In high-use washrooms such as gyms, spas and hotels, drainage has to fit around a lot more than the floor surface. Specifiers and contractors may be working with shallow floor build-ups, demanding hygiene standards and sustainability targets, while still being expected to deliver a finished space that looks the part.
In this Q&A, Erik Mul, Technical Product Manager at ACO Building Drainage, explains where drainage can become difficult and what buyers and retailers need to know to help projects succeed.
Why is drainage such an important consideration in washroom design?
It is easy to overlook drainage because, once a washroom is finished, most of it is out of sight. However, if the system has been poorly specified, the problems tend to become very noticeable. Poor flow, blockages and unpleasant odours can all affect how the washroom performs, while putting things right later can be costly.
There is also the wider impact to think about. The end-user experience is a high priority for high-end hospitality establishments and should therefore be kept in mind when drainage systems are being specified and installed. If there are problems the business suffers and satisfaction with the overall job takes a hit. Giving drainage proper consideration from the start means designs can proactively take constraints into account rather than having to compromise to make things work.
What considerations are needed for retrofits or refurbs?
Refurbishment projects can leave specifiers with very little room to work with. The same is true of many retrofits. Floor build-ups may be low, service voids can be restricted, and existing pipework can make routing more complicated.
These types of limits often mean that ideal conditions are that bit harder to achieve. Effective drainage should really be non-negotiable.
In retrofitting or refurbishment projects, having a clear early understanding of the solutions available, effective drainage and aesthetics goals should complement rather than compete.
This is especially relevant for gyms and hotels where systems have to handle changing hydraulic conditions. Large fluctuations can significantly increase the risk of pooling
What should specifiers prioritise when selecting a washroom drainage system?
There are three things I would look at: adaptability, hydraulic performance and serviceability.
Adaptability matters when space is tight or installation conditions differ from one project to another. Low-profile systems, flexible outlet configurations and modular components can make installation more straightforward and reduce the need for extensive structural alterations.
It also helps when the system gives the specifier some room to adjust the installation. Adjustable frames and different outlet orientations, for example, can make it easier to work with existing substrates and waterproofing systems.
How can specifiers ensure reliable hydraulic performance?
Start with the expected peak level of use and make sure the channels and gullies have the right flow rates that are suitable. This will help reduce the risk of standing water and ensure the drainage system can deal with periods of high demand.
Trap design and channel capacity also need to be considered. More importantly, the system should be assessed as a whole. Looking at individual components in isolation does not necessarily tell you how the complete drainage arrangement will perform.
What role does maintenance play in the specification process?
A washroom that is busy every day needs a drainage system that can be maintained without unnecessary difficulty. Easy access for cleaning and routine maintenance without specialist tools is vital.
It is also worth considering what happens to debris. A design that helps limit build-up and makes routine cleaning straightforward can help operators maintain high hygiene standards while reducing the work involved in maintenance.
How has ACO responded to these washroom drainage challenges?
The latest ACO Building Drainage ShowerDrain range has been developed around the same issues specifiers are dealing with: adaptability, hydraulic efficiency and ease of maintenance.
It includes low-build, modular solutions that can suit different floor constructions and layout requirements.
The range also features enhanced gully designs, with improved flow rates, simpler cleaning and easier installation. These characteristics make it suitable for demanding hotel, leisure and other high-use commercial applications.
Can specifiers achieve performance, hygiene and aesthetics without making trade-offs?
Yes, but drainage needs to be considered early, and the products need to be selected around the requirements of the project.
There is no reason for hydraulic performance, hygiene, adaptability and aesthetics to be treated as separate priorities. By bringing those requirements together in one drainage system, ACO ShowerDrain can help specifiers achieve the practical and visual standards expected of a modern washroom without the compromises that can otherwise arise when drainage is left too late in the design process.
For more information on specifying or listing the ACO shower drainage range , visit ACO.co.uk.
