To drain or not to drain?

MikeC

MikeC

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Hey guys, I'm having a 24x36 pole garage built on my property and wanted some opinions on having a floor drain installed. I live in SE PA.. Does anyone here have one and find it useful in the colder winter months? Obviously I will do outdoor washes in warm weather, but wanted to know if you use it as much as you thought you would? Thanks for any input!
 
If you can do it, do it. Most times garage floor drains are required to have a big oil separator, which is not that big a deal if you are doing new construction and that's a pretty big garage. Ask your contractor if he knows about the local codes and then you have to decide if you want to comply with them.

I don't know why you'd want to wash outside if you could wash inside, presuming you have the room for it in there.
 
I would check your state plumbing code first. Setec is right, if you plan to discharge to the sanitary sewer, then you will need a flammable waste trap which will be a maintenance item for you. Sand and grit will need to be cleaned out often. My state code allows for a garage drain to be 'day lighted' into the yard with approval from the local jurisdiction, an argument could be made to them that the garage will slope to the street and by draining it to the back yard you are preventing potential contamination to the local waters by instead infiltrating it in your yard where is can biodegrade before reaching ground or surface waters. You cannot directly connect to the storm sewer, I believe that's federal as part of CWA and MS4.


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I plan on running it to "daylight", since it will only be used for washing. That way I don't get involved with the sewer problems.
 
I live in PA and have my garage drain daylighted to the rear of my yard. as long as code allows in you area ,I would do it. you will enjoy washing your ride indoors in the winter, especially with a winters like the last two we have had.
 
MikeC said:
I plan on running it to "daylight", since it will only be used for washing. That way I don't get involved with the sewer problems.
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If that's the case, then DO IT!! :dblthumb2:

Bob
 

Having a drain in my garage is a must. It allows snow and water to drain away and makes clean up better and easier. I actually reject a few place that didn't have drains. Once you have it you will never look back.

 
Thanks for the time and input guys!
 
When in doubt building, definitely add more than you need, it's way easier than adding in. Other things to think about are the number of electrical connections as well as their height above ground.
 
Yes a drain is a must in my opinion, plus you cannot add it later. even if it drains to daylight that is good
 
Not sure about your weather there, but is there a plan for the drain water freezing in the pipes?

I'm all in favor of a floor drain. Just seems like a give and take is to be thought of before moving ahead.
 
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I live in northern Minnesota and I have a floor drain in my detached garage. I do keep it heated at about 42 degrees most of the time because there is a bathroom in it and I love it. I wash my vehicles in all winter and it's great. I would suggest putting in the long narrow style drains on both sides of your wash area.
 
^ Love his idea about drain style. Yes, put drain in. Not just for washing during winter, but rainy days and when you need to give the floor a good cleaning. Before you move anything in, seal or epoxy the slab too.
 
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