--- title: How Much Do you Spend Per Year Cleaning your Trench Drain? description: Installing a trench drain in sanitary facilities can rack up cleaning costs. Every year, facilities that have strict cleaning guidelines will spend over... image: http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/usdaphoto-300x225.jpg --- - 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) ![](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/usdaphoto-300x225.jpg) - [Health bacteria](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/topic/health-bacteria) - [Mistakes to Avoid](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/topic/mistakes-to-avoid) - [Slot Drain](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/topic/slot-drain) - [Trench Drain](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/topic/trench-drain) # How Much Do you Spend Per Year Cleaning your Trench Drain? Facilities have to clean their drainage systems, but it's often an expensive process. To prevent contamination and to pass inspections, facilities must follow sanitation guidelines listed in the [USDA Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures Handbook](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/food-processing-facility-drain-sanitation-guidance). [To comply with the USDA guidelines](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9RBbcVDoqw), businesses must clean drains on a daily basis to prevent unsanitary conditions. **![Cleaning a trench drain](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/usdaphoto-300x225.jpg "Cleaning a trench drain")[![Trench Drain Trap Sediment](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/20130103_142334-e1466190299574.jpg)](http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/20130103_142334-e1426181520812.jpg)** **The cost of cleaning drainage systems**   It takes time to properly clean drainage systems to comply with the sanitation requirements in the [USDA Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures Handbook](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/food-processing-facility-drain-sanitation-guidance). **In processing facilities, time is money.** The harder it is to clean a drainage system, the more it will cost. Companies that choose an easy to clean drainage system save time and money. Not sure if an easy to clean drainage system is worth the switch? *Let’s compare the cost of cleaning a grated trench drain system versus a Slot Drain*® S*ystem.*   **Cost of cleaning a grated trench system** - As an example, let's say we installed a 100-foot section of grated trench drain in a facility. The drain is load class rated to load E and is 100% stainless steel. The worker who cleans the drain earns $12 per hour and cleans the drain 5 days per week. - **Cleaning time per day** - 3-5 minutes to access drain pit and empty it - 120-210 minutes to lift, scrub, inspect and replace all drain covers - 60-90 minutes to scrub, rinse and sanitize the drain channel - **Total time per day: 2 -5 hours** - **Cleaning cost of labor** - **$156 – $260 per year** (13 – 22 hours) - **$6,240 – $10,920 per year** (520 – 910 hours) - **$3,120 – $4,680 per year** (260 – 390 hours) **Cleaning a grated drain can cost $9,516 - $15,860 per year!** But is there really a better solution? Let's analyze the cost of cleaning a slotted trench drain.   **Cost of cleaning a Slot Drain**® **System**  - Let's look at a similar example for a Slot Drain® System. Let's say we installed a 100-foot section of Slot Drain® in a facility. The drain is load class rated to load F and is 100% stainless steel. The worker assigned to cleaning the drain earns $12 per hour and cleans the drain 5 days per week. - **Cleaning Time per Day** - 3-5 minutes to access drain pit and empty it - 1-2 minutes to run paddle through length of drain - 20-25 minutes to thoroughly brush entire drain - **Total time per day: 24-32 minutes** - **Cleaning Cost in Labor** - **$52 – $104 per year **(4 – 9 hours) - **$156 – $260 per year** (13 – 22 hours) - **$1,040 – $1,300 per year** (87 – 108 hours) **Cleaning a Slot Drain® System costs just $1,248 to $1,664 per year!** **ON AVERAGE, YOU'LL SAVE UP TO 90% IN CLEANING COSTS!** Cleaning a slotted trench system is easier and faster than cleaning a grated trench drain. What’s the main difference between the drains? **Slot drains eliminate grates.** It takes just **24-32 minutes** to clean a slotted trench drain system, compared to the **2-5 *hours*** needed for the grated trench. Switching to a slotted trench drain eliminates hours of lifting, scrubbing, inspecting and replacing the drain covers - a huge advantage for any processing facility.   **Save money by choosing a sanitary drainage system** Your facility will save money long-term by using an easy-to-clean, low-maintenance drainage system. Drains that comply with the USDA Sanitation Guidelines feature smooth materials, radius edges and stainless steel construction. If drainage systems are difficult for employees to clean, they might neglect necessary cleaning procedures. Poorly cleaned drains can harbor bacteria and lead to product recalls, fines, lawsuits or harm to consumers. ***The best way to protect your food or beverage processing facility from contamination is by choosing a sanitary drainage system that complies with USDA sanitation requirements. *** **Sanitary drainage systems** Slot Drain® Systems are easier to clean and more cost-effective than grated trench drains. The linear slots eliminate traditional grates, which are hard to clean and can wear out in just a few years. Use slotted drains wherever floor or ground surfaces contact fluids or require frequent cleanings. [Learn more about Slot Drain® Systems cleaning procedures      ](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/easy-cleaning-slot-drain) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![SlotDrain-Product-Guide-232x300-2023-1](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2119739/interactive-140128665707.png)](https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKIIn%2FODHyaN%2BNYE2hYBVtew6juhwDl3QT7weky9lZEBNramehKRhRk19ppeGUWoL17Ia2bbKBhmksC4MciIy1gTVFBJnIJLJTK9GSu9Tm5zM94dBfV2JieXw7esfbUf8IcBGY9YbwIIG6i38XixDZw8AscmulyFFLQMNW%2Bj3Z51%2FZLYgOtoS6vQz6T7q%2FJ7erhKjvft2AK3%2Fw%2BYTVvu8fqJX2PEegW&webInteractiveContentId=140128665707&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" }, "datePublished" : "2017-06-23T16:00:23.000Z", "headline" : "How Much Do you Spend Per Year Cleaning your Trench Drain?", "image" : [ "http://www.slotdrainsystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/usdaphoto-300x225.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/how-much-do-you-spend-per-year-cleaning-your-trench-drain", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.slotdrainsystems.com/hubfs/Logo-GDT.jpg" }, "name" : "Global Drain Technologies" } } ```