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Drainage
FAQs

Your technical resource for stainless steel drainage specifications, installation procedures, regular maintenance, and regulatory compliance standards.

1. Product Specifications & Material Benefits

We manufacture our premium commercial drainage systems using high-grade stainless steel (Grade 304 and Grade 316) because it offers superior corrosion resistance, exceptional durability, and maximum hygiene. Grade 304 is ideal for standard commercial kitchens and drainage applications, while Grade 316 stainless steel provides enhanced resistance against chlorides and harsh chemicals, making it the perfect choice for industrial chemical processing plants, marine environments, and food production facilities.

Our stainless steel drainage covers and gratings are engineered to meet strict international load-bearing standards. We supply solutions ranging from Light-Duty pedestrian gratings (Class A) to Heavy-Duty industrial load-rated covers (Class C and D) capable of handling heavy forklift and commercial vehicle traffic in warehouses and loading bays.

Yes. While we offer standard sizing, Herbish specialises in custom-fabricated stainless steel water channels and linear slot drains. We engineer custom lengths, variable depths, built-in falls (slopes), and specific outlet positions to seamlessly integrate into your architectural blueprints and floor layouts.

2. Floor Drain Installation Guidelines

Proper installation ensures a flush finish and a water-tight seal. Follow these core steps for installing a stainless steel floor drain:

  • Setting the Level: Position the floor drain body so the top rim sits approximately 1mm to 2mm below the anticipated finished floor level (FFL) to ensure correct water runoff.
  • Securing the Unit: Use the integrated anchoring lugs to fix the drain firmly to the sub-floor or reinforcement mesh before pouring the concrete slab.
  • Applying Waterproofing: If using a clamping flange, transition your waterproofing membrane directly into the flange assembly to prevent subsurface moisture tracking.
  • Bedding and Tiling: Slurry coat and fill all voids beneath the drain bowl with non-shrink grout. Slope the surrounding floor tiles evenly from all sides toward the floor drain point.

Our industrial stainless steel floor drains are available with either vertical or horizontal outlets. They are engineered for seamless connection to standard plumbing systems via push-fit socket connections, mechanical couplings (such as rubber fernco couplers), or direct welding to stainless steel pipework, ensuring a completely leak-proof plumbing installation.

3. Water Channel & Trench Drain Installation

Linear stainless steel water channels handle significant thermal and structural stress. To support reliable long-term operation, follow this installation protocol:

  • Alignment & Leveling: Assemble channel sections using the provided leveling feet and flange bolts. Ensure the channel runs perfectly straight.
  • Concrete Anchoring: Secure the built-in concrete ties into the bedding layer to prevent the channel from floating or shifting while concrete is poured.
  • Full Grout Bedding: It is critical to pack high-strength, non-shrink epoxy or cementitious grout completely under the shoulders of the water channel. Any hollow voids left underneath will cause the steel to flex under wheel loads, eventually cracking the surrounding floor resin or tiles.
  • Expansion Joints: Always install floor expansion joints parallel to the stainless steel channel edge to absorb thermal expansion from hot water washdowns.

To maintain optimum flow rates and self-cleansing velocity, our stainless steel water channels can be custom-fabricated with a built-in internal fall (slope), typically ranging from 1:100 to 1:200. For constant-depth or flat channels, the installation team must slope the actual concrete floor screed toward the channel to prevent stagnant, standing water.

4. Maintenance, Cleaning & Hygiene

Regular maintenance of your stainless steel grease trap prevents blockages, foul odours, and municipal compliance violations.

  • Daily/Weekly: Remove the solid waste basket and empty accumulated debris. Skim the hardened fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from the surface of the water.
  • Monthly: Deep clean the interior walls using a soft cloth or nylon brush with a mild, non-abrasive detergent.
  • Important: Never use bleach, harsh acids, or steel wool, as these can disrupt the protective chromium oxide layer on the stainless steel, leading to surface pitting.

Do wash frequently with water (preferably hot water) followed by rinsing with cold water. A little "Sunlight" dishwashing liquid or soap may be added to the first wash water, but too much dishwashing liquid or soap will cause "clouding" of the surface.

Do wash down floor drains, drainage channels and grease traps regularly. While stainless steel is generally an extremely hard metal, it will start corroding if left in contact too long with ordinary ingredients such as salt, milk, fruit juices etc.

Do follow the following remedial procedures when faced with the following situations:

  • Rust Stains: Mix a solution of 1 (one) part nitric acid to 9 (nine) parts warm water (by volume), leave the solution in contact with the stained stainless steel for 1 (one) hour and then flush with cold water thoroughly.
  • Acids: Avoid all acids at all costs. Rinse immediately with warm water. Repeat twice.
  • Bleaches: Rinse immediately with hot soapy water.

Don't use "silver" cleaners.

Don't use chloride containing cleaning solutions. These will corrode the stainless steel.

Don't use scouring materials and harsh abrasives, such as steel wool and wire brushes for cleaning stainless steel. The surface responds best to the gentlest of cleaning methods. Carbon steel, if left in contact with the stainless steel surface will rust and permanently stain the surface of your Herbish products.

Don't use acids (especially hydrochloric acid). Tile grout removing chemicals are particularly aggressive and will pit and ultimately corrode through stainless steel if not thoroughly rinsed away.

In high-hygiene environments like food processing plants or commercial kitchens, stainless steel drains should be flushed and inspected daily as part of your standard sanitation protocol. Lift the drainage covers weekly to clear out any trapped organic matter in the sediment baskets to maintain optimum hydraulic flow and strict hygiene standards.

Why Choose Herbish

Built for People
Who Specify.

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Built to Last

Manufactured from premium 304 and 316 grade stainless steel, offering ultimate corrosion resistance and hygienic performance.

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Delivered Fast

Our core ranges are kept in stock, while our in-house manufacturing capabilities allow for rapid turnaround on custom orders.

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Trusted by Industry

Over 20 years supplying specialised drainage systems to commercial kitchens and industrial facilities across South Africa and internationally.