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Zurn Trench Drains
Zurn’s trench drain systems deliver efficient, modular linear drainage solutions for commercial, industrial, and residential environments. Designed for strength and ease of installation, these systems manage surface water effectively while maintaining durability under heavy loads. Available in a variety of configurations, including pre-sloped and neutral channels, they accommodate specific flow requirements and installation conditions. Constructed from materials such as polymer concrete, fiberglass, or HDPE, Zurn trench drains resist corrosion and chemical damage, ensuring long-lasting performance. Grates are available in multiple materials and styles—cast iron, stainless steel, and decorative options—to meet both functional and aesthetic needs. Features like mechanical interlocking ends, integral rebar clips, and secure grate lockdowns simplify assembly and provide structural integrity. Whether for parking lots, warehouses, airports, or landscaped areas, Zurn’s trench drain systems combine reliability, flexibility, and superior engineering to deliver dependable surface water management in any setting.
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Zurn Trench Drains: An Overview
This guide explains Zurn® trench drain systems in plain terms—covering materials, channel sizes, grates, load ratings, applications, and installation. You’ll also find a concise case study and an FAQ to make specifying and building easier.
What Is a Trench Drain? (And Why Choose Zurn)
A trench drain is a long, narrow drainage channel that collects surface water and directs it to a safe discharge point. In technical terms, it’s a linear drainage system with a pre-formed channel and removable grate; in everyday terms, it’s a “slot in the ground” that keeps walkways, slabs, and floors from flooding or ponding.
Why Zurn: Broad system portfolio, proven load ratings, corrosion-resistant materials, sanitary-friendly profiles, and reliable accessories (end caps, outlets, catch basins, trash buckets, and more) help reduce RFIs and rework.
Core System Types & Materials
Zurn offers trench drains in several channel constructions to balance performance, cost, and environment:
- Polymer Concrete Channels — Dense, durable channels with smooth interiors for efficient flow; ideal for heavy duty and exterior slabs.
- HDPE / Poly Channels — Lightweight, chemical-resistant options that speed installation and handle washdowns well.
- Stainless & Sanitary Profiles — Preferred in food & beverage or healthcare where hygiene, cleanability, and corrosion resistance are critical.
Grate Options: ductile iron, galvanized or stainless steel, and decorative patterns. Each grate has an associated load class so you can match pedestrian, forklift, or vehicular demands without guesswork.
Common Applications
- Food & Beverage – Hygienic channels, stainless grates, and easy-clean profiles for sanitation cycles.
- Manufacturing & Warehousing – Forklift-rated grates for interior slabs and dock aprons.
- Commercial Exteriors – Entrances, plazas, loading areas, and parking where slope and sheet flow require capture.
- Hospitality & Sports – Pool decks, locker rooms, stadium concourses, and pedestrian ways.
- Infrastructure – Streetscapes and transit where durability and maintainability matter.
Specifying the Right System
| Decision Point | What It Means | Typical Options |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Width | How much water you need to move. | 4", 6", 8", 12"+ channels; deeper sections for higher capacity. |
| Material | Durability vs. chemical/temperature resistance. | Polymer concrete, HDPE, stainless, coated iron components. |
| Grate & Load Class | What will roll over it. | Pedestrian (light), forklift (medium/heavy), vehicular (heavy). |
| Hydraulics | How fast water arrives & must exit. | Slope-built channels, neutral channels with inverts, catch basins. |
| Environment | Exposure to chemicals, salt, heat, or food acids. | Stainless, coated iron, polymer concrete per risk profile. |
Tip: For long runs, plan cleanouts and sediment baskets at strategic intervals to simplify maintenance and extend service life.
Installation Overview (Step-by-Step)
- Layout & Invert: Confirm the run, outlet, and finished floor elevations. Identify high-flow zones and add catch basins where needed.
- Excavation & Base: Excavate to channel depth plus base thickness. Place compacted base or concrete leveling pad per submittals.
- Set Channels: Assemble channels in order, verify slope (or neutral run), align joints, and secure per manufacturer guidance.
- Form & Pour: Brace channels and grate rails square. Place concrete to specified thickness, vibrate to remove voids, and protect grating seats.
- Outlets & Seals: Connect to piping, seal penetrations, and install end caps. Verify watertightness where required.
- Grates & Final Checks: Install grates with locking hardware, confirm elevations flush with surrounding slab/pavers, and perform flow test.
Maintenance & Lifecycle
Trench drains are low-touch when sized and detailed well. Build a schedule that includes visual checks after major storms, quarterly sediment removal, and annual hardware inspection (locks, frames, and joints). For sanitary spaces, match cleaning agents to material compatibility to preserve finishes.
Case Study: Food Plant Washdown Corridor
Project: 120-ft washdown corridor connecting packaging to cold storage. Challenge: Frequent sanitation cycles produced standing water along walls, creating slip hazards and audit findings.
Solution: A stainless Zurn trench drain system with 6" channels, neutral sections tied to a central catch basin, and lockable perforated stainless grates. Cleanouts were placed every 40 ft to speed sediment removal.
- Outcome (90 days): Floor drying time dropped by ~60%; sanitation crews reported 30–40 minutes saved per cycle.
- Safety: No slip incidents in the corridor during the same period; audit remarks cleared.
- Maintainability: Weekly quick rinse plus monthly basket cleanout keeps flows consistent.
FAQ: Zurn Trench Drains
How do I choose the right channel width?
Start with peak flow: roof leaders, hose washdowns, or process discharge drive sizing. For light exterior areas, 4–6" channels are common; for higher run-on or longer approaches, consider 8–12"+ with deeper sections.
Which grate load class do I need?
Match the heaviest realistic traffic. Pedestrian areas can use lighter grates; forklifts need medium/heavy classes; drive lanes and truck aprons require heavy-duty, often ductile iron with secure locking.
Polymer concrete vs. HDPE: which is better?
Neither is universally “better.” Polymer concrete excels in stiffness, durability, and heat resistance; HDPE is lighter, chemically resilient, and faster to set. Choose based on environment, schedule, and budget.
How do I keep debris from clogging the system?
Include trash buckets or sediment baskets at outlets/catch basins, set a cleaning cadence, and add leaf/debris screens near heavy-litter zones. Plan cleanouts every 30–60 ft in long runs.
Can trench drains be used with pavers?
Yes—use edge restraints and proper bedding. Set grate elevations flush with adjacent pavers and consider decorative grates to complement the surface finish.
What about sanitary environments?
Choose stainless channels and grates with smooth, easy-to-clean profiles. Confirm chemical compatibility with cleaning agents and include locking hardware to maintain alignment.