Have Questions or Need Service for Existing Equipment?
Contact HRI today at 814-453-4747.
Commercial Kitchen Floor Sinks: Plan Before You Pour
August 24, 2026
Introduction
Most of a commercial kitchen build can still be changed after the fact. Floor sinks and drains are not one of those things. Once the slab is poured, moving a floor sink means breaking concrete — a very different phone call than a change order.
Here’s the detail that’s easy to miss, and how a 3D walkthrough catches it before it’s a problem.
Summary · Key Takeaways
01
Floor sinks and drains have to be placed before the concrete floor is poured — one of the few decisions construction won’t let you undo later.
02
They’re not optional extras. Dishwashers, ice machines, and other equipment with indirect waste connections drain into them.
03
A model you can walk through before the pour is how every drain and floor sink location gets confirmed while it still costs nothing to move.
04
Catching this on paper, or in 3D, is free. Catching it after the pour means cutting into a finished floor.
SHORTDon’t Forget This With Your Kitchen Floor
“One overlooked detail can lead to expensive renovations down the road.” — from HRI’s YouTube Shorts.
Sheet 02 · The Process
How We Catch It Before The Pour
This is the same reason HRI models every kitchen in 3D before construction starts — it’s not just about how the space looks.
01
Design Is A Decision, Not A Guess
Every run, every clearance, every piece of equipment gets resolved in the model, long before it’s on the floor.
02
Every Inch, Accounted For
Refrigeration, the exhaust hood, the cook line, every fixture — spec-level 3D means nothing gets guessed at, including what has to go in the floor before anyone pours it.
03
You Walk The Kitchen Before We Pour The Slab
The model gets walked, room by room, while construction hasn’t reached the point yet where a missed detail means breaking concrete.
Design is a decision, not a guess.
Sheet 03 · Q&A
Questions
Q01What is a floor sink, and why does it matter?
A floor sink is a plumbing fixture set into the floor before the concrete is poured, typically draining equipment like dishwashers and ice machines through an indirect waste connection. Its location has to be locked in before the slab goes down.
Q02What happens if a floor sink gets missed during planning?
One overlooked detail can lead to expensive renovations down the road. Moving a drain after the floor is poured means cutting into finished concrete instead of adjusting a plan.
Q03How does HRI make sure nothing gets missed before construction starts?
Every kitchen gets modeled in 3D and walked through, room by room, before the pour — so floor sinks, drains, and equipment clearances are confirmed while they’re still easy to change.
Watch the full short on HRI’s YouTube channel. HRI Commercial Food Service designs and installs commercial kitchens across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York — if you’re still in the planning stage, that’s the best time to call. Learn more at hriusa.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us guide you through our HRI packages and options in a 15-minute session to assist you in finding the perfect package. For a side-by-side package comparison, please refer to this link.
No problem! Upgrading to a higher-tier package is easy, and any payments made will be credited towards the upgrade.
Your journey begins with a 30-60 minute initial meeting led by your assigned Chef Designer. This session is dedicated to understanding your vision and needs, translating them into an initial design. Following this, we’ll reconvene for a real-time collaboration session to refine the design. Based on your chosen package, you’ll have two to three meetings to review and finalize the design. For more details on what each package includes, click here.
Our design timelines vary, with some packages being completed in just 2-4 weeks. Your Chef will keep you informed about the expected timelines and next steps during each meeting.
Communication is through email and text, with the Design Kick-Off and subsequent meetings held over Zoom. This allows for real-time collaboration and adjustments. All designs will be sent to you in PDF format via email.
We aim to design spaces that efficiently fulfill your vision. If you wish to incorporate existing equipment, please bring the necessary details to the initial meeting.
You have the option to buy the required equipment through HRI. After finalizing your design, HRI will provide a comprehensive equipment quote.
Please note, the materials we provide are intended for conceptual and layout purposes only and are not suitable for permits or health inspections, which require documents from licensed professionals.
The documents we provide serve for conceptualization and layout planning only. Any required construction documents must be obtained from professional construction services.
Even if you’re not ready to begin construction, we’re here to help. Our initial discussions will help us tailor our design services to your project’s specific needs.
For additional requirements, we offer a range of services for an extra charge. Discuss these options with your designer.
- Custom Stainless Steel Shop Drawings and Renderings
- 2D CAD Files and 3D Visuals
- Digital 3D Tours
Yes! We’ve partnered with FS Foodservice Solutions to make financing your equipment simple and affordable. Whether you’re purchasing a single piece or building out a full kitchen, FS offers flexible programs with quick approvals, competitive terms, and the ability to include soft costs like installation or freight. Financing is available for both new and used equipment, starting at just $500 with no maximum limit. Click here to explore your financing options and to get a free quote.
