HOW
TO SELECT A FLOOR DRAIN
Floor drains are primarily used for inside locations
where the flow rate in to the drain can be anticipated
and for the outside areas where rainfall volume
dictates sizing. Drains should be selected with
the sufficient top size and grate free area
to pass the anticipated flow. Grate free area
is defined as the total area of the drainage
openings in the grate. The drain outlet should
be sized large enough so that it will safely
pass the maximum flow through the grate, without
creating buildup.
SIZING AND LOCATION
For most indoor installations, the grate free
area should equal the transverse area of the
connecting pipe. The number and locations of
drains are based on the configuration of the
floor plan, type of operation and location of
equipment. Location and number of the floor
drains required can be determined only after
careful review of the plans and anticipated
building use.
Floor
drains or area drains, when used to drain exterior
areas, should have an open area equal to twice
the cross section area of the connecting pipe.
|
|
Nominal
pipe
size
inch
|
Transverse
area of pipe
sq. inch
|
Min
flow
requirements
(interior area)
sq. inch
|
Min
flow
requirements
(exterior area)
sq. inch
|
|
|
|
|
|
Most
drains are available with nickel bronze or bronze
tops to match the surroundings trim in finished
areas. Usually finished areas require light duty
to medium duty tops. Round and square styles are
available to blend with all types of construction
and floor patterns. The round top is the most
flexible type since it can be easily oriented
to most floor patterns.
ADJUSTABLE
TOP
The Frank Pattern series of floor drains are
available with over 5 round 2 square different
strainer heads. Strainer heads have a 3 3/4
- 11 1/2 threaded shank which treads into the
top collar. This type of drain is particularly
adaptable to two pour construction, such as
bathrooms, shower rooms, locker rooms, and other
light duty finished areas. Strainer head is
easily adjusted when the tile floor is being
set.
Reversible
top collar permits adjustment of the strainer
as low as 3/4" (measured from top of the body
pan to finished floor). This low position is
particularly adaptable for installations where
ceramic tile is applied directly to the slab.
With collar in regular position, sufficient
adjustment is available for all normal two pour
applications. Usually the normal sand and cement
fill and ceramic tile measures approximately
1 1/2". For unusually deep floor fills or unique
construction, additional height can be obtained
by using a suffix E x 100 extension.
