What is a slop hopper?
A slop hopper, also called a sluice sink, is a disposal sink with a flushing rim, a large outlet and a bucket grating, used to dispose of urine, faeces, vomit and dirty cleaning water hygienically. It is specialist sanitaryware for hospitals, care homes and clinics, usually installed in the sluice room or dirty utility room. In Dutch it is also called a slophopper; in German a Fäkalienausguss.
Features
- Large outlet. Unlike an ordinary cleaner’s sink, the outlet is sized to take solids. The bowl works more like a WC pan than a basin.
- Flushing rim. A cistern or flush valve washes the bowl through a flushing rim, so no residue is left behind.
- Bucket grating. A (usually hinged) grid to stand a bucket on while filling or emptying it.
- Hygienic construction. Typically stainless steel or vitreous china, with smooth, seamless surfaces that are easy to clean and disinfect.
- Location. In the dirty utility area, separated from clean areas.
Application
When fitting out a healthcare or care space:
- Choose the right appliance. A cleaner’s sink (janitorial sink) handles mop water only. Where body waste is disposed of, a slop hopper is needed. Reprocessing bedpans and urine bottles is a job for a separate bedpan washer-disinfector. Note that in American usage “slop sink” often just means a deep utility sink.
- Connect it like a WC. Size the waste and trap as the manufacturer specifies for a soil appliance, not as for a wash basin.
- Plan the water supply. Provide a cistern or flush valve, plus a tap for filling buckets.
- Separate clean and dirty. Keep clean worktops away from the hopper, allow for splashing and provide a separate hand-wash basin. Agree the layout with the infection control team and follow the applicable healthcare guidance.
- Mind the ergonomics. Choose a height that limits lifting and bending.
Common mistake: installing an ordinary cleaner’s sink where a slop hopper is needed. It blocks easily and is hard to keep hygienic.
Related terms
- Sanitary appliance
- Drain trap
- Soil vent pipe
- Stainless steel
- Waste water
- Sewer
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