Floor drains for dry areas — how to effectively solve the odor problem?

In industrial buildings, warehouses, residential buildings, and public facilities, there are spaces that are used only occasionally—such as storage rooms, utility rooms, boiler rooms, service shafts, seasonal laundries, or backup bathrooms. In such conditions, a recurring problem often arises: unpleasant odors coming from the floor drain. Even when the installation has been carried out in accordance with standards and equipped with a traditional siphon, the odor issue tends to return periodically. Why?

Why isn’t a standard siphon enough?

A traditional floor drain is equipped with a so-called water seal (hydraulic trap), commonly known as a siphon. It works on a very simple principle: it retains water in a curved section, creating a physical barrier that prevents sewer gases from flowing back.

However, in rarely used rooms, this solution often fails due to a key issue: the water in the siphon evaporates.

The rate of evaporation depends on ambient temperature, ventilation, and humidity, but even after just a few days without fresh water flow, the siphon may stop functioning properly. When this happens, the drain becomes an open channel for unpleasant odors and gases from the sewage system.

Solution: drains with a mechanical barrier

In response to this problem, many manufacturers—including Akces with its Axus brand—offer floor drains equipped with a mechanical gravity flap (also known as a dry trap, check valve, or anti-odor barrier).

More: https://eakces.eu/produkty/axus/

This type of solution relies not on water, but on a mechanical element that automatically closes under gravity when no water is flowing through it. Key features include:

✅ No evaporation – the barrier does not depend on water, so it cannot dry out.

✅ No professional maintenance required – it operates automatically, without the need to refill water.

✅ Full sealing – unpleasant odors, insects, and gases are prevented from entering the interior.

✅ Suitable for various environments – both dry and wet rooms.

The Axus product line offers vertical and horizontal floor drains from the Standard series (with a 1 mm thick grate) and the Plus series (with a 1.5 mm grate), equipped with a solid gravity flap and an additional 22 mm water seal. This allows both technologies to be combined: a traditional water barrier and a modern mechanical one. Both series are available in sizes of 150 mm and 100 mm.

Summary

In rarely used rooms, where a traditional siphon is ineffective, modern solutions are worth considering. A floor drain with a gravity flap provides effective and durable protection against sewer odors, ensuring hygienic conditions without the need for constant supervision. It is an investment that significantly improves the standard of a building and eliminates a persistent problem.

If you want to choose the right drain for your facility—contact us. We will help you select the best solution tailored to your needs.