3 Minutes Read
There are many types of drainage systems, each meant for something different. Hub and floor drains are similar options that provide effective drainage in various applications. While they are similar on the surface, there are many notable differences.
Here is what you should know when comparing a hub drain to a floor drain.
What is a Hub Drain?
A hub drain is a style of drainage designed to remove indirect liquid waste and it comes standard with many different systems like floor sinks and trench drains.
The first step in understanding hub drains is understanding the connected pipes. All pipes have two ends: female and male; the female end is the broad connector, also called a bell, due to its appearance.
The connector pipes' width and the hub pipe's inner diameter never change, to simplify installation. You can connect the hub drain with a rubber gasket or by soldering.
What is a Floor Drain?
A floor drain is another form of drainage that consists of a hole at the lowest point of the ground that is covered with a grate. It is designed to help remove still water and is generally a round-shaped system, though there are also square and rectangular-shaped floor drains.
For a floor drain to work correctly, the floor around the drain must have a slight slope that allows wastewater to flow into the drain.
Hub Drain vs. Floor Drain Comparison
Here is a more detailed look at how these two systems compare:
Installation
A hub drain's connector pipes and inner diameter are always the same. While this can help simplify installation, installing a hub drain is still relatively difficult compared to installing a floor drain. It requires more effort and knowledge, and ideally, a professional.
A professional installer isn't necessary with a floor drain, but you can still choose to hire one.
Where They Work Best
Hub drains are ideal for commercial situations. One such place is the food industry; in commercial kitchens, food and beverage facilities, and more.
Floor drains are best for residential properties. You can place them in many areas, including kitchens, bathrooms, and even living rooms.
Cost
Hub drains tend to cost more, but it also depends on the type of hub drain and what needs it has to meet. Costs include installation by a professional and any repair costs you may incur.
In comparison, floor drains are significantly less expensive. There is the cost of the installation–more if you hire someone-and repair costs.
Purpose
The main purpose of a hub drain is to remove liquid waste indirectly, while a floor drain's main purpose is to wash out water and other liquids directly into the drain.
Above or Underground
Hub drains are above-ground systems, while floor drains are generally underground.
Appearances and Visibility
Hub drains are visible, so their appearance matters more than that of a floor drain, which is not visible.
Functionality
A hub drain uses multiple lines which run through the drain. The design of floor drains is meant to remove all still water around the floor's surface in a single, specific direction.
Grates
Hub drains do not require grates, but they are necessary for floor drains for them to function correctly.
The FoodSafe Drains Choice
FoodSafe Drains has many options for drainage that have been designed with food safety and sanitation in mind. Their systems and related components use T304 or T316 stainless steel, which produces a ridge-free, NSF-certified surface that eliminates potential bacteria harboring points. They also are heavy-duty systems that are fork-lift rated, which makes them ideal for commercial settings.
Trench drains are designed to quickly move large volumes of liquids without clogging. They are easy to install and maintain, and a tamper-proof grate prevents unauthorized personnel from tampering with the channel. It comes pre-sloped and pre-assembled for easier installation as well.
The FoodSafe Slot Drain is another drainage option, similar to the trench drain design. The significant difference is that the Slot Drain has a slimmer channel opening, which eliminates the need for grate coverings. It is also easy to maintain and comes pre-sloped and pre-assembled.
The FoodSafe Drains Catch Basin is another option that is compatible with the Trench and Slot Drain systems. It features a tamper-proof grate cover and comes with a strainer basket, which catches solids before they can enter the drain system.
The FoodSafe Floor Sink comes in different sizes and has a grate cover to prevent solids from entering the drain. It also features a strainer basket with a tamper-proof magnetic locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized personnel from touching it.
The FoodSafe Area Drains are their final offering and are ideal for smaller spaces or paired with a bigger system. They feature the same design as the other systems and are incredibly easy to install.
Choosing the Right System with FoodSafe Drains
Hub drains and floor drains are similar in some ways, but there are also many differences. Both are reliable and effective, but they also have their faults. Between a hub drain and floor drain, you will need to consider things like drainage needs, budget, and installation costs. FoodSafe Drains has a range of drainage solutions you can rely on in a variety of situations.
Contact us today to learn more about the various systems FoodSafe Drains offers and how they compare to hub drains and floor drains!
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