Top 10 drainage issues in hospitality

Hospitality can be a rewarding sector to work in, but it’s not immune to drainage issues that could lead to business disruption and even financial loss. But whilst these problems may be commonplace, there are still steps you can take to combat them and ensure your business keeps running smoothly.

It is with great pleasure that we introduce Steve Partington, Business Unit Director for Drainage, within Thermatic Technical FM. Steve has a wealth of experience within the drainage industry and we’re excited to share his insights with you.

Here are the top 10 issues his team find when working within hospitality, and how to resolve them.

1. Kitchen grease buildup 

Kitchens are one of the biggest culprits for drainage issues in the hospitality industry. As you may have guessed, this is because grease and food particles can accumulate together and very easily clog drains and pipes. Avoid pouring liquid fat down the drain at all costs, or if the kitchen gets particularly busy, use grease traps, undertake regular cleaning, and use enzyme treatments to prevent buildup.

2. Clogged sink and bathroom drains

Second to food preparation areas, bathrooms are another major cause of drainage issues. Accumulated debris, soap buildup, and hair can result in backed-up sinks and toilet drains. Whilst there’s no definitive way of avoiding these things going down the drain, there are steps you can take to mitigate it, such as installing drain covers, providing adequate bins for disposal, and staying on top of your drain cleaning and maintenance schedule.

3. Floor drain backups

In areas like kitchens and laundry rooms – where foot traffic is high and floors can get wet and dirty – drains can get clogged by debris and need regular cleaning. Again, there’s not a great deal that can be done to stop this buildup, but by installing drain screens and educating staff about proper waste disposal, you can keep buildup to a minimum. Regular cleanings will also keep things flowing smoothly. 

4. Overflowing toilets

Unfortunately, some items that shouldn’t be there do end up making their way into toilets – whether it’s sanitary products or wet wipes. Toilets backing up can not only be an inconvenience to guests, but they can also lead to unsanitary conditions. Educate staff on flushing only appropriate materials, have signage displayed to remind guests, and provide clearly marked disposal bins.

5. Vermin infestation

Poor maintenance of pipe work can lead to points of entry for vermin, which can make drain problems even worse. Conducting a drain survey can identify points of entry and then a localised resin patch repair to cover the area can be installed. Rat blockers can also be installed to stop vermin from entering the system. 

6. Outdoor drainage issues

Even if they are properly dug down and built, patios and decking can still experience flooding, but especially if there is inadequate drainage. Poor drainage in outdoor areas like patios can lead to flooding, so be sure to install proper grading, use permeable surfaces, and consider installing drainage systems like trench drains.

7. Landscape and grounds

It’s no secret that British weather can be somewhat unpredictable. So if your hospitality venue has grounds or outdoor space, you’ll want to ensure that proper drainage doesn’t ruin the aesthetics. Improper drainage can lead to flooding and mud accumulation, so to combat this, utilise proper grading, French drains, and undertake regular landscape maintenance to manage excess water.

8. Basement, cellar, or roof flooding

It’s not just the areas you utilise on a daily basis that could be at risk. Insufficient drainage can cause flooding in basements, cellars, and roof guttering, which can each lead to further problems elsewhere in the building. It’s important not to overlook any areas, even if you think they won’t be affected, and be sure to install sump pumps, maintain gutters, and waterproof any areas you think may be vulnerable.

9. Pool and spa

Wherever there’s large amounts of water, there’s a risk of flooding. If your hospitality venue houses a pool or a spa, then inadequate drainage can lead to slippery surfaces, which present a hazard to staff and guests. To combat this, make use of textured materials, install proper deck drains, and keep drains clear through regular maintenance. 

10. HVAC systems

It’s important to keep your staff and guests at a comfortable temperature, which is where HVAC comes into play. HVAC systems (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) can produce excess condensation, so they need regular inspections and condensate drains need regular cleaning to prevent water damage and mould growth.

With a full suite of technical facilities management services available, we specialise in tailored solutions, including Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SuDS), drain and pipe repairs, drain cleaning, and surface cleaning. 

Our commitment to quality and sustainability drives us to offer innovative strategies that create an efficient drainage ecosystem. By addressing issues such as kitchen grease buildup, clogged drains, and outdoor drainage concerns, we ensure your company’s water management aligns with environmental wellbeing. 

Partner with Thermatic Technical FM to optimise your drainage systems and elevate your hospitality operations.