Commercial kitchens produce wastewater from sinks, dishwashers, washing machines and other appliances. In a newly constructed building, these fixtures can usually be planned around an appropriate drainage network. Renovation projects, however, can be considerably more complicated.
A commercial kitchen may be located in a basement, an extension, a temporary food-service area or a part of a building where the existing drainage connection is positioned inconveniently.
In such situations, a grey water pumping system can provide an alternative to relying entirely on gravity.
Unlike sewage from toilets, grey water generally comes from fixtures such as sinks, showers, washing machines and dishwashers. The pumping equipment therefore needs to be selected according to the type and temperature of wastewater it will receive.
SFA’s Sanispeed grey water pump is designed for light commercial environments and can receive wastewater from a kitchen sink, washing machine, dishwasher and washbasin. The unit has four inlets and can pump wastewater up to 7 metres vertically or up to 70 metres horizontally, subject to the installation conditions.
For a small café, office pantry, salon, bar or similar environment, this type of system can provide useful installation flexibility.
One of the key considerations is temperature. Commercial kitchens can generate hotter wastewater than a typical domestic sink. Sanispeed is designed for a working temperature of 35°C and can handle water up to 75°C for short periods, according to SFA’s product information. The actual application should always remain within the manufacturer’s specifications.
Odour management can also be relevant in commercial environments. Sanispeed incorporates a closed system with a carbon filter intended to neutralise odours.
Space is another practical consideration. A pump that can be installed under a counter or inside a cupboard can help preserve valuable kitchen workspace. This can be particularly useful where a renovation is being carried out without changing the entire building’s drainage infrastructure.
However, pumping equipment should not replace good kitchen drainage design. The installer needs to determine the appropriate discharge route, pipe dimensions, pumping height and fixture connections before installation.
Regular inspection and sensible use are also important. Grease, food waste and inappropriate materials can create drainage problems if they are allowed to enter wastewater systems in excessive quantities. Commercial kitchens should use appropriate grease-management practices where required by the application and local regulations.
A grey water pump can therefore be a useful tool when designing a kitchen in a difficult location. Instead of allowing an existing drainage connection to dictate the entire kitchen layout, the project team can consider whether wastewater pumping is technically suitable.
For light commercial applications involving sinks and appliances, Sanispeed is one option that can be evaluated.
The best solution depends on the volume, temperature and type of wastewater, as well as the required pumping distance. Professional assessment before installation helps ensure that the selected equipment matches the demands of the kitchen.
