What Is a Drain Trough?

06 Apr What Is a Drain Trough?

In commercial laundry applications, standard drains don’t quite cut it. Industrial washers can discharge up to 40 gallons of water in seconds, creating a huge surge that standard piping systems simply aren’t designed to handle. 

A drain trough, also known as a laundry trough, is an open-channel filtration system engineered to manage rapid discharge velocity. The system can also filter solids before wastewater enters the sewer system, helping to prevent backups and pipe failure.

Drain Trough Design for Commercial Laundry Systems

A commercial laundry drain trough is typically a rectangular, open-top unit made from noncorrosive materials. Drains are usually installed behind or beneath commercial washers and connect to the main drain line. 

Drain trough design serves two primary functions. The first is flow dissipation, slowing the high-velocity discharge from extractors. The second is debris filtration. Troughs capture solids via integrated lint screens before they enter P-traps and main lines. 

A properly designed drain trough is ideal for mixed-equipment laundries where both gravity and pump drains are in operation. 

Gravity vs. Pump Drains

Before installing a new drain trough, you first need to understand the different washer discharge types — gravity drains and pump drains. 

Gravity drain washers use a dump valve that releases water instantly, which can overwhelm 2-inch pipes. Pump drain washers mechanically force water out at controlled intervals. While less abrupt, they still introduce high volumes of water into the system. 

With the right trough, you can manage discharge from either washer type efficiently and reliably. This dual compatibility reduces the risk of backups and keeps laundry systems running smoothly.

Closed PVC Plumbing vs. Open Drain Troughs

PVC plumbing has design limitations that can often lead to subpar performance or even failure. 

Areas of failure often include:

• Airlocks: Closed systems trap air, slowing drainage and causing suds to back up into water drums.  

• Inaccessibility: Limited access makes it difficult to reach clogs without cutting into the wall or the floor. 

• Lint accumulation: High levels of lint can harden inside pipes over time, leading to pipe replacements. 

Drain troughs combat these concerns by allowing atmospheric breaks. Open systems allow air to escape, maintaining optimal flow speed. Top-access lint screens are also an improvement, making daily cleaning possible for staff. 

For high-output operations, these differences can drastically improve uptime and reduce maintenance costs. 

Commercial Washing Machine Drain Trough Sizing

Proper sizing is crucial for continuous system performance. Factors to consider include:

• Number of machines connected
• Gallons per cycle 
• Simultaneous discharge probability 

The relationship between your pipe diameter and your trough volume is fundamental. Undersized troughs can cause overflow, while oversized systems can lead to unnecessary installation costs. When you work with H-M Company Drain Troughs, we’ll ensure your specifications align precisely and deliver long-term performance.

Why Distributors and Plumbers Trust H-M Company

H-M Company has been manufacturing drain troughs in Ohio since 1992, giving us decades of knowledge in the laundry niche. Our industry expertise ensures reliable supply chains nationwide. 

Distributors also trust us because of our UPC certification, which is crucial for passing plumbing inspections. When you work with us, you can count on high standards that ensure continuous quality control. 

Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach, we also offer custom fabrication tailored to exact dimensions, ensuring your drain trough is the perfect match for your operation.

Request a Quote From H-M Company Today 

Whether you’re specifying a new commercial laundry operation or you’re upgrading an existing system, selecting the right drain trough is critical for long-term performance. At H-M Company, we provide detailed specifications, installation guides and sizing assistance, ensuring you have the support you need through every step of the process. 

Contact our expert team today to request spec sheets or for a custom quote tailored to your site. You can also call us at 513-281-3832.