Correctional FacilityDrainage Solutions
Security-grade drainage systems engineered for prisons and detention centers. Anti-ligature designs, tamper-proof fasteners, and vandal-resistant construction meet the demanding requirements of correctional environments.
Correctional Facility Drainage Challenges
Prisons and detention centers demand drainage systems that prioritize security, prevent self-harm, resist vandalism, and maintain function in the most demanding institutional environment.
Anti-Ligature Requirements
Correctional drainage must prevent self-harm through ligature attachment. Grates must be flush-mounted with no gaps exceeding 1/8", no projections for anchor points, and tamper-proof or welded installation to prevent removal.
Tamper-Proof Design
Every drain component in inmate-accessible areas must resist tampering. Security fasteners, welded grates, and heavy-duty materials prevent unauthorized removal, weaponization, or use for contraband concealment.
Vandal Resistance
Drainage systems must withstand intentional damage from kicking, impact, and deliberate clogging. Heavy-gauge stainless steel and ductile iron construction survives years of abuse while maintaining function.
Security Perimeter Integrity
Drainage at vehicle sallyports, fencing, and building penetrations must not compromise security. Large conduits require security barriers. Grates must prevent tool passage or use as hiding spots.
Correctional Facility Drainage by Area
Each zone of a correctional facility has specific security requirements that determine drainage design, material selection, and installation methods.
Inmate Housing Units
Anti-ligature, flush-mount, welded or security-fastened grates, no openings >1/8", heavy-duty SS or cast iron
Maximum security requirements. Mental health units may require drain elimination or specialty designs.
Recommended Products:
Showers & Wet Areas
Anti-ligature linear drains, security fasteners, slip-resistant but non-grip surface, ADA compliance
Balance water evacuation with security. Supervision level affects security requirements.
Recommended Products:
Recreation Yards
Heavy-duty Class C-D trench drains, welded or bolted ductile iron grates, freeze-thaw resistant
Outdoor exposure requires corrosion resistance. Secure all components against removal.
Recommended Products:
Vehicle Sallyports
Class D-E trench drains, welded steel grates, secure sump covers, contraband-prevention design
Critical security transition zone. All components must be secured to prevent tampering.
Recommended Products:
Kitchen & Food Service
NSF-listed drains with security fasteners, grease interceptors, commercial kitchen standards plus security
Food service codes plus security. Separate inmate-accessible and staff-only areas.
Recommended Products:
Medical & Infirmary
Healthcare-grade sanitary drains with security features, anti-ligature in housing, standard in treatment
Medical areas may have reduced security requirements in staff-controlled zones.
Recommended Products:
Visitation & Common Areas
Tamper-proof but moderate security, ADA compliance, durable construction
Supervised areas may allow less restrictive designs. Maintain tamper-proof fasteners.
Recommended Products:
Secure Perimeter & Fencing
Security barriers in large conduits, anti-climb considerations, weather-resistant materials
Prevent use for escape or contraband. Coordinate with security system design.
Recommended Products:
Correctional Facility Drainage Products Compared
Compare security floor drains, anti-ligature systems, and heavy-duty grates for correctional environments. Focus on security features, durability, and compliance.
Anti-Ligature Floor Drains
Load Class: B-CPurpose-built floor drains for correctional housing units meeting anti-ligature requirements. Flush-mount design with minimal openings and welded or security-fastened grates.
Best For:
- Inmate housing cells
- Mental health units
- Segregation areas
Considerations:
- Reduced flow due to small openings
- Requires more frequent cleaning
Security Linear Shower Drains
Load Class: A-BLinear drain systems with anti-ligature profiles and security fasteners for correctional shower areas. Balances water evacuation with security requirements.
Best For:
- Housing unit showers
- Gymnasium shower areas
- ADA-compliant wet rooms
Considerations:
- Specify security fastener type
- Coordinate with supervision level
Heavy-Duty Security Grates
Load Class: C-FDuctile iron trench grates designed for correctional applications. Heavy construction deters removal and resists damage. Various security patterns available.
Best For:
- Recreation yards
- Vehicle sallyports
- Exterior walkways
Considerations:
- Heavy—secure installation critical
- Coordinate security fastener type
R-4990 Security Series
Load Class: C-FMunicipal-grade ductile iron trench grates with security bolt-down options. AASHTO M306 compliant for vehicle loading areas.
Best For:
- Vehicle sallyports
- Loading docks
- Perimeter roads
Considerations:
- Security bolts require specification
- Buy America compliant
PowerDrain S200K
Load Class: D-EHeavy-duty polymer concrete trench drain for vehicle areas. Ductile iron edge rails protect channel. High load capacity for transport vehicles.
Best For:
- Vehicle sallyports
- Transport staging
- Loading areas
Considerations:
- Specify security grate locking
- Ductile iron grates for highest loads
Stainless Floor Drains
Load Class: A-CCommercial floor drains available with security hardware for correctional applications. Multiple strainer patterns and security options.
Best For:
- Supervised areas
- Visitation rooms
- Administrative spaces
Considerations:
- Specify security screws for correctional use
- Standard for staff-only areas
Pro Series with Security
Load Class: A-DChannel drain system with locking grate options suitable for supervised correctional areas. Cost-effective for lower-security applications.
Best For:
- Visitation areas
- Administrative zones
- Staff-controlled spaces
Considerations:
- Not for inmate housing
- Good for supervised areas
Security Sump Covers
Load Class: C-EHeavy-duty sump and cleanout covers with security fasteners and anti-pry designs. Prevents contraband concealment in drain access points.
Best For:
- Sump access points
- Cleanout locations
- Utility access covers
Considerations:
- Critical for contraband prevention
- Specify security fastener type
| Product Line | Sizes | Load Class | Material | Max Opening | Anti-Ligature | Width | Security Fasteners | ADA Options | Security Hardware | Welded Options | AASHTO | Bolt-Down | Edge Rail | Grate Lock | Vandal Resistant | Locking Grates | ADA Grates | Security Lock | Anti-Pry | Best For | Considerations |
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Specialty Anti-Ligature Floor DrainsClass B-C | 4-6" | B-C | 304/316 SS | 1/8" |
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Specialty Security Linear Shower DrainsClass A-B | A-B | 316 SS | 2-4" |
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| C-F | Ductile Iron | 8-24" |
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| C-F | Ductile Iron | 8-24" |
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| D-E | Polymer Concrete | 8" | Ductile Iron |
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| 4-12" | A-C | 304/316 SS | Optional |
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| A-D | Polyolefin | 5-8" |
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Specialty Security Sump CoversClass C-E | 12-36" | C-E | Steel/DI |
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Specifications may vary by model. Consult manufacturer documentation for exact specifications. Load ratings require proper installation with concrete encasement per manufacturer guidelines.
Key Installation Considerations
Correctional drainage installation requires careful attention to security specifications, anti-ligature requirements, and coordination with facility security.
Security Fastener Specification
Coordinate security fastener type with facility operations. Common options include pin-in-Torx, Mortorq, and spanner head. Ensure tools are available to maintenance staff but controlled. Document fastener type in facility security manual.
Anti-Ligature Verification
Verify installed drains meet anti-ligature requirements: flush mounting (no projection >1/8"), maximum opening size per specification, no anchor points. Mental health units may have stricter requirements. Document compliance for ACA accreditation.
Welded Grate Installation
High-security areas may require welded-in-place grates. Welds must be continuous, ground smooth, and free of gaps. Field welding requires qualified welders and inspection. Factory-welded assemblies preferred where possible.
Contraband Prevention
Design drainage to prevent contraband concealment. Minimize void spaces accessible from occupied areas. Secure all access points (sumps, cleanouts) with tamper-proof covers. Consider visibility and inspection requirements.
Maintainability Balance
Balance security with maintenance access. Locate cleanouts in staff-controlled areas when possible. Specify security fasteners that maintenance staff can efficiently remove. Plan for cleaning by supervised inmate work details.
ADA Compliance
Correctional facilities must meet ADA requirements in accessible areas. Grate openings must not impede mobility devices. Balance slip resistance with security surface requirements. Document compliance for DOJ standards.
Explore Product Lines for Correctional Facilities
Correctional Facility Drainage FAQ
Common questions about drainage systems for prisons and detention centers.
Anti-ligature design prevents inmates from attaching ligatures (ropes, clothing) to fixtures for self-harm or suicide attempts. Drain grates must be flush-mounted with no gaps exceeding 1/8", use tamper-proof fasteners, and have no projections that could serve as anchor points. Many facilities require welded-in-place grates or security covers in housing units.
Common tamper-proof fastener types include pin-in-Torx, Mortorq, spanner head, and proprietary security screws. These require special tools not available to inmates. Some facilities specify flush or countersunk fasteners to eliminate grip points. In high-security areas, welded grates eliminate fasteners entirely.
Housing area floor drains must be anti-ligature, tamper-proof, and vandal-resistant. Stainless steel or heavy-duty cast iron construction is standard. Grates are typically flush-mounted with minimal openings. Some facilities eliminate visible drains in cells, using corridor drainage instead. Shower drains require similar security features.
Recreation yards need durable trench drains with heavy-duty grates (Class C-D minimum). Ductile iron or welded steel grates prevent removal. Frames must be securely anchored to prevent prying. Grate openings should prevent debris insertion that could clog systems. Consider freeze-thaw durability in cold climates.
Vehicle sallyports require heavy-duty trench drains (Class D-E) to handle transport vehicles while capturing water and preventing debris from entering the secure perimeter. Grates must be welded or secured with security fasteners. Sumps may require secure covers to prevent contraband concealment.
Correctional kitchen drainage follows commercial kitchen standards (grease interceptors, NSF-listed drains) with added security measures. Grates in inmate-accessible areas require security fasteners. Equipment connections should prevent contraband concealment. Some facilities separate inmate-accessible and staff-only areas.
Heavy-duty 304 or 316 stainless steel and ductile iron are standard for correctional drainage. These materials resist vandalism, corrosion from cleaning chemicals, and long-term abuse. Cast iron may be used where weight deters theft. Avoid plastic components in inmate-accessible areas as they can be broken and weaponized.
Correctional showers require anti-ligature linear or point drains with security fasteners. Strainer patterns must prevent finger entrapment while allowing water flow. Continuous supervision areas may allow more conventional designs, while housing unit showers need maximum security features. Consider ADA requirements for accessible facilities.
Correctional drainage must balance security with maintainability. Cleanout access should be in staff-controlled areas when possible. Removable grates (when used) require security fasteners that staff can efficiently remove with controlled tools. Design for cleaning with standard equipment used by inmate work details under supervision.
Mental health housing requires the most stringent anti-ligature measures. Floor drains may be eliminated entirely or use specialty flush designs. Any required drains must have welded grates, no openings exceeding 3/32", and be completely flush with the floor. Consult ACA and DOJ standards for mental health unit requirements.
Planning a Correctional Facility Drainage Project?
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