When it comes to equipping a school with the right facilities, one item that often falls under the radar is the trough. Specifically, a stainless steel trough. Why? Stainless steel troughs are durable, hygienic, and a cost-effective solution for various uses within a school setting.
Stainless steel troughs are essentially long, narrow, and typically rectangular fixtures made from stainless steel. They are widely used in a variety of settings due to their durability, hygiene, and cost-effectiveness. In schools, these troughs find utility in several areas including bathrooms, where they serve as sinks for handwashing, and science labs, where they are used for experiments and cleaning laboratory equipment. They may also be used in school kitchens, serving as a part of the food preparation area. Their resistance to corrosion, staining, and bacteria make them an ideal choice for these environments where hygiene and durability are paramount.
Types of Drinking troughs
Drinking troughs in schools come in different forms, each catering to specific needs and preferences. Pedestal troughs, on the other hand, are taller and more suited for older students or staff.
When it comes to drinking troughs for schools, it is essential to understand that there are several types available, each with its unique features designed to meet the specific needs of students. Here are five types of drinking troughs typically used in schools:
- Wall-Mounted Drinking Troughs: These are affixed to the wall, making them a space-saving solution. Wall-mounted drinking troughs are perfect for schools with limited space. They are usually made from stainless steel, a durable material that can withstand frequent use.
- Freestanding Drinking Troughs: These are standalone units that can be placed anywhere within the school premises. Freestanding drinking troughs often have multiple taps, making them suitable for high traffic areas such as playgrounds or dining halls.
- Bottle Filling Stations: These are a modern and eco-friendly alternative to traditional drinking troughs. Bottle filling stations encourage students to bring their own water bottles, thus reducing the use of disposable cups and contributing to environmental sustainability.
- Pedestal Drinking Troughs: These are similar to freestanding troughs but are installed directly into the ground. Pedestal drinking troughs are sturdy and can accommodate several students at once. They are usually placed in outdoor areas of the school where there is a lot of student activity. They usually feature individual taps, providing a more private drinking experience.
- Drinking Water Fountains: These are not troughs in the traditional sense, but they serve the same purpose of providing drinking water to students. Drinking water fountains are typically wall-mounted and have a spout that releases water when a button is pressed.
- Bubbler style troughs : These are a popular choice, with a rounded design that allows multiple students to drink simultaneously. They often come with a built-in water bottle filler, promoting hydration and reducing single-use plastic waste.
- Accessible troughs : These are designed with wheelchair accessibility in mind, featuring lower heights and easy-to-use levers or push buttons. These options ensure all students can easily access hydration throughout their school day.
Britex’s AS1428 complaint Drinking Trough include pre-plumbed Drink Safe™ low lead water efficient push button drink bubblers and optional bottle fillers
Preplumbed Drinking Trough
Introducing the Stainless Express S.S. Pre-Plumbed Drinking Trough – 1200mm Long, perfect for your hydration needs! This fantastic trough comes complete with wall brackets, 3 x lever-activated drinking taps featuring safety rubber mouthpieces. It also includes a convenient 50mm left/right waste outlet and boasts stylish radius internal and external bowl corners. Quench your thirst in style!
Each of these drinking troughs has its own advantages and is designed to provide easy access to drinking water for students, keeping them hydrated throughout the school day. The choice of drinking trough will depend on the school’s specific requirements, including the available space, the number of students, and the school’s environmental policies.
Factors to consider choosing Drinking trough for Schools
Choosing the right drinking trough for a school requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are seven key things to bear in mind:
- Availability of Space: The amount of space available will determine whether a wall-mounted, freestanding, or pedestal trough is most appropriate. Space-saving designs like wall-mounted troughs are ideal for schools with limited space.
- Number of Students: The volume of usage is another critical factor. Larger schools with a high student population may benefit from freestanding or pedestal troughs with multiple taps to avoid lengthy queues during breaks.
- Hygiene Standards: Drinking troughs should be easy to clean and maintain to ensure the health and safety of students. Stainless steel troughs, for instance, are not only durable, but they are also easy to clean.
- Budget: The cost of installation and maintenance should fit within the school’s budget. While some troughs may be cheaper to install, they could have higher maintenance costs in the long run.
- School’s Environmental Policy: If a school is committed to sustainability, choosing bottle filling stations can help reduce waste from disposable cups. Plus, they encourage students to carry reusable water bottles.
- Accessibility: Drinking troughs should be easily accessible to all students, including those with disabilities. Consider the height of the trough and how easy it is for students to operate the taps.
- Durability: School drinking troughs should be able to withstand frequent use and the occasional rough treatment. Stainless steel is a popular choice for its longevity.
In conclusion, choosing a drinking trough for a school is a decision that requires thoughtful consideration of various factors. The right choice ensures all students have easy access to drinking water, promoting hydration and overall health.
Why Stainless Steel Trough only for Commercial spaces
Stainless steel troughs have become a staple in commercial spaces for several reasons:
- Durability: Stainless steel is an incredibly durable material, with a high resistance to corrosion, heat, and chemical damage. These qualities make it ideal for commercial spaces where the troughs may be exposed to harsh conditions that could cause wear and tear.
- Hygiene: In environments such as food service or healthcare, maintaining high levels of cleanliness is critical. Stainless steel is a non-porous material, meaning bacteria and viruses are less likely to seep into the surface. It’s also easy to clean and sanitize, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
- Aesthetics: Stainless steel has a professional, clean look that suits many commercial spaces’ aesthetic. It adds a touch of sleek sophistication, whether it’s in a chic restaurant bathroom or a practical industrial workspace.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial investment may be higher than other materials, stainless steel’s longevity and low maintenance needs make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
- Environmental Impact: Stainless steel is a recyclable material, aligning with the growing trend of businesses seeking eco-friendly solutions. Choosing stainless steel troughs is a step towards reducing a commercial space’s environmental impact.
In conclusion, the durability, hygiene, aesthetic appeal, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness of stainless steel troughs make them an excellent choice for commercial spaces.
At Britex, we pride ourselves on providing top-quality stainless steel products. From drinking troughs, commercial sinks to stainless steel benches, our selection is vast and includes everything you need. Sinks, basins, and urinals & toilet suites are also part of our product line. We understand that finding reliable and durable stainless steel products can be a challenge, which is why we offer a range of options that are perfect for any environment. You can browse our full selection on our website or reach out to our team directly to get started on your stainless steel journey. With our expertise and commitment to excellence, we’re confident that we can help you find the perfect products for your needs.