in-slab drains for washer/sink leaks

Users who are viewing this thread

kwunsch45

Homebuilder
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Texas
I've been asked about putting recesses in the slab under various water-using fixtures (sink, DW, clothes washer, etc.) that would contain and drain any leaks from the fixture. Since I use site-built and finished wood floors in a lot of my kitchens, this is an appealing safety net, but I'm not sure of what the best way is to do it. I'm reluctant to simply pipe the drain to the side of the slab and have it exit above grade, as the opening would allow air leakage as well as provide a nice way into the house for bugs. Alternatively, if I hook it up to the sewer line, I'd imagine that the p-trap would eventually dry out and I'd get sewer gas coming up from under the fixtures. Is there a good way to accomplish this otherwise very logical detail without the aforementioned issues being a problem?
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,600
Reaction score
1,037
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
It sounds like it would be a very "klunky" looking installation, or more like a commercial kitchen with floors sinks everywhere. They would all need trap primer valves to maintain their seals.
 
Last edited:

Terry

The Plumbing Wizard
Staff member
Messages
29,946
Reaction score
3,460
Points
113
Location
Bothell, Washington
Website
terrylove.com
Any floor drain should have a trap primer for the p-trap.
A drain without a p-trap and primer for one, wouldn't pass a plumbing inspection, second, would be kind of third world. The smell would be tough to handle.
 

kwunsch45

Homebuilder
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Texas
Any floor drain should have a trap primer for the p-trap.
A drain without a p-trap and primer for one, wouldn't pass a plumbing inspection, second, would be kind of third world. The smell would be tough to handle.

LOL, I hear ya! That was my concern. One of out local Austin architects has been suggesting the to-the-side-of-the-slab method, but again I was concerned about air/critter infiltration. So I gather from you guys' responses that the more elegant (and less expensive) solution would be to install leak detector shut-off valves at the fixtures instead?

BTW, thanks so much for this fantastic forum...it's become my go-to site for all things plumbing!
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks