--- title: "Elevator Drainage Solutions 101: Elevator Drains Explained" description: Discover the best solutions for preventing water damage, ensuring safety during emergencies, and maintaining proper upkeep in elevator doors and surrounding areas. image: https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/Best%20Drain%20for%20Elevator%20Doors%20and%20Areas.png --- - TF [855.497.750](tel:8554977508) - Email [info@slotdrainsystems.com](mailto:info@slotdrainsystems.com) [![SlotDrainSystems_withdivision](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SlotDrainSystems_withdivision.png?width=503&height=136&name=SlotDrainSystems_withdivision.png)](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/) - [PRODUCTS](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products) - [2000 SERIES Sleek Elevator Multi-Slot Drain](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/2000-series-multislot/) - [2000 SERIES Sleek Elevator Threshold Drain](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/2000-series/) - [4000 SERIES Drains for Tight Spaces and Against Walls](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/4000-series-slot-drain/) - [6000 SERIES Drains For Shallow Depth Requirements](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/6000-series/) - [7000 SERIES The Best Drain For Landscaping](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/7000-series/) - [8000 SERIES Simple and Durable](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/8000-series/) - [10,000 SERIES Sanitary and Strong](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/10000-series-slot-drain/) - [Accessories](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/product-category/accessories/) - [All Products](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/products/) - [APPLICATIONS](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/applications/) - [AGRICULTURE + ANIMAL](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/agriculture-drainage/) - [AUTOMOTIVE](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/automotive-drainage/) - [BREWERIES](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/breweries/) - [FOOD + BEVERAGE PROCESSING](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/food-and-beverage-industry/) - [INDUSTRIAL + MANUFACTURING](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/industrial-drainage/) - [LANDSCAPE + URBAN DESIGN](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/civic-drainage/) - [POOL + PATIO](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/landscape-drainage/) - [RESIDENTIAL](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/residential-drainage/) - [WINERIES](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/application/winery-drains/) - [RESOURCES](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/knowledge-centre/) - [CASE STUDIES](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/case-studies/) - [FAQ](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/faq) - [SPECIFICATIONS](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/specifications/) - [SPECIFICATIONS](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/specifications/) - [INSTALLATION](https://info.slotdrainsystems.com/installresources) - [ABOUT](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/about) - [BLOG](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com) - [CONTACT US](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/contact-us) - [OUR COMPANY](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/our-company) - [TESTIMONIALS](https://info.slotdrainsystems.com/slot-drain-customer-testimonials-installations) [REQUEST A QUOTE](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/request-a-quote/) ### Posts by Topic - [Slot Drain (13)](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/topic/slot-drain) - [Trench Drain (13)](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/topic/trench-drain) - [commercial (10)](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/topic/commercial-drains) - [Drain Design (6)](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/topic/drain-design) - [Residential (6)](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/topic/residential-drains) ![](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/Best%20Drain%20for%20Elevator%20Doors%20and%20Areas.png) # Keeping Elevators Dry for Emergencies and Proper Upkeep In a high-rise emergency situation, such as a fire, it is vital that civilians are able to leave the area as quickly as possible, and that rescue personnel are able to access the affected area unimpeded. It is crucial then, that the proper infrastructure is in place to ensure nothing gets in the way of the brave men and women who risk their lives to help in these worst-case scenarios, and a damaged or flooded fire elevator can seriously slow down rescue operations. One important way to protect these vital pieces of machinery is to install an elevator drain by the elevator doors on every floor to provide proper sprinkler system water removal, and keep the emergency elevator shafts dry and protected. ## What Are Elevator Drains, and Why Install Them?   ![SDS_2000_install.jpg](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SDS_2000_install.jpg.webp?width=900&height=600&name=SDS_2000_install.jpg.webp) Elevator drains are drainage systems for an elevator. Their purpose is to catch water that can come from fire sprinklers, fire hoses, or flooding. Installing drainage in front of the elevator protects the unit and minimizes the amount of water that enters the shaft, which can cause damage to the elevator and make it difficult for rescue crews to do their job. Although most important, elevator threshold drains aren't limited to the front of elevators; they can also be installed in elevator lobbies, stairways, and other threshold areas to remove water. In other use case scenarios, drains can play an even more critical role. Drainage systems in various areas can help catch water, protect the building, and make rescues and evacuations much safer during fire emergencies. ## What to Look for In Elevator Drains When considering the different options available for use as an elevator drain, you will need to keep some key features in mind:  ### **ADA Compliance / Heel-Proof** Ensuring that the drainage system you choose meets ADA compliance is critical. Most people can use an elevator to move easier between floors, but they are primarily there for people who have mobility issues. People who use canes, walkers, or wheelchairs need to be able to go past the elevator lobby and elevator doors safely without the fear of getting caught or tripping over a drainage system. ### **Suitable Flow Rate** The flow rate is another essential factor for elevator drains. You want to ensure that your chosen system meets the flow rate required by your local building code. If the flow rate isn't adequate, the system can become overwhelmed and become ineffective. The following codes require a 100 GPM flow rate: - New York City Building Code 3007.3 - California Building Code 403.6.1, 403.6.2, 3007.4, 3008.4 - San Francisco Fire Code, Section 511.1.4 - 2018 International Building Code 3007.3 and 3008.3 ### **Aesthetics** Safety precautions are vital, but so are the aesthetics of your design. A bulky drainage system disrupts the visual layout of your floors, and can become an eyesore with dirty or damaged grates. Ensure your drainage choice has an aesthetic that supports your design instead of distracting from it. ## 2000 Series Elevator Slot Drain [![2000 SERIES ELEVATOR THRESHOLD SLOT DRAIN](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2000%20SERIES%20ELEVATOR%20THRESHOLD%20SLOT%20DRAIN.png?width=769&height=433&name=2000%20SERIES%20ELEVATOR%20THRESHOLD%20SLOT%20DRAIN.png)](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/elevator-drains) Slot Drain Systems has been around since 1986, providing an innovative solution to drainage needs in various applications. [The](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/2000-series-threshold-slot-drain)[2000 Series Elevator Slot Drain](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/elevator-drains)is a subsurface system modeled after the traditional trench drain system, but without many of the drawbacks.  Benefits of the system include: ### **Design** The Slot Drain is a compact, linear system that comes pre-sloped and pre-assembled. Unlike a traditional trench drain, the 2000 Series Slot Drain has a small channel opening, no larger than 3/4" wide, which eliminates the need for a drain cover. The lack of cover allows the system to become virtually invisible once installed.  ### **Flow Rates** Despite the compact size of the Slot Drain, it has an impressive flow rate. The 2000 Series Elevator Slot Drain is able to reach the target of 100 GPM with only a drain length of 7’9”. Subsequent drain length can also be added to increase flow rates higher than the standard 100 GPM as well. ### **Stainless Steel** The stainless steel design of the 2000 Series Slot Drain provides many benefits. The main point is its strength: stainless steel won’t bend or break like plastic, making it durable even under heavy traffic. Stainless steel is also corrosion and rust resistant unlike galvanized steel or cast iron, further ensuring its durability and maintaining its appearance for years to come.  ### **ADA-Compliance / Heel-Proof ** It is critical to ensure that your elevator drains are safe for everyone. The 2000 Series Elevator Slot Drain, features two 5/16" wide slot openings, meets ADA regulations. The Slot Drain system will ensure that wheels, canes, and walkers won't get stuck in the opening. ## Protect Your Building and Elevators ![AdobeStock_191885516_web](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AdobeStock_191885516_web.jpg?width=769&height=513&name=AdobeStock_191885516_web.jpg) Elevator drains are becoming a common feature in buildings and codes are changing to require them more and more. This shift will prevent water overflow that could occur in the shaft, an especially important feature in the event of emergencies. Choosing the right drain for the job is vital, you need something efficient and reliable. If you want to install elevator drains in your building, look no further than the 2000 Series Elevator Slot Drain. [Contact our experts at Slot Drain today](https://www.slotdrainsystems.com/contact-us) to learn more about the 2000 Series Elevator Slot Drain, and how to plan to include it in your design as the best elevator drain for your building.   - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Elevator-Drainage_Product-Spotlight_Mockup](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2119739/interactive-151984904098.png)](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLr8xjsHYbLmhToruXlYruIlSafTXTfhpYOfGREjgw7G60Ys%2BsDf%2FgFPLn2hwFr%2Fyf%2FpzJ8HuN18F06B4zZsGxIURyYO6qWl4ZUr1O2nY6Ya%2BH1PRcfYT%2B6VtRa1YqQZz25A67bxrO%2FXXicqBIH5XoGzmyvp848x7mPb4ohSMBaAa7ASeabZJW1QLkhn4Wwkfo9GHURNlCgZuUND9ZtMso%3D&webInteractiveContentId=151984904098&portalId=2119739) - ##### [![](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/SlotDrain-Nov2016/Images/selector-icon.png) drain selector](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/compare/) - ##### [![](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/SlotDrain-Nov2016/Images/buy-icon.png) How to buy](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/how-to-buy/) - ##### [![](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/SlotDrain-Nov2016/Images/chat-icon.png) TALK TO A SLOT DRAIN EXPERT](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/contact-us/) ### [Compare slot drain](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/compare/) Slot Drain is specifically designed to suit numerous market applications. From tough jobs that rely on strength and durability to aesthetically appealing landscaping applications. ### [drainage designs](https://info.slotdrainsystems.com/specifications) Drainage that's built to look good and stand strong. Slot Drain is available in stainless steel and galvanized steel. Slot Drain is customizable with elbows and transitions pits. ### [drainage accessories](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/accessories) Each Slot Drain® system includes a specially designed cleaning kit specific to its application. To clean the drain channel, cleaning kit options include an easy cleaning paddle, Flush FloTM System for frequent cleaning facilities. ### [start your project](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/contact-us/) Not sure where to start? Don't worry! That's why we have a dedicated team of drainage consultants to help find you drainage solutions. Schedule a call or informational session with a consultant today. ### [learning resources](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/) Learn more about the most sophisticated drainage system available. Find out how Slot Drain has helped to provide drainage solutions for multiple applications. ### [our company](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/our-company/) Slot Drain® Systems solved the issue of expensive installations, future workers health and maintenance wear and tear. Slot Drain® Systems was the world’s first slotted trench drain solution that excluded traditional grates. - - - - - copyright @ 2026 slot drain systems ltd. slot drain is a registered trademark of slot drain systems ltd. ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=906339316186602&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "GDT Blogs", "url" : "https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/author/gdt-blogs" }, "dateModified" : "2024-05-22T18:31:37.458Z", "datePublished" : "2023-03-16T05:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Elevator Drainage Solutions 101: Elevator Drains Explained", "image" : [ "https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/Best%20Drain%20for%20Elevator%20Doors%20and%20Areas.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/best-drain-for-elevator-doors-and-areas", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/Logo-GDT.jpg" }, "name" : "Global Drain Technologies" } } ```