Trench Drains vs Slot Drains vs Floor Drains

Hi, 

Wondering if anyone has experience with one type of drain over another. 

Any insight would be appreciated. 

Thanks 

We have used both the trench drains and slotted drains as our floor drains.  In my opinion:

• Trench drains Pros: larger surface available to capture water/liquid so it is easier to slope floor properly toward them.  One end of the drain is what feeds to the drain pipes so not a lot of piping under floor.  Cons: If floor shifts the covers may not properly fit anymore and become a hazard.  Larger surface available so more to clean and to avoid contact with during production. 
• Slotted Drains: Pros: We have not had any issues with the drain covers not fitting properly.  As long as floor is properly sloped they work as well as trench drains.  Cons: Floor shifts or improperly sloped from start you can have areas that collect water/liquid .  Located through out the room so must ensure each one is properly cleaned and maintained.  More pipes under floor than with trench drain so maintenance can be more challenging.

We actually have both trench and slotted drains in our facility and all were installed at the same time during construction. Not sure of the reasoning behind this as some of each run under equipment and are found in open areas.  All run to the same central drain and out to pump house.

All that being said: Trench drains easy to access for cleaning but personal hazard if an employee trips in them.  Just the opposite for a slotted drain more difficult to clean but less of a personal hazard.  Some auditors tend to check the inside of a slotted drain to ensure we are cleaning them properly from time to time, even has one inspector put on a pair of white gloves once.