A drain specification should state the performance requirements — flow rate, load class, material grade, dimensions and certification — rather than a single brand, unless the project genuinely requires it. Performance-based specification gets comparable quotations; brand-locked specification restricts them.
What to include
| Item | Why it belongs in the specification |
|---|---|
| Product type | Linear / point / tile-insert / floor drain — determines function |
| Dimensions | Length, width, body height, outlet size and type |
| Flow rate | The performance requirement, stated at a defined test head |
| Material | Grade specified (304/316) plus surface finish |
| Load class | Determines grate construction |
| Waterproofing connection | Flange or sealing arrangement — critical to the detail |
| Maintenance | Grate removal method and hair trap access |
| Certification | Which standards and what documentation is required |
| Spares | Allowance for replacement grates and traps |
Performance-based vs brand-locked
Performance-based: states the required performance and lets suppliers quote equivalent products. Produces comparable quotations and competitive pricing.
Brand-locked (or “or equal”): names a product, sometimes with an equivalence clause. Useful where a specific established detail is being repeated, but it limits competition and can slow delivery if that supply chain is constrained.
For most projects, performance-based specification with a clear equivalence clause gives the best balance.
Documentation to require
- Dimensional drawings for the specified product
- Flow rate test data at a defined head
- Material certificates for the specified grade
- Installation instructions
- Certification required by the applicable market or project standard
- Pre-shipment inspection records, where the project requires them
Common specification gaps
- Flow rate quoted without stating the test head — figures are not comparable
- Body height omitted — the drain may not fit the floor build-up
- Waterproofing connection not specified — a frequent source of defects
- Maintenance access not considered
- Certification required without confirming what the product category actually falls under
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