, the grate could be detachable.
Piping
A system of pipes runs beneath the basin, carrying the wastewater to the sewer or another disposal system. For optimal drainage, the pipes are usually angled downward just a little.
Trap
Similar to their residential counterparts, commercial floor drains frequently feature a trap. This little length of U-shaped pipe is a seal to keep sewage gases outside the building. It stores just a small amount of water. The trap collects garbage and prevents it from clogging the drainpipe.
Ventilation
For effective drainage, sufficient air circulation is necessary. Professional installers link commercial floor drains to a ventilation system to avoid airlocks and maximize drainage efficiency. This allows air to circulate through the drainage system.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Commercial floor drains require regular maintenance and cleaning to work properly. This process includes cleaning the cover or grate, emptying the collection basin, and flushing the drain with a specialized cleaner or water on a regular basis. This will help to keep it clear of unpleasant odors and clogs.
A commercial floor drain keeps odors and clogs out of the building by collecting floor debris and wastewater and directing it into the drainage system.
What size is a commercial floor drain?
Commercial floor drains are available in a range of sizes to accommodate different applications and drainage needs. The standard diameter range for commercial floor drains is 2 to 12 inches. But there are bigger or custom-made drains that could be even larger. The anticipated volume of water flow, the flooring type, and local construction standards are some of the criteria that determine the size needed for a certain application.
Do commercial floor drains have traps?
Yes, a lot of commercial floor drains feature traps. Commercial drainage systems are only complete with traps. These block the entrance of pests, gases, and nasty smells to buildings via the drain pipes. A common design element in these traps is a U-shaped pipe holding little water. This forms a barrier that prevents smells and gases from passing through while letting liquids pass through.
Can PVC pipe be used in commercial drainage?
Yes, commercial drainage systems often use PVC pipes. Commercial drainage is just one of many uses for PVC pipes. They are lightweight, long-lasting, chemical, and corrosion-resistant. Municipal infrastructure, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings frequently use PVC pipes for stormwater drainage, sewer lines, and other wastewater systems. Commercial drainage projects often choose them because they are easy and cheap to install. Using PVC pipes for commercial drainage systems requires careful attention to relevant regulations. This is because building codes and standards can differ from one area to another.
What is the difference between commercial and domestic drainage?
While both home and commercial drainage systems are necessary, each system’s use, intricacy, and scale differ.
Use:
- Sewage from everyday home activities, including laundry, cooking, and bathing, usually ends up in domestic drainage systems. Although they occasionally experience problems, they are not under as much pressure as commercial systems.
- Heavy traffic and the potential need to manage many forms of waste, such as runoff and industrial effluents, strain commercial drainage systems. In order to handle these demands, they need to be more durable and capable.
Intricacy and scale:
- Compared to commercial types, domestic drainage systems are more compact and have a more straightforward design. Residential areas and homes produce significantly less wastewater. This is the primary reason these products are designed for use in domestic environments.
- Public facilities, industries, and businesses often have larger wastewater volumes. Thus, commercial drainage systems can handle those volumes. Because they cover more ground, elaborate pumps, pipes, and other systems are typically required.
Management and Maintenance:
- Maintenance is necessary for commercial and domestic drainage systems, but the former typically experience less frequent and less extensive needs. Regular maintenance can help homeowners avoid major problems, while they may occasionally have to fix leaks or clogs.
- Commercial drainage systems’ increased size and traffic necessitate more preventative maintenance and supervision. Preventing interruptions to company operations and ensuring compliance with rules requires regular repairs, cleaning, and inspections.
Standards and Regulations:
- While domestic drainage systems are subject to laws, they tend to be less intricate and primarily concerned with maintaining public health and sanitation requirements in housing areas.
- There are stricter rules and regulations for commercial drainage systems, particularly concerning the disposal of pollutants or dangerous chemicals. Businesses must comply with environmental standards or face fines and other legal ramifications.
Although both domestic and commercial drainage systems handle wastewater, there are notable differences between the two in terms of maintenance needs, use, scale, regulations, and intricacy.
Benefits of installing commercial drainage systems
There are several advantages to installing drainage systems for commercial properties and businesses:
Enhanced Visual Appeal
It is possible to build aesthetically pleasing drainage systems that complement the property’s landscape and architecture, enhancing its overall appearance.
Safety
Making sure the property’s drainage systems are in good working order reduces the likelihood of accidents, falls, and slips due to flooding or standing water. This makes it a safer place for both customers and staff.
Sustainability
Several modern drainage systems incorporate environmentally friendly elements, such as rainwater harvesting systems and permeable pavements, to promote sustainability by reducing water usage and runoff.
Compliance with Regulations
Rules for drainage and stormwater management exist in many different jurisdictions. To avoid fines or legal trouble, it is important to have a commercial drainage system that complies with these laws.
Foundation Protection
Buildings with well-designed drainage systems have less chance of water damaging their foundations. They also endure longer due to the redirection of water away from the base.
Boost Property Value
Ensuring a functional and safe environment, minimizing maintenance costs, and protecting infrastructure are all ways in which a well-managed drainage system can increase a business property’s value.
Landscape Conservation
The outdoor and landscape areas surrounding commercial properties are protected from soil erosion and waterlogging thanks to drainage systems.
Water Damage Prevention
When drainage systems effectively prevent water collection, inventories, structures, and buildings are less likely to sustain water damage.
Mold and Mildew Prevention
Standing water leads to the formation of mold and mildew, which impacts both indoor air quality and health. You can lessen mold and mildew by ensuring that water does not pool.
If you care about the property’s stability, the safety of your customers, the environment, and meeting regulatory requirements, then commercial drainage systems are the best option. Top of Form
Conclusion
Commercial drainage systems need planning and construction according to local construction codes and regulations to work properly and protect the environment. Routine maintenance is essential to avoid damage, clogs, and system failure.