Dealing with surface drainage is crucial to prevent excessive runoff. Containment of surface runoff is critical in some industrial and commercial applications for purposes of hygiene. Stainless steel drainage grates can channel water and fluids into drain pipes for subsequent disposal or recycling. The grates are nonporous, and thus, very hygienic because of the ease of cleaning. Moreover, steel is resistant to corrosion and does not allow for the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, which can contaminate surfaces. For this reason, stainless steel drainage grates are common in food processing plants, slaughterhouses and commercial kitchens. Here are stainless steel drainage grate facts for beginners to bear in mind during plumbing.

Resistance to Corrosion -- Drainage grates are constantly exposed to water and other fluids depending on their application. Therefore, during a plumbing project, you should choose a drainage grate material that is resistant to corrosion. Some applications might require stainless steel drainage grates with low alloy, while other systems use high-alloyed stainless steel–grade. Low-alloy steel-grade grates are meant for water plumbing because they can resist corrosion caused by chemicals in the water. On the other hand, when installing drainage grates for an industrial application that uses chemicals, a high-alloyed stainless steel grate is ideal because it can resist corrosion caused by alkaline and acids. In a nutshell, it is essential to determine your plumbing needs and application before choosing the right stainless steel drainage grate.

Strength and Weight -- Although stainless steel grates are lightweight, the fact does not imply that the material is flimsy or weak. Such grates are designed with weight in mind to make it easy for transportation and installation. Therefore, you don't have to worry that heavy traffic will damage drainage grates since they can withstand heavy loads. The fact is that stainless steel drainage grates have an excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Due to enhanced strength, stainless steel drainage grates are highly resistant to various impacts.

Narrow Grills for Safety -- One crucial yet overlooked factor when buying drainage grates is safety during installation. You should choose stainless steel grates that can provide sufficient inlet for surface water or fluids to drain through. Besides, the grates should have safety features that guard against injuries. Therefore, grills should be closely spaced to prevent fingers, shoe heels and animal paws from getting trapped in them. Therefore, always choose grate materials that are safe for use in different plumbing environments.

Reach out to a professional who provides stainless steel drainage gates.