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Welcome to the Tailored Taproom Technical Resource Center. Below you will find detailed engineering specs, plumbing requirements, and maintenance protocols for our professional bar fixtures.
Part 1: Keg Urinal Specifics
1. Is a keg urinal legal for commercial bar use?
While 304 stainless is a sanitary material, legality depends on local plumbing codes. Most jurisdictions allow them as "custom fixtures" if they meet drainage and material standards. Always check with your local inspector before installation.
2. What is the difference between a 1/2 BBL and a 1/6 BBL urinal?
A 1/2 BBL (Full Keg) offers a wider "splash zone" and a more imposing industrial look. A 1/6 BBL (Sixtel) is narrower, making it ideal for tight stalls or small-footprint "container" bars.
3. Do keg urinals splash more than porcelain?
Actually, less. Because a keg is roughly 16 inches deep, it provides a much deeper basin than standard compact porcelain urinals, significantly reducing splash-back if the flush pressure is dialed in correctly.
4. How do I prevent a keg urinal from smelling like a brewery?
Odor is caused by bacteria in rough welds or stagnant "pools" at the bottom. Our TIG-welded seams and sloped drain flanges ensure every drop of waste enters the P-trap, eliminating the "funk."
5. Can I use a standard home toilet flush valve on a keg urinal?
No. You need a commercial-grade flushometer (like a Sloan or Zurn) that provides the necessary pressure to activate the internal spray diffuser for a full-wall rinse.
6. What is the best height to mount a keg urinal?
For standard use, the rim should be 24" from the floor. For ADA compliance, the rim must be a maximum of 17" above the finished floor.
7. How do I mount a keg urinal to a metal stud wall?
Metal studs alone cannot support the weight. You must install a "backing plate" (usually 3/4" plywood or a 12-gauge steel plate) between the studs before the drywall goes up.
8. Will the stainless steel change color over time?
High-quality 304L stainless won't rust, but it can develop a "patina" or "tea-staining" if exposed to harsh chemicals. Proper cleaning with pH-neutral soap keeps it bright.
9. Do I need a special drain for a keg urinal?
No, our units use a standard 1.5" NPT outlet, which connects to any standard commercial P-trap.
10. How much water does a keg urinal use per flush?
It depends on your valve. We recommend a 0.5 GPF (High Efficiency) or 1.0 GPF (Standard) valve for the best balance of water savings and cleaning power.
11. Can I convert my own used keg into a urinal?
You can, but "DIY" kegs often have jagged edges and flat bottoms that pool liquid. Professional fabrication ensures safety (deburred edges) and hygiene (proper drainage pitch).
12. Is the interior of the keg urinal polished?
Yes, our Signature Series features a Spiral Abraded Finish which helps water "sheet" across the surface, preventing "dry spots" where odors can start.
13. What happens if someone throws a cigarette butt in the keg urinal?
Our units come with a heavy-duty stainless steel strainer that catches debris before it hits your plumbing, preventing expensive clogs.
14. Are keg urinals loud when they flush?
They can be "resonant." We recommend using rubber gaskets on the mounting bolts to dampen the vibration against the wall.
15. Can I powder coat a keg urinal?
Yes, but it must be a high-grade industrial powder coat to resist the acidic nature of waste and cleaning chemicals.
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Part 2: General Bar Fabrication & Stainless Steel
16. What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?
304 is the industry standard for breweries. 316 contains molybdenum, making it even more resistant to salt-air corrosion (ideal for coastal bars).
17. Why is TIG welding better than MIG for bar fixtures?
TIG welding is cleaner and "sanitary." It doesn't create "spatter" (tiny bumps), which means there are no crevices for bacteria to grow.
18. What is "Passivation" in stainless steel?
Passivation is a chemical process that removes "free iron" from the surface and restores the protective chromium oxide layer, preventing rust.
19. How do I remove "tea-staining" from my bar rail?
Use a citric-acid-based cleaner and a non-abrasive pad. Scrub with the grain, never across it.
20. Can I use bleach to clean my stainless bar tops?
Never. Bleach (chlorine) will pit and destroy stainless steel over time. Use an enzyme-based or pH-neutral cleaner.
21. What is the standard height for a bar foot rail?
The center of the rail should typically be 6" to 10" from the floor and 6" to 8" out from the bar face.
22. How do I stop my brass rails from tarnishing?
You either polish them weekly or have them "clear-coated" with a high-durability lacquer at the time of fabrication.
23. What is a "Glass Rinser" and do I need one?
A glass rinser uses a high-pressure jet of cold water to clear dust and "prime" the glass for a perfect head. It’s essential for high-end craft beer service.
24. Do I need a floor drain under my bar?
Yes. In most jurisdictions, any area with a glass rinser or ice bin requires a floor sink or floor drain to handle overflow.
25. What is the best thickness for a stainless steel bar top?
We recommend 14-gauge or 16-gauge for commercial use. Anything thinner will "oil-can" (pop and flex) when you lean on it.
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Part 3: Plumbing & Hardware
26. What is an NPT thread?
National Pipe Thread. It is the standard tapered thread used in the US for water-tight seals on pipes.
27. What is a "Vacuum Breaker" in a flush valve?
It is a safety device that prevents contaminated water from being sucked back into the city’s clean water supply if there is a pressure drop.
28. Why is my glass rinser leaking?
Usually, it’s a failed O-ring or high-pressure surge. We recommend installing a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) if your building pressure is over 60 PSI.
29. Can I run soda lines and beer lines through the same chase?
Yes, but they should be insulated separately to prevent heat transfer, as soda is often served at a different temperature than draught beer.
30. What is a "P-Trap" and why is it required?
A P-trap holds a small amount of water that acts as a seal, preventing sewer gases from coming up through the drain into your bar.
31. How do I fix a "phantom flush" on a sensor urinal?
The infrared sensor might be reflecting off a shiny stainless steel surface. Adjust the "range" setting on the sensor to be shorter.
32. What is "Dynamic Pressure" vs "Static Pressure"?
Static is the pressure when the water is off. Dynamic is the pressure while the water is running. Your urinals need at least 25 PSI dynamic to rinse properly.
33. What size water line do I need for a commercial bar?
Typically a 1" main line that branches off into 3/4" or 1/2" lines for individual fixtures.
34. Can I use PVC for my bar drains?
Most commercial codes require Cast Iron or Schedule 40 PVC, but some cities require copper for "indirect" waste lines. Check your local code.
35. What is a "Grease Trap" and do I need one?
If you serve food, yes. It prevents fats and oils from entering the sewer system. Most "wet bars" (drink only) do not require them.
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Part 4: Installation & Code Compliance
36. What is the "Turn Radius" requirement for ADA bathrooms?
You need a 60-inch diameter clear circle to allow a wheelchair to turn around completely.
37. How do I ground my stainless steel bar?
Because metal bars can conduct electricity from faulty equipment, they should be "bonded" to the building’s electrical grounding system by a licensed electrician.
38. Can I install a keg urinal on a wooden floor?
Yes, but you must ensure the floor is properly sealed or tiled to prevent moisture from rotting the subfloor over time.
39. What is a "Wall Carrier"?
It is a heavy metal frame hidden behind the wall that supports the weight of a wall-hung urinal or toilet.
40. How many urinals do I need for my taproom capacity?
This is determined by the International Plumbing Code (IPC). Generally, one urinal per 30–50 male occupants is a safe bet for breweries.
41. Do custom fixtures need a UPC stamp?
Many custom fabrications do not have a UPC stamp. In strict cities, you may need a "Site-Specific Approval" from the plumbing board.
42. How far should the urinal be from the sink?
To meet health codes, there should be enough space to prevent "splash contamination," usually at least 12 to 18 inches or a physical partition.
43. What is the max height for a bar top for ADA access?
An ADA-compliant bar section must be between 28" and 34" from the floor.
44. Do I need a vent for my urinal drain?
Yes. Every trap must be vented to the atmosphere (usually out the roof) to prevent the water seal from being siphoned out.
45. Can I use a "Studor Vent" (AAV) for my bar plumbing?
Air Admittance Valves (AAVs) are allowed in some jurisdictions for retrofits, but many commercial codes still require a traditional through-the-roof vent.
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Part 5: Style & Aesthetics
46. What finish hides fingerprints best on a bar?
A Brushed Finish (No. 4 finish) is much better at hiding fingerprints and small scratches than a Mirror (No. 8) finish.
47. Can I mix copper and stainless steel in my design?
Yes! This is the "Industrial Chic" look. Just ensure they aren't directly touching in a wet environment to prevent galvanic corrosion.
48. How do I give my keg urinal a "vintage" look?
You can use a "forced patina" chemical on the exterior, or choose a reclaimed keg with a natural history of dents and scratches.
49. What lighting works best with stainless steel?
Avoid "Cool White" LEDs. Use "Warm" (2700K) lighting; it reflects off the steel to create a high-end, inviting glow rather than a sterile lab look.
50. How long does a custom fabrication take?
Typically 2–4 weeks depending on the complexity of the welds and the finish. Always plan your plumbing rough-in after you have the tech specs of the fixture.
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