When it comes to running a successful laundromat, the drainage system is crucial. Flooding can cause significant damage and disrupt your business operations. Of course, these emergencies always happen at the most inopportune time. In this guide, we will explore how to design an effective drainage system, perform preventative maintenance, and avoid the dreaded laundromat flooding.
Understanding the Importance of Drainage Systems
Every laundromat owner dreads the call about flooding. It can happen at the most inconvenient times, such as during busy hours or significant events like Sunday Night Football. A flooded laundromat can lead to costly repairs, a frustrated owner/operator and poor the least desirable, a poor customer experience. Therefore, understanding and maintaining your drainage system is vital for your business.
The Two Parts of a Laundromat Drainage System
A laundromat’s drainage system consists of two main components: the primary drain lines and the bulkhead drains or secondary drains. Let’s break down each part.
Primary Drain Lines
The primary drain lines are located beneath the concrete floor and carry wastewater out to the street. Older laundromats typically have four-inch drain lines, while modern setups may often use six-inch lines. A larger drain line can help prevent flooding by allowing more water to flow out quickly.
Bulkhead Drains
Bulkhead drains connect the washing machines to the primary drain lines. These can be a closed system, often made of PVC, or open systems like drain troughs. Drain troughs serve as temporary holding tanks, allowing water from multiple machines to flow into them before draining into the primary system. Using drain troughs for your bulkhead drains is beneficial when it comes to water disbursement at peak times, as well as they have built in lint interceptors or “lint screens” which filter out much of the debris that would otherwise reach your primary drains. In fact, drain troughs are so useful that many municipalities are now requiring them by code.
Proactive Measures to Prevent Flooding
Being proactive rather than reactive is crucial for maintaining a functional drainage system. Here are some strategies to consider:
Regular Inspections
Regularly inspect your drainage system to identify potential issues. If you’re acquiring an old laundromat, have a plumber camera the lines to check for clogs, deterioration, or complete collapse before closing if possible. This can prevent major flooding issues in the future but also can allow for a point of renegotiation if you find major issues.
Annual Maintenance
Schedule annual maintenance for your drainage system annually if you can. This should include cameras, hydro jetting to clear any debris and ensuring that lint interceptors are cleaned regularly. Proper maintenance can prevent clogs and flooding.
Choosing the Right Drainage System
When designing a drainage system, consider the following factors:
Drain Size
For smaller laundromats (under 3,000 square feet), a four-inch drain line may suffice. However, for larger operations, a six-inch line is recommended. This helps ensure that water drains quickly and efficiently, reducing the risk of flooding. As mentioned before, drain troughs can be very helpful as well.
Drain Trough Specifications
Drain troughs should ideally be no wider than 18 inches. Wider troughs can lead to sediment build-up and odors. Additionally, ensure that the drain trough is pitched correctly to facilitate water flow. A recommended pitch is 1/8 inch per foot.
Using Epoxy Sleeves
If you have an older, collapsing drain line, consider using epoxy sleeves. This method is less disruptive and often more cost-effective than replacing the entire system. The sleeve creates a new, durable lining inside the existing drainpipe.
Common Causes of Laundromat Flooding
Understanding what causes flooding can help you take preventative measures. Here are some common culprits:
Clogged Drains
Clogs can occur due to debris, lint, and other materials entering the drainage system. If drains are not regularly maintained, they can become blocked, leading to water overflow.
Improperly Sized Drains
Using drains that are too small for the volume of water generated by your machines can lead to flooding. Ensure that your drainage system is appropriately sized for the number of machines and their water output.
Poor Maintenance
If lint interceptors and other components are not cleaned regularly, debris can build up and cause blockages. Regular maintenance is key to preventing flooding.
Addressing Odors from Drain Troughs
Another issue laundromat owners face is odors emanating from drain troughs. Here are some tips to prevent bad smells:
Proper Sizing and Pitch
Ensure that drain troughs are properly sized and pitched. We recommend no more than 18” in width to allow for ideal flow of water. I have seen wider troughs at times, and anything wider than 18” can often lead to significant issues.
When it comes to pitch of the trough, always follow your local code requirements. Typically, the same pitch requirements apply to a trough as with a closed system such as PVC. Most often, these requirements are 1/8” of pitch for every linear foot of drain. Never take these details lightly as s well-designed system will help prevent standing water, which can lead to odors and clogs.
Regular Cleaning
Regularly clean lint interceptors and drain troughs to remove debris and prevent smells. Even the best designed system requires maintenance. Maintaining a clean system is essential for a pleasant customer experience, even when they rarely see the system itself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining an effective drainage system is crucial for preventing laundromat flooding. By being proactive rather than reactive, choosing the right system, designing it with every detail in mind, and performing regular maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure a positive experience for you and your customers. The key is to treat your drainage system as a vital component of your business, not just an afterthought. If you do this, everyone will be happy and your laundromat business most vital resource will function at optimal efficiency at all times.
