In plumbing, what is the minimum thickness for concrete encasing trench drains?

For trench drains in plumbing applications, the minimum thickness of concrete encasing them typically should be at least 4 inches. This thickness helps ensure the structural integrity of the drain while accommodating the necessary load requirements and preventing cracking or failure over time. A 4-inch thickness is adequate for most residential and light commercial applications, providing a solid base to handle the weight and dynamic loads that may be exerted on the drain.

Increasing the thickness beyond 4 inches might be over-engineering for standard applications unless the specific conditions or loads demand it. Therefore, for general plumbing practices and industry standards, 4 inches serves as an effective and sufficient minimum thickness for concrete encasing trench drains.