How to Install a Floor Drain in a Concrete Slab

How to Install a Floor Drain in a Concrete Slab If you are a first timer, you must realise that a floor drain in a basement or a garage provides convenience when the owners looks to drain off any unnecessary, spilled water or if the surface is prone to flooding. To put it a layman’s language, drains for concrete can become extremely beneficial when the climate is too cold to wash the car outside. Moreover the clean-up will be as effortless and quick as pushing the water towards the drain.

Overview You need to understand that floor installation on an existing concrete slab for drainage requires some concrete sawing. Ideally you may choose to bring in some professional to evaluate any trench in the concrete floor- from the gutter to the drain pipe exit. They will help you to remove the sawed Concrete from the building. All you have to do is dispose it in the end.

You or a skilled plumber could choose to dig out the dirt from the trench for the purpose of drainpipe installation- thereby making way for a proper pitch. You will have the drain installed flush with the existing floor. Then again, you can shield the pipe with the freshly dug out dirt and use a hand tamper to achieve compactness.

Ideally, any plumber or you would want to install the concrete drain box where there is a low spot in the existing concrete floor. Otherwise you will have to consider the option of pouring a new base over the existing one while pitching the new floor to the drain.

Preparation Most experts and skilled plumbers will tell you that floor drain installation before the cement pouring is the most effortless and easy option. This is essentially since you can level off the area quickly with a slight bevel. This will essentially help the water run towards the centre of the floor or wherever it is located.

It’s essential mentioning that you should always know which materials typically or will be entering your drain. If there is just regular water, you could essentially connect it to your existing sewer or septic system. All you will have to do is discover the regulations and local codes if there’s a chance that you will use hazardous materials in your basement or garage.

Planning Drainage for New Flooring You must essentially pay considerable focus on planning the drainage when developing a new floor.

All you need to do is layout the pipes and setup the drainage cover and trap. If you are a first timer, you must realise that a trap will provide assistance in cleaning your drain. Furthermore you will be able to manage better and keep larger debris out of the gutter.

Planning Drainage for an Existing Floor It’s essential mentioning that you will also face situations where you will have no alternative but consider floor drain installation into an existing concrete floor. Although the process is not complicated, it typically consumes time. Furthermore, you will also take up heavy equipment for

using. This is primarily since you will have to knock down the existing Concrete for putting the new floor drain in.

Dig Trenches for Drain Pipes Then again, you must also realise that you will need to raise awareness and alerts in advance to have your utilities marked early before you dig. This will prevent you from ignoring a potential gas line accident.

Furthermore, its better mentioning that the owner must consider digging a trench for the new pipe to go from the area where the floor drain is strategically placed to the existing septic piping. This is only if the owner is planning to tie into the current septic system. This is where an experienced plumber will suggest you to use a backhoe that can make this effortless and quick. Or you could choose digging it by hand to lower any damage to landscaping. Moreover you will also have to dig under the garage exterior.

Dig a Trench in the Concrete Floor You could also use a jackhammer to dig a trench for the new floor drain in the concrete. However, you must ensure appropriate safety gear, which may include goggles, to avoid injury. Furthermore, you will have to dig under the wall for establishing a connection with the trench outside. You should ideally lay the piping and secure it into the septic system.

Final Thoughts In conclusion, it only fits to admit that floor drain installation in a concrete slab is an extremely common and not so complicated process. One can achieve it if only the resources and manual support is appropriate. If you are looking for some external help, you could bring the good folks from Nova Formworks.