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Serious question, has anyone else tried using a 2-inch PVC for a main drain in a small strip mall?
I figured it would handle the flow from three sinks and a mop closet, but it backed up during the lunch rush on day two. The plumber I called said, 'You can't use a straw for a fire hose.' Anyone have a better rule of thumb for sizing these things?
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abbyk106mo ago
My buddy's taco truck had a similar mess with a tiny drain line. He learned the hard way, like @paigen52 said, that codes exist for a reason. That plumber's fire hose line is going to stick with me.
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paigen526mo ago
That plumber's straw comment is spot on. Did you check the local code for minimum drain sizes on commercial sinks? I know our town requires 3-inch for any food service.
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miller.jason6mo ago
Ever wonder why some plumbers talk about drains like they're picking a drink at a drive-thru? We had a tiny drain on a prep sink and it was a constant fight. After our own version of @abbyk10's buddy's taco truck mess, we just bit the bullet and upsized to what the code actually said. It cost more upfront but saved so many headaches from slow drains and clogs. That plumber's fire hose line is funny because it's true, you really do need the bigger pipe.
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