Hospital & HealthcareDrainage Solutions

The Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals establish drainage requirements for healthcare facilities. Key provisions address floor drains in procedure rooms, isolation room requirements, sterile processing drainage, and mechanical room separation. Most state licensing agencies adopt FGI guidelines as minimum standards.

Operating room drainage requirements vary by jurisdiction and procedure type. Many ORs require floor drains for cleanup, while some codes allow ORs without drains if adequate cleaning protocols exist. When installed, OR drains must be sanitary stainless steel with accessible traps, trap primers to maintain water seals, and covers that permit cleaning while preventing debris entry.

Sterile Processing Departments (SPD) require sanitary 316L stainless steel floor drains with smooth, cleanable surfaces. Decontamination areas need drains capable of handling high-temperature water from washers. Clean and sterile areas may have minimal drains. Drainage must be separated by zone to prevent cross-contamination. NSF-listed equipment drains are typically required.

Hospital drainage design addresses infection control through: sanitary materials that resist biofilm formation, trap primers that maintain water seals to prevent sewer gas entry, air gaps between equipment drains and floor drains, cleanable surfaces without crevices that harbor pathogens, and proper zoning to prevent cross-contamination between clean and soiled areas.

Ambulance bays require heavy-duty trench drains (Class D minimum) to handle vehicle loads while managing water and biohazard washdown. Drainage should contain spills and direct flow to appropriate treatment. Sloped floors and adequate drain capacity handle decontamination scenarios. Helipad areas require similar considerations with higher load ratings.

Hospital laboratory drainage depends on the specific laboratory type. Clinical labs may drain to sanitary sewer with appropriate traps. Histology and pathology labs require chemical-resistant materials. Radioactive material labs need specialized waste handling. Acid neutralization may be required before discharge. Coordinate with laboratory equipment requirements.

316L stainless steel is the standard for healthcare drainage due to its corrosion resistance, cleanability, and durability. Surface finishes of 32 Ra or finer minimize bacterial adhesion. Type 304 stainless is acceptable for less critical areas. Cast iron with epoxy coating may be used in mechanical spaces. Avoid materials with porous surfaces or crevices.

Patient room bathrooms require standard sanitary floor drains. Isolation rooms may have additional requirements including negative pressure compatibility and dedicated drainage. Bariatric patient rooms need drains sized for higher flow from specialized shower systems. All patient area drainage must support thorough cleaning protocols.

Morgue and autopsy areas require specialized drainage for biohazard containment. Floor drains must handle high-volume washdown with chemical cleaners. Body preparation areas need adequate drainage slope and capacity. Some facilities require holding tanks or treatment before discharge. Stainless steel construction with seamless connections is standard.

Hospital drainage requires regular maintenance including trap primer verification, drain cleaning and inspection, P-trap seal confirmation, and sediment removal. Infection control protocols may specify cleaning frequencies. Maintenance documentation supports Joint Commission and state licensing requirements. Consider ease of maintenance access when specifying drains.