How do I clean a slot drain? You can clean a slot drain with a few simple cleaning tools and a bit of knowledge. Slot drains are designed differently from traditional trench drains and understanding how they are designed and shaped is key to cleaning a slot drain properly.
A slot drain is a linear drainage system characterized by a narrow, elongated slot-like opening along the top of the drain that allows water to enter the drainage channel. This channel is the key to cleaning a slot drain. Because the entire drain body is accessible via the slot, cleaning a slot drain is as easy as using tools like paddles, brushes, and pressure systems to clear, scrub, and flush the entire inside of the slot drain.
At Global Drain Technologies, we have heard people say they would not recommend slot drains because they believe slot drains can't be cleaned. This is completely untrue. Slot drains are easy to clean when you have the proper tools and knowledge.
Slot drains were designed to be easier to clean than trench drains or area drains. Standard trench drains have large and heavy grates that need to be removed and scrubbed. Area drains can seem simple to clean, but their small inlet can easily become clogged. They also hide a large network of underground plumbing pipes which require foaming solutions to clean and plumbing equipment to clear blockages.
Slot Drains, have an open linear design that reduces the complexity of your underground plumbing. Slot Drains' presloped and rounded drain bodies make them easy to clean if you follow these simple steps.
Steps to Cleaning Your Slot Drain
Below you will find a set of steps for how to clean your slot drain. However, every situation is unique and we recommend that every business develop a unique cleaning SOP (in conjunction with their cleaning chemical supplier) that suits their needs and sanitation goals.
Step 1: Clear your drains with a paddle
Use a Slot Drain Cleaning Paddle that matches the profile of your slot drain. Insert the paddle into the slot and turn the handle 90 degrees. Pull the paddle along the drain while applying pressure to the handle. This will pull any debris through the drain channel and into the catch basin. Remove the strainer basket from the catch basin and empty the debris into a waste receptacle.
Step 2: Flush the system to remove loose debris
Flush your slot drains by running water through the system. This can be accomplished using a hose or a permanent line connection like the Flush Flo system. Run the water through the drain until it runs clear into the catch basin.
Step 3: Use a slot drain cleaning brush
Use a Slot Drain Cleaning Brush to scrub the inside of the drain. Do this with long back and forth motions to ensure a thorough clean of the entire inside of the drain.
Step 4: Use a slot drain pressure cleaning tool
Slot Drain pressure cleaning tools fit inside your slot drain and hook up to a pressurized water system. These tools are designed to pressure wash the inside of the slot drain to remove stuck-on films and debris.
Step 5: Soak the drain using a clean in place system
A clean in place system allows you to plug your drain to allow it to fill with water and cleaning solution. This solution helps to remove films and residues from the drain. This step is recommended for commercial operations that have hygienic requirements like food processing facilities. Pulling the paddle along the drain while it is full of cleaning solution creates velocity and helps to remove any debris or films that may remain on the inside of the drain.
Inspect your drain and repeat as needed
Drains should be regularly inspected to ensure cleaning protocols are being performed correctly. When these steps are properly followed, drains should smell and feel sanitary. Inspecting for odors is as simple as performing a smell test. The drain should smell clean from a standing height. A physical inspection checks for residues. Running a gloved hand along the surface and inside the lip of the drain should reveal no slimy residues on the slot drain. A visual inspection can be performed from above the drain and from inside the catch basin. A flashlight should be used to aid visual inspections and should reveal no signs of debris or associated biofilms.
It may not be necessary for you to follow this entire list of steps. As an example of how these steps could be followed, consider this:
A food processing facility might clear and flush their drains multiple times a day to keep them clean, but only perform this entire list of steps once a day.
A car wash might flush their drains regularly but might never need to soak or sanitize their drain system.
A homeowner might only use a paddle to clear the debris from their drains once a season and never need to brush or flush their drains.
There is no one-size-fits-all set of steps for drain cleaning, and your level of effort will depend on your desired outcome.
For more information on our suite of cleaning tools and to better understand your cleaning needs, reach out to our sales staff. They can help to guide you through the purchase of a cleaning system for your slot drain. Contact us today to receive personalized advice and a custom quote on a suite of slot drain cleaning tools for your home or business.