Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Smith backwater valve (BWVs) be installed in a pressurized line?

No, Smith backwater valves are designed for gravity fed drainage lines only.

What types of Smith vertically installed backwater valves are available for floor drain applications?

Figure 7080 BWV is a ball float BWV designed to connect to a vertical outlet floor drain. There are flapper and ball float BWV’s available for figures 2005 and 2010 adjustable floor drains. They are located in the throats of both round and square strainers. Example: AV05NB for a flapper type BWV and ABF05NB for ball float type BWV.

Do flapper & ball type BWVs provide a 100% positive seal?

No. The ANSI/ASME national standard allows for a minimal amount of seepage around the flapper or ball. The purpose of a flapper or ball is to suppress the back flow. Therefore, if the back flow condition exists over a lengthy period, there will be water seeping into the building at the lowest fixture or floor drain. For a 100% positive seal, you need to specify a figure number 7140 FloodGate^® BWV.

What floor cleanout would be used where it would be exposed to forklifts and maintenance vehicles?

A Fig. 4220, 4240 or 4250 series can be used for this type of application.

Can a Nickel Bronze cleanout top be supplied with a company logo engraved in cover?

Yes, a cover can be fabricated from stainless steel or bronze with the desired logo engraved in it.

What ASME standard do the cleanouts comply with?

The ASME A112.36.2 Standard titled – Cleanouts.

Can a Figure 0544D be used with a water closet using a flush valve?

No, because the 0544D fitting does not have a cross over baffle to prevent waste blow through to the opposite toilet which would occur because of the flush velocity created by the flush valve.

Do all Smith fixture supports meet their relative ANSI/ASME standard?

Yes, they comply with ASME A112.6.1M standard.

Is the M58 nipple available in lengths in excess of 10"?

Yes, but it must be special ordered.

What is the purpose of the lower plate assembly provided with the 0637 urinal support?

To provide a means for securing bearing studs which thrust against the lower portion of the urinal to prevent it from pressing against the finished wall.

What is the load rating for water closet supports?

Fig. 0200, 0400 & 0500 floor mounted water closet supports have a 500 lb. static load rating.

What type of floor drain is recommended for use with Dex-O-Tex floor covering?

Any floor drain with a DX flange. Example: DX2312, DX2565R, etc.

Is an extension available for a Fig. 2505 floor drain?

No extension is available. But a Fig. 2500 with threaded outlet could be used in conjunction with a Fig. 7221 deep seal trap to increase the dimension from top of drain to the center line of outlet.

What Smith floor drains are compatible with Altro-vinyl flooring material?

Fig. 2050, 2051, DX2565R & SQ-2-521.

Does Smith have the capabilities to fabricate special grates?

Yes, we gladly take on product modifications and custom solutions.

Using Fig. 2710 trench drain, what is the maximum number of "B" sections that can be placed between two "A" sections?

No more than five "B" sections on either side of an "A" section and a maximum of ten "B" sections between two "A" sections.

Is an extension adaptor available for adjustable strainer heads?

Yes, Suffix - X extension adaptor is available with an adjustment range of 2.50" - 3.75". They can also be stacked for increased maximum adjustment.

How and where are floor drains installed?

Floor drains must be installed at the low points of the areas to be drained, with the top of the drain set flush with the finished floor. Drains must be located for easy accessibility for maintenance. When installing drains on above grade floors, caution should be taken to specify a drain with a flashing flange so the waterproof membrane may be attached to the drain.

Is a back flow prevention device available for a floor drain after it has been installed?

Yes, SQ-7-1248 compression seal type back flow prevention device. It may be inserted at the outlet connection of drain with no modification required to the drain itself.

How many drains can a figure 2699 trap primer serve?

One

What is the purpose of a trap primer connection on a floor drain?

The trap primer connection is to receive discharge from a trap primer valve (fig. 2694) to maintain the trap seal (water level) in p-trap below to prevent the emission of sewer gases.

What weight will the grates handle?

Weight loading on the grates should always be a consideration. In the floor drain catalog section either in the title or sub-title, a reference is made to light, medium, heavy or extra-heavy. This can be referenced to catalog page 2-04 of the current Smith "Yellow Pages" catalog. These four categories are explained and weight loads specifically noted. The load rating categories are in accordance with the ANSI/ASME Standard governing floor drains. If in doubt about a particular drain, contact Smith’s "Sales Engineering Department".

What is the ASTM classification for the cast iron used in Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. products?

A-48-64 Class 25 or better gray cast iron.

What should the free area of a grate be used in a floor drain installed indoors?

1 1/2 times the traverse of the connecting pipe.

What is the minimum flow rate required for a valve on the end of a water line which would permit a figure 2699 to work properly?

2 1/2 G.P.M.

Is there a floor drain that can be installed into an existing above-grade floor by core drilling the floor?

Smith drains are designed to be poured in place with a two-pour process utilizing a waterproofing membrane between the two pours and flashed into the floor drain. Any above-grade floor penetration should be flashed (waterproofed) to ensure no leakage to floor below.

What is the difference between ADA & heel proof compliant grates for floor drains?

ADA compliant grates have a maximum slot width of ½” and are to be installed where the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel. Heel proof grates have a maximum opening or slot width of 5/16”.

What ASME standard do the floor drains comply with?

The ASME A112.6.3 Standard titled – Floor and Trench Drains.

Do cast iron drains have a fire rating?

No. The melting point for cast iron is approximately 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit which far exceeds the maximum temperature ratings of most construction.

Can a 5560QT be mounted vertically with drain hole in the box like the 5810?

No, it will not drain when mounted vertically and will be susceptible to freezing.

What hydrant repair kit is required for a 5609 hydrant which was made before 1979?

An HPRK-21

What GPM value should be used for a commercial dishwasher to size a grease interceptor?

You use the peak drain rate for the dishwasher.

Must the flow control device supplied with a grease interceptor always be installed?

Yes, in order to ensure proper flow and to permit air to intermix with the effluent to aid in the efficiency of the unit.

How do you determine what size grease interceptor is needed?

See the Procedure for Sizing Grease Interceptors section on page 343 in Smith catalog or refer to the "Sizing Interceptors According to PDI Standard" in our Technical Data for Interceptors section. You can also search our Resources area on this site.

Is a DX flange available for grease interceptors?

Yes

What is the maximum recommended distance that a grease interceptor should be located from the last contributing fixture?

25 feet

What approvals do Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co. grease interceptors carry?

Standard PDI-G101 Certification for 7 thru 50 GPM size units (Fig. 8007-8050)

Can a flush mount unit in an above-grade floor, suspended in the ceiling below, support itself?

No. Even when an anchor/flashing flange is provided, independent support of the unit shall and must be provided. It is the responsibility of the installer to provide adequate support. The anchor/flashing flange is simply for locating the unit at a location in the poured slab to enable flush mounting with the floor and/or a device to attach the waterproofing material. The weight of the unit alone requires independent support. Once filled with water & grease the unit will triple its weight. This applies to units supplied with extensions and cradles. Independent support is also required of these. The independent support should be adequately attached to the building structure and approved by the structural engineer. Never rely on the small anchor flange on the unit and/or cradle to support itself.

Does the standard Duco Coating resist corrosive soil if the unit is partially installed in the ground?

No. Anytime a unit is installed fully or partially in the soil, a coal tar epoxy coating should be specified and ordered for the exterior of the unit. The units are fabricated from steel and corrosive soil will attack steel. Since most soil contains some corrosive elements, it is advisable to request a bitumastic coating. Bitumastic is a hard coating that is very durable and resists most corrosive soils. The standard Duco coating regularly furnished is fine for normal indoor installations.

Is there a sizing formula for oil interceptors?

Smith recommends point source sizing. If there are four hydrants which will be the only source of water and each hydrant flows 15 G.P.M., then the worst condition will be all four flowing at the same time. This requires a unit that will handle 60 G.P.M. Some codes require a safety factor to be added to the total flow in the event a drum of oil is spilled. Most codes have their own requirements whether it is based on square footage, number of autos serviced, etc. If the local code has a sizing requirement, then it must be followed.

How much P.S.I. will ten feet of head produce?

4.33#.

Are interceptor units available in stainless steel?

Yes. The majority of the units shown in the Smith ‘Yellow Pages’ catalog, Interceptor Section, can be fabricated from stainless steel.

Can an extension be added in the field to a grease or oil interceptor?

Yes, an extension can be supplied for field installation as long as there is adequate clearance (approx. 6”) around the top perimeter of interceptor.

Does an oil interceptor require an oil storage tank?

Yes. The oil interceptor is designed to operate on the principle of immediate separation of oil from the wastewater with a minimal required detention time. The oil interceptor is furnished with an oil draw-off assembly. The oil draw-off assembly constantly draws off the oil build-up in the interceptor and drains it to a storage tank provided by others.

Does the flow control fitting supplied with grease and oil interceptors have to be installed?

Yes. It regulates the flow to the GPM the interceptor is designed for and introduces air into the waste effluent which aids in the separation process inside the interceptor.

What does Grease+Gard II Retrofit Skimmer and/or Grease Recovery Device (GRD) do that a traditional grease interceptor doesn’t?

Traditional grease interceptors must be manually cleaned by a professional with a vacuum truck (large interceptors), or by an employee by hand (small interceptors).

The Grease+Gard II Retrofit Skimmer (installed on an existing grease interceptor) or a Grease+Gard II GRD will automatically remove fats, oils and grease from the interceptor at a pre-determined time. These devices require the grease collection container be emptied as needed.

How does Grease+Gard II technology work?

Free-floating fats, oils and grease are trapped in the grease interceptor. The Grease+Gard II device automatically skims the fats, oils and grease (commonly referred to as F.O.G.) out of the main interceptor chamber and into a collection container. Essentially, the intercepted grease is emptied much like having a professional clean your interceptor. Grease is removed from the interceptor and therefore unable to cause a back-up or overflow into drainage pipes.

How do I dispose of grease collected by a Grease+Gard II device?

Collected grease and oils are emptied into the grease-rendering barrel provided by your local rendering or disposal company. This is often the same barrel where you dump your deep-fryer grease. Rendering or disposal companies pick-up on a schedule and empty this container.

NOTE: Before dumping grease into a landfill or garbage bin, please contact your local authority. Many municipalities have outlawed this practice.

What happens to food and other solid materials that may go down the sink?

Food scraps and other solid materials that may go down the sink drain are a hindrance to all forms of grease collection systems. Installing a solids interceptor between the sink and the grease interceptor will allow you to capture such scraps before they can cause havoc with the interceptor. Inline solids interceptors are easy to empty into a refuse container. Keeping solid waste scraps out of the interceptor adds the extra benefit of reducing odors and reducing the interceptor cleaning. Most odors are the result of rotting solids, not grease.

What kind of maintenance is required for Grease+Gard II system?

Sizing depends on two factors: the number of fixtures in your kitchen and the size of those fixtures in your kitchen. Contact us for a simple review and recommendation.

How long does it take to install a Grease+Gard II Retrofit Skimmer?

The average installation time will vary. However, one can normally expect less than two hours from start to finish.

I have an outside, in-ground, grease interceptor; what can Grease+Gard II possibly do for me?

By using the Grease+Gard II Retrofit Skimmer (installed on an existing grease interceptor) or by installing a Grease+Gard II Grease Recovery Device you are able to remove fats, oils, grease and solids before they get out of the kitchen area and into the in-ground interceptor. A Grease+Gard II system will protect the pipes between the kitchen and the outside interceptor. This will save you the expense of jetting the lines and because almost no grease is going to the in-ground interceptor, you will not have to pump out as often - again saving you money.

Which type of carrier is preferred for handicap or hospital lavatories, floor or wall mounted?

A floor mounted support with -M31 style uprights is recommended.

Is there a concealed arm lavatory support that can be installed on the face of a finished wall?

There is no support designed to mount on the face of a finished wall. Smith wall mounted (in lieu of floor mounted) supports must be attached to the wall studs for a stud mounted support (fig. 0720) or utilize a plate (fig. 0722) embedded into a masonry or block wall as the wall is built or a plate mounted (fig. 0728) to the back side of a masonry or block wall.

What ASME standard do the fixture supports comply with?

The floor mounted fixture supports comply with the ASME A112.6.1M Standard titled – Floor-Affixed Supports for Off-the-Floor Plumbing Fixtures for Public Use.

How is a fixed air gap installed?

A fixed air gap fitting in plumbing waste lines is installed on the house side of the fixture trap.

Can porcelain enamel drains be installed in chemical labs?

No! Porcelain enamel is only recommended in kitchen and related areas. Porcelain enamel is primarily for citric acid wastes found in normal kitchen applications. For chemical and related applications, an acid resistant coating (ARC) should be specified. In order to ensure that the proper ARC is provided, we need the exact chemical (& dilution of each) that will be used. We provide different ARC for specific chemicals.

What is 304, 316, CF8 AND CF8M?

304 and 316 are industry terminologies for stainless steel sheet material. CF8 and CF8M are in reference to rough finish stainless steel castings. 304 and CF8 have basically the same characteristics, resist all ordinary rusting, and are immune to food substances, sterilizing solutions, most of the organic chemicals, dye substances and a wide variety of inorganic chemicals. 316 and CF8M have basically the same characteristics and are optional materials used where a higher degree of corrosion resistance is needed as compared to 304/CF8.

What chemicals can stainless steel resist?

This varies and the type of stainless steel (304 or 316) also may vary. Specifying engineer should verify if stainless steel is suitable for chemicals to be drained and if so whether type 304 or 316 is required.

What is the ASTM classification for the cast iron used in Smith products?

A-48-64 Class 25 or better gray cast iron.

What is the most commonly used grade of Stainless Steel used in drainage products?

Type 304. Learn more about our common materials and finishes.

Are expansion joints required for trench drain systems?

Yes, one should be on each side of the drain and running perpendicular to it.

What is the conversion factor to convert feet to meters?

Divide the number of feet by 3.28 and this will give you the number of meter sections required.

How many feet are in a meter?

3.28.

Are the closing end caps on the 9818 series system universal for each channel section?

Yes, the closing end cap will fit either end of the channel on all channel sections.

Is there an installation device for the 9812 series trench drain?

Yes, installation brackets are welded to the frame and supplied with securing bolts.

Are concrete anchors required on the 9816 series system?

Yes, 8 concrete anchors per 1 meter long channel section.

Does Smith offer an 8" wide polyethylene trench drain system?

No, Smith currently offers the 9812 Series, a 10" wide high-capacity presloped fiberglass trench system.

Is the 9818 series channel available with an integral brass rail?

No, Smith currently offers a galvanized or stainless steel rail.

What is the maximum temperature for water that can be discharged into a polymer concrete channel?

180 degrees F.

Are the closing end caps universal for the 9814 and 9818 series system?

Yes, each system uses one closing end cap that will fit either the shallow or deep end of the channel.

What is the equal to the Polydrain 900 series catch basin?

Smith/ACO 9860 series catch basin that is used with the 9814 series system.

What is the equal to the Zurn -Z806 series?

Smith/ACO 9810 series.

How do you remove the preformed cutouts for the outlets in polymer concrete?

Drill holes around the perimeter of the hole on ½" to 3/4" centers. Remove the cutout by using a cold chisel and a hammer between the holes drilled previously. Dress the hole using a hand grinder.

If you have a chemical exposure application requiring trench drains, is there a polymer concrete channel in the Smith/ACO line?

Yes, the 9814 and 9818SS series specified with vinylester material.

What is our equal to Polycast 600 series trench drain?

The Smith/ACO 9814 series is our equal.

Is there a threaded connection on the Smith/ACO polymer concrete channels?

No, there is only a 4" no-hub outlet connection available that must be installed by the end user.

Is there a Smith/ACO stainless steel trench drain available that is a stock item?

Yes, the 9660 Series in 304 or 316 stainless steel.

Are sediment buckets available with the Smith/ACO catch basins?

Yes, they are offered in plastic and stainless steel.

Is there a strainer available for the 9818 series trench drain?

Yes, the 9854 strainer manufactured from plastic.

Does Smith/ACO offer an aluminum trench drain system?

No.

Is the 9818 series trench drain approved by IAPMO?

No, there is not a listing for linear drainage systems thus no approval number.

Does Smith offer a polyethylene sport track trench drain system?

No, Smith does not have a system at this time.

What is the maximum temperature for water that can be discharged into a polypropylene channel?

180 degrees F.

Are catch basins available for the 9930 and 9931 trench drain systems?

Yes, the 9930 series uses 9935 catch basin and the 9931 series uses the 9936 catch basin.

What is the shallowest channel that you can put a 4" horizontal outlet on?

We recommend not using shallower than a #10 with polymer concrete and a #10 channel with Enviro-Flo II. This is to ensure an adequate level of concrete above the pipe.

Does the Enviro-Flo II system have a universal closing end cap that fits both ends of channel and catch basin?

Yes, a shallow end cap and a deep end cap that fits all 20 sections. The shallow end cap fits the catch basin.

Is a polypropylene 24" square catch basin available for the Enviro-Flo II system?

No, only the in-line catch basin for the system is available.

What is our equal to Zurn Z-886?

Enviro-Flo II - 9930-9931 Polypropylene Series.

Do you currently offer a guide for heat welding Enviro-Flo II channels?

No, not at this time. We are currently investigating this topic and see the need for this type of resource for our Representatives.

Are aluminum grates available for the polymer concrete or polypropylene trench drains?

No, aluminum grates are not offered.

Is there a nickel bronze grate offered in the trench drain systems?

The closest finish to nickel bronze offered is stainless steel grates.

Is there an ADA grate available in ductile iron material?

Yes, part number 9870-477-ADA will fit the following trench drain systems 9816, 9818 and 9931.

Is there a polymer concrete slotted grate available for the Smith/ACO series trench drain?

No, at one time there was a grate available but due to a high breakage rate they were deleted from the product line.

What is the difference between the 440-VF and the 440-VF type 2 Grate?

The 440-VF grate has bars on 1" centers while the 440-VF2 grate has bars on 5/8" centers.

Is the Smith/ACO trench drain system available with a polymer concrete grate?

No, there was at one time a polymer concrete grate offered but due to a high breakage rate it was discontinued.

Is there a stainless steel bar grate available for the Enviro-Flo II trench drain?

No, there was at one time a polymer concrete grate offered but due to a high breakage rate it was discontinued.

Will water hammer arresters control the movement in piping mains?

The movement in piping mains is caused by shock and partially by the flow of water through the mains. The greatest movement is caused by shock which can be controlled by the installation of water hammer arresters. The movement caused by water flow can be controlled by the proper placement of pipe hangers and supports.

Is it possible to control the shock created by pumping equipment?

When a pump shuts off, some degree of shock will be experienced in the discharge line. This is caused by the back surge of water to the pumping equipment. The shock can be controlled in most applications by the installations of a properly sized water hammer arrester. The unit should be installed at a tee connection in the vertical discharge line.

Will a water hammer arrester prevent check valve slam?

A water hammer arrester will absorb the shock and minimize the slam noise. A soft seat in the check valve will then assure a quiet closure.

Is the shock generated in dishwasher piping controllable?

A solenoid or other type of quick closure valve is employed for dishwasher applications. A properly sized water hammer arrester installed on the pressure side of the solenoid valve will eliminate the shock and noise.

Is the shock generated in home washing machines controllable?

Yes, a properly sized water hammer arrester placed on the cold and hot water supplies to the washing machine will absorb the shock as caused by quick closure devices.

Can shock be prevented in other types of liquid conveying systems?

The 5005-5050 stainless steel bellows units can be used with most types of liquid conveyed in a piping distribution system. Therefore, if a shock is encountered, it can be controlled. When liquids other than water are involved, it is recommended that Smith’s Sales Engineering group be consulted for evaluation.

Will water hammer arresters eliminate piping vibration?

If the vibration is caused by the occurrence of shock in the piping system it can be avoided if a properly sized water hammer arrester is installed near the quick closure valve.

Are water hammer arresters required in the average residence?

Yes, a severe shock can occur in the residential piping system, especially when excessive water pressures are involved. Most of the premature failures of piping, hot water storage heaters, home laundry machines, automatic control valves and flush tanks or valves, may be attributed to shock caused by quick closure valves. Properly sized water hammer arresters should be installed on the hot and cold water supply piping to that fixture, equipment or apparatus wherein shock can be produced. A pressure reducing valve installed on the discharge side of the water meter can be most helpful in protecting the residential piping system.

Do Water Hammer Arresters require access panels?

It is always wise to provide access to any mechanical device that may need servicing or replacing during the life of the building.

Can a Water Hammer Arrester be placed at the top of a riser and be effective?

No. The location of the unit itself is essential for proper operation and effectiveness. Usually, the top of the riser is so remote to the source of the problem, the unit never has an opportunity to perform its job. The location should be at the piping serving the fixture(s) and normally between the last two fixtures. Refer to the Smith ‘Yellow Pages’ catalog, Water Hammer Arrester section for complete information on sizing, placement and selection. The Plumbing & Drainage Institute (PDI) Water Hammer Arrester Standard, WH-201, may also be referred to for sizing, placement and selection.

Where are water hammer arresters required?

Water hammer arresters are intended for use in either cold or hot water supply lines. Generally, they are needed anywhere quick closing valves are installed. Such valves can come in the form of faucets, flush valves, washing machines, dishwashers, etc. Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.’s water hammer arresters are available in multiple types, connection sizes and capacities for various applications. Each version is designed to control the destructive shock of water hammer when these quick closing valves are operated. The internal construction of these devices allow them to absorb and reduce intense pressure spikes, which occur in these instances, to safe levels, preserving the piping system. The sizes and locations are typically specified by the plumbing engineer of record for a given facility. In order for water hammer arresters to work as designed, they must be sized correctly based on the number of fixtures and located properly in the water piping system to effectively mitigate the damaging force of water hammer.