Emilie Meyer
Installing a drain in a drip pan for draft beer is a straightforward process. The first step is to choose the location for the drip tray setup, ensuring it is close to the beer dispensing area and has enough clearance underneath. The next step is to measure the dimensions of the drip tray and mark the center of the drain hole. A hole is then drilled, and the surface mount drip tray is placed into it, secured with a nut and washer attached to the drain pipe. The tray can be made of stainless steel, plastic, or rubberized surfaces, and it should be ensured that it sits flush with the countertop. The drain hose is then connected to the drain outlet, and the other end is positioned in a suitable drainage area, such as a sink or floor drain. Finally, the hose is secured with zip ties to prevent it from coming loose. This installation method ensures that any spilled or leaked beer is caught by the drip tray and drained away, keeping the bar or counter clean and spill-free.
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What You'll Learn
- Choosing a drip tray style: surface mount, cut-out, flush-mount, wall mount, or wrap-around
- Preparing the installation: ensuring enough space, marking the centre of the drain hole, and drilling
- Inserting the drain tube: fitting it through the tray and hole, positioning the tray, and securing with a lock nut
- Attaching the hose: connecting it to the female adapter and drain tube, cutting to length, and fastening with zip ties
- Final setup: positioning the hose to reach the desired drainage area, such as a sink or floor drain
Choosing a drip tray style: surface mount, cut-out, flush-mount, wall mount, or wrap-around
When choosing a drip tray for your draft beer setup, there are several styles to consider, each with its advantages and installation requirements:
Surface Mount
Surface mount drip trays are typically the easiest to install. They require only a single hole in the countertop for the drain line and are secured with a nut and washer attached to the drain pipe. These trays are designed to sit on top of any suitable surface and can be positioned under the faucet to catch any spills or leaks. Surface mount trays are often available with or without a drain hole. If there is no drain, the tray can be lifted and washed out at the end of each day.
Cut-Out
The cut-out series of drip trays are designed to follow the flange of the tower, providing better drip coverage for the faucets. These trays require a rectangle to be cut out of the countertop to match the size of the pan length. The tray is then secured to the counter with silicon sealant. Cut-out trays offer a clean and classy look, but the installation process may be more involved.
Flush-Mount (Recessed)
Flush-mount or recessed drip trays provide an uncluttered presentation for the bar top. They are installed by cutting a rectangle into the countertop and securing the tray with silicon sealant. With this style, the tray sits flush with the surface, creating a seamless look and feel. However, the installation process can be more complex than other types.
Wall Mount
Wall mount drip trays are ideal for areas without a countertop, such as outside a walk-in cooler. They are mounted through the drip tray directly into the wall or door. Wall-mount trays often come with pre-drilled holes for easy installation and a threaded drain for plumbing connections. They are a good option for maintaining a clean and pest-free environment.
Wrap-Around
The wrap-around drip tray is designed to mount under the tower and close to the bar edge. It works well with towers where the faucets are not in a straight line, such as mushroom towers. Wrap-around trays usually include a threaded drain for convenient plumbing connections.
When choosing a drip tray style, consider factors such as ease of installation, aesthetics, functionality, and maintenance. Each type of drip tray offers unique advantages to enhance your draft beer setup.
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Preparing the installation: ensuring enough space, marking the centre of the drain hole, and drilling
Before installing a drain in your drip pan for draft beer, it's important to carefully prepare the installation to ensure a smooth process. Here are the steps to prepare for the installation:
Ensuring Enough Space
First, make sure you have enough clearance underneath the countertop for the drip tray. It's important to avoid any interference with plumbing, wiring, or other structures. Choose a location close to the beer dispensing area.
Marking the Centre of the Drain Hole
Position the drip tray upside down on the countertop in the desired location. Use a pencil to mark the outline of the centre hole of the tray. This will ensure that you drill in the correct spot and that the tray is centred.
Drilling
Use a hole saw or drill bit that matches the outside diameter of the threaded drain tube, typically 1/2 inch. Drill the marked spot on the countertop. Remove any excess debris from the drilled hole. It is important to clear the debris to ensure a smooth installation of the drain tube.
By following these steps, you will be well prepared for installing the drain in your drip pan for draft beer. Remember to take your time and carefully measure and mark the centre of the drain hole to ensure a precise installation.
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Inserting the drain tube: fitting it through the tray and hole, positioning the tray, and securing with a lock nut
Installing a beer drip tray with a drain is a straightforward process. Once you've chosen the location for your drip tray setup, you'll need to separate the parts and ensure you have everything you need, including the tray, drain insert, threaded drain tube, and lock nut.
Now, take the tray (without the drain insert or drain tube) and position it under your faucet(s). Centre the tray as best you can and use a pencil to mark the outline of the centre hole of the tray. Next, use a hole saw or drill bit to drill the hole, ensuring it matches the outside diameter of the threaded drain tube (usually 1/2 inch). Clear any debris from the hole.
Now it's time to insert the drain tube. Fit the tube through the bottom of the drip tray and then through the hole you drilled. Ensure the tray is positioned according to your markers, then screw the lock nut onto the drain tube and tighten it against the interior surface. Be careful not to overtighten, as this may crack the interior lining as it compresses the insulation layer. Just tighten enough to hold the tray securely in place.
Finally, connect one end of a vinyl hose to the hose barb on the female adapter. You can secure this with a clamp if you wish, although it's not necessary as there will be no pressure on this connection. Once the hose is connected, screw the adapter onto the threads of the drain tube.
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Attaching the hose: connecting it to the female adapter and drain tube, cutting to length, and fastening with zip ties
Attaching the hose is a simple process, but it requires careful attention to ensure the drip pan works effectively. First, connect one end of the vinyl hose to the hose barb on the female adapter. Clamps are not necessary, as there will be no pressure on this connection. Once the hose is connected, screw the adapter onto the threads of the drain tube. Again, there will be no pressure on this connection, so thread tape is not needed.
Next, cut the hose to the required length. The hose should be long enough to reach the collection bottle. Most installations will require the hose to reach a sink, floor drain, or designated drain pipe. If you are draining into a bucket, ensure the bucket is emptied nightly.
Finally, use zip ties to fasten the hose in place. This will prevent it from coming loose or dangling. Zip ties are a simple and effective way to secure the hose, ensuring your draft beer system remains neat and tidy.
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Final setup: positioning the hose to reach the desired drainage area, such as a sink or floor drain
The final step in installing a beer drip tray is to position the hose so that it reaches the desired drainage area. This could be a sink, a floor drain, or a designated drain pipe. The hose should be long enough to comfortably reach the chosen drainage area, and it can be secured in place with zip ties or a similar fastening mechanism to prevent it from dangling or coming loose.
It is important to ensure that the hose is properly connected and secured before use. One end of the hose should be connected to the hose barb on the female adapter, and you may choose to clamp this connection in place for added security. The female adapter is then screwed onto the threads of the drain tube. Thread tape is optional for this connection as there will be no pressure on it.
Once the hose is securely connected, you can test the drainage system by pouring a small amount of water onto the drip tray surface to ensure that it drains properly. If the water does not drain properly, you may need to adjust the positioning of the tray or the hose.
It is worth noting that an alternative method of draining the drip tray is to use a bucket to collect the excess liquid. However, this method requires regular maintenance, as the bucket will need to be emptied nightly to prevent overflow.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several types of drip trays for draft beer, including surface mount, cut-out, flush-mounted, wall-mounted, rinser hole, and wrap-around.
First, choose a location for your drip tray setup and ensure there is enough clearance underneath the countertop. Measure the dimensions of the drip tray and mark the center of the drain hole with a pencil. Drill the hole and remove any debris. Place the drip tray into the hole and ensure it fits securely and sits flush with the countertop. Finally, pour water onto the tray to test the drainage.
Find the drain outlet in your drip tray and connect one end of a flexible drain hose to it. Ensure the hose is long enough to reach the desired drainage area and secure it in place with zip ties. Position the other end of the hose into a suitable drainage area, such as a sink or floor drain.
You will need a hole saw or drill bit, a flathead screwdriver, a flexible drain hose, and a lock nut. The drip tray assembly typically includes the tray, drain insert, threaded drain tube, and lock nut.
