ZurnTrench Drain

For drive channel systems, we offer a drive trap, while our Sand Trap 4" Channel connection suits other 4-inch internal channels. If you have any questions about our inline sand traps, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

A. Yes, absolutely. All you need is one of our schedule 40 PVC adapters. We have them both for 3-inch PVC and 4-inch PVC.

NDStrench Drain

If the boiler drain has not been opened in a while, it may be plugged. I once used a clothes hanger to open the drain pipe and was showered with the nasty water. Lastly, the valve may not seal when closed and could leak. I always keep some hose caps in my truck to install over the drain valve.

When you choose Vodaland's, you're opting for advanced drainage solutions that prioritize efficiency, safety, and long-term preservation. Whether it's our pre-sloped trench drainage systems, pre-slope concrete channels, our pre-slope stainless steel system, or any of our other trench drains to experience the transformative quality that our products are known for.

Pre-sloped trench drains are an essential component for effective water management across various settings. With applications ranging from residential to industrial, our systems were created with easy installation in mind, and they can be tailored to meet specific needs.

In residential garages or automotive repair shops, pre-sloped garage channel drains are great for managing water ingress. A Class B (27500 LBS) or Class C (55000 LBS) load rating is often recommended here, considering the weight of vehicles and light machinery. These systems help prevent water from pooling, which can lead to slips or damage to the garage's structure.

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We recommend positioning our 4-inch inline sand traps at the end of your drainage setup to capture any remaining debris. These traps are compatible with any of our 4-inch internal channels and are included with the selected package's grating and sediment trap.

For indoor environments, pre-sloped floor drains are indispensable. A pre-sloped drainage channel is ideal for areas prone to water spillage or needing efficient water evacuation, such as laundry rooms, basements, or commercial kitchens. These systems often require a moderate load class, with Class A (3300 LBS) being sufficient for pedestrian traffic.

No matter your needs, we have a pre-sloped trench drain kit for your needs. By selecting the appropriate system—whether it's for a residential garage or an industrial complex—you can manage water effectively and prevent damage.

Ray Wohlfarth is the author of “Lessons Learned in a Boiler Room: A common-sense approach to servicing and installing commercial boilers.” In his spare time, he is president of Fire & Ice in Pittsburgh, Pa. Ray writes a monthly newsletter on commercial boilers. He can be reached at 412/343-4110.

With a wide variety of options available, including various widths and load classes, as well as several gratings types, including brass, stainless steel, ductile iron frames and more, you are sure to find the right match for your application. Here are just some of the ways our pre-sloped drainage system options can be use:

For residential boilers, I close the makeup water to the boiler and gradually open the bottom drain of the boiler while the boiler is firing. I watch the boiler and verify it will shut off the burner when the boiler water level drops below the boiler normal water level. If the boiler water level drops below the bottom of the gauge glass and does not shut off the burner, it should not be operated until the low water cutoff is repaired or replaced. I usually attach a hose to the drain connection and run the water into a floor drain. Be sure to ask the customer if the floor drain works before doing this.

We provide an exclusive industrial sealant that is produced and dispatched in house. This sealant is an excellent solution for connecting channels together and ensuring a watertight seal for all pipe outlets.

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This situation could have been avoided if the owner had performed maintenance on the boiler and low-water cutoff. The boiler mentioned above had only one low-water cutoff because it was a small one. Most commercial steam boilers have redundant low-water cutoffs, which means there is a backup in case the primary safety control fails.

A. Installation brackets are highly recommended as they ensure that the top surface remains level and the channels stay securely in place during the concrete pour in order to facilitate secure alignment and a smooth surface finish.

“Help” was the one-word text I received one Saturday evening from my friend. The subsequent text showed a picture of a low water cutoff disassembled and filled with mud and rust. I excused myself and called him.

A. It depends on the depth of your channel. Carefully read the title and description of each end cap to determine the best fit. Should you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

After finger pointing and chest pumping, it was determined the facility owner did no maintenance on the boiler and, as a result, the warranty was void. The customer argued the warranty said nothing about mandatory maintenance. As a result, the boiler manufacturer supplied a new boiler at a deeply discounted price and the installer cut his labor rates to install the replacement. It was an ugly scene, but legal proceedings were averted.

Watts Drainage List Price 2024

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On residential boilers, many use a float-type low-water cutoff with a gauge glass attached. The control has an internal float assembly that monitors the water level inside the boiler. The manufacturer will usually ask for a weekly test of the control. The test involves opening the drain while the burner is operating and verifying the burner shuts off. The manufacturer will usually also recommend a yearly disassembly of the low-water cutoff. This will allow you to inspect the internal components as well as the sensing pipes connecting the control to the boiler. Verify the sensing pipes are open and not plugged. Be sure there are no valves in the sensing pipes for the control. The boiler should be locked off and allowed to cool before doing this or you will get a face full of hot water.

This combination low-water cutoff and pump control will open the feed-water valve or start the boiler feed pump when the water level drops. If it drops further, it will interrupt power to the burner. Photo credit: Ray Wohlfarth

With its quick drying time and professional-grade quality, you won't have to wait for rubber or silicone to bond over the course of a day or two.

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I have a couple warnings when draining the water from the bottom blowdown of the steam boiler. The water inside the boiler will be a black, murky mixture that will stain everything it touches, including your hands and clothes, the customer’s floor, and any laundry within a few feet. I use latex gloves for this task because the stain is almost impossible to remove from skin with soap. If you use a bucket, be sure it is not a customer’s bucket as the water will stain the bucket. I would not use a plastic bucket as the water will be hot and could melt the bucket and spill hot water on you or the floor.

Industrial settings require the most durable solutions due to the high load and harsh conditions. Concrete pre-sloped trench drain kits are the most heavy-duty option available, suitable for load classes up to Class E (132000 LBS). These systems are designed to withstand the rigors of industrial environments, managing large volumes of water and resisting the wear and tear from heavy machinery and vehicles.

Commercial boilers with a boiler feed unit are a bit easier to test under actual operating conditions. I shut off the boiler feed pumps, simulate a call for heat, and watch the boiler operate. If the water level goes below the bottom of the gauge glass and does not shut off the burner, the cause should be investigated and the boiler not allowed to fire without fixing the problem.

Driveways are particularly vulnerable to water damage and erosion. Pre sloped driveway drains and pre sloped driveway trench drains are designed to capture and redirect water efficiently, preventing it from pooling and causing damage to the driveway or adjacent landscaping. For residential driveways, a Class B (27500 LBS) load rating suffices, but for driveways used by heavier vehicles, Class C (55000 LBS) offers additional durability.

The low-water cutoff is the leading mechanical cause of boiler accidents and relatively simple to maintain. If you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, the boiler should give several decades of trouble-free operation.

Some boilers use a probe-type low-water cutoff. This control is a little different, as the probe is inserted directly into the boiler. It uses the conductivity of the water to verify the proper elevation. This should be tested on a regular basis, as well. Most probe-type low water cutoffs require the probe to be removed, inspected, and cleaned yearly on commercial boilers and every few years on residential boilers. Again, be sure the boiler is cool and the water level is below the elevation of the probe level or you will get a shower. Some of the probe-type low-water cutoffs have a test button to check operation. This is a great idea as it allows testing of the control. This is required if your locale follows ASME CSD1 code.

He was frantic and told me the steam boiler he installed a year ago failed. The owner was furious and demanded my friend replace it under warranty. The mud inside the level control fooled the boiler into thinking it was full of water. Instead, the boiler was empty and kept firing. The sections of the cast iron boiler cracked and the boiler was a total failure. The installer called the wholesaler where he purchased the boiler on Monday, and they brought in the factory rep.

Try to simulate the actual operating conditions when testing the low-water cutoff. I have found situations where the low-water cutoff control will shut off the burner when the drain on the control is opened quickly but may not do so under normal operating conditions.

Explore our diverse selection of advanced pre-sloped trench drain systems. Designed for optimal flow rates and efficiency, these solutions prevent water accumulation and potential hazards. With a variety of size and grate options to choose from, you are sure to find the right pre-sloped trench drain for your needs.