Don’t let your Drainage Get you Down

Highlighting the Importance of Installing Proper Drainage

HPC Fire Inspired Research and Design Team invests in our customers by raising the fire industry standards with their innovative designs. Purchasing an HPC Fire Inspired Appliance will guarantee you a quality design with unparalleled performance, ease of use, and the latest technological conveniences. This Tech Talk will highlight the technological advances HPC has made to promote proper drainage in all of our appliances. In addition, HPC will discuss the importance of installing proper drainage systems when inserting HPC’s signature fire components in an enclosure. Following the proper installation instructions and maintenance will ensure the performance and longevity of your investment.

Drainage Within HPC’s Appliances:

The installation of proper drainage is imperative to avoid issues from water accumulating in the fire appliance as well as the fire pit enclosure. HPC has made several critical technological advances that mitigate water abatement issues. HPC utilizes commercial grade stainless steel to create the fire components. Using quality materials allows our units to withstand weather conditions. Per Chuck Parsons, “HPC’s burner and pan designs have been curated to promote proper drainage. HPC installs the orifice below the pan allowing it to be protected from the elements. HPC has also developed a new valve box with a square manifold that acts as a drip leg. This advancement protects the valve and the valve box from filling with water. In addition, HPC utilizes a raised hub design with strategically placed weep holes that are essential to guiding the water away from the source of the gas as well as the controls enabling the unit to light every time.”

Drainage Within The Enclosure:

HPC would like to emphasize how imperative it is to design proper drainage within an enclosure. If possible, HPC recommends utilizing a floor drain inside enclosures as it creates the best drainage that will not be as susceptible to blockages. In instances where a floor drain is not possible, HPC advises that the ventilation openings be installed at ground level. Doing so allows any water from elements to naturally flow out of the enclosure. When creating an enclosure from masonry, brick, stone, or pavers one can intentionally leave gaps in mortar at ground level making way for any water in the unit to drain out. Taking care of these critical steps at the point of installation, will mitigate issues with water collection.

Issues Due To Lack of Drainage:

Taking precautions at the point of installation will ensure your enclosure will not retain water. Proper drainage and ventilation are closely tied together. Without proper drainage, standing water can lead to mold developing within the enclosure. In addition, without proper drainage or ventilation as you run your unit, the heat cycles can also cause condensation to build up which can also lead to issues with mold and mildew. Specifically, instances when HPC’s Match lit units’ enclosure lacks proper drainage it can lead to water seeping into the gas connection. This will be apparent as you will hear a gurgling sound. The water will need to be pumped out of the line to restore proper functioning. HPC’s Push Button/Flame Sensing (FPPK) units will become vulnerable to water damage if drainage isn’t placed at grade level as the units’ valve box is installed on the lower side wall of the enclosure. If water engulfs the box this can destroy the spark generator leading to corrosion. In turn, this type of damage would be an out of pocket expense to replace these critical components. HPC’s Electronic Ignition (EI) series can be seriously damaged without proper drainage. Per Chuck Parsons, “It only takes a few inches of water building up in an enclosure to cause damage to the valve box.” Without drainage in an EI enclosure, generally the first thing to go is the control module which can lead to other extensive issues.

Always refer to HPC’s installation instructions or refer to HPC’s BUILT App which will break down the process and will aid in troubleshooting. The key take away is drainage in an enclosure either in the form of a floor drain or strategically placed ventilation ports installed at grade level will alleviate all concerns with water abatement issues.

Maintenance:

Taking the time to do routine maintenance checks will surely extend the life of your fire appliance. Inspecting the drainage points to ensure that it is clear of debris will maintain the overall mechanical functioning of your unit. When your unit is not in use, HPC recommends utilizing a cover. Check out our accessories at HPCFire.com, as we have a nice selection of covers that will create a finished look while protecting your unit from other element. For more information around maintaining your fire appliance, refer to HPC’s Fire Pit Spring Maintenance Tech Talk.

Customer Satisfaction:

HPC values knowledge and invests in the exploration of best practices as well as engineering to ensure the quality and performance of each fire design. HPC stands by the integrity of our units and offers our customers lifetime guarantee warranty. Refer to HPC’s warranty guidelines servicing all of your needs.

Let our dedicated Certified National Fire Institute Tech Team as well as our Customer Specialists field any questions or concerns. Our team will walk you through the process from start to finish ensuring your fire appliances exceed your desires. Reach our HPC Fire Inspired Team at 937-436-9800 or at Info@HPCFire.com.

36-9800 or at Info@HPCFire.com.