Frequently Asked Questions

Most of a trench drain system is underground and mostly invisible, apart from the grate. Aesthetics aside, the grate must work together with the channel to provide the right load classification performance (AS 3996). For aesthetics, grates come in a variety of different materials such as ductile iron, galvanised steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous metals and plastics. Each material has differing load class ratings.

Learn more about designing for inclusions & disability. Grates that comply with the requirements for pedestrian & cycle areas (AS 3996 & AS 4586) and disability access are available (AS 1428.2).

SABdrain slope drains are 0.5% slope, or 1:200 (5mm/1000mm)

It may be tempting to use the same stone flooring to cut slits or puncture holes and use them as a grate. However, they are a nightmare for maintenance as most are not strong enough even for pedestrian traffic. Some may overcompensate the strength with a much thicker slab, but that would only make the grate too heavy.

The SABdrain grande series simply refers to any product where the width of the channel is larger than 300mm internally

Despite its anti-rust properties, you may see some stainless steel that appears to have rust on the surface. This is known as tea staining. Tea staining is rust forming on the surface of stainless steel, causing a discolouration similar to a tea stain. It may not look appealing, tea staining is only cosmetic and does not affect the functionality or integrity of the stainless steel. Regular cleaning and maintenance with a mild soap and water solution can remedy the discolouration.

Tree grates are metal, stone, or composite structures installed around the base of trees in urban environments. They serve multiple purposes, primarily protecting the tree’s root system from foot traffic, vehicles, and other potential damage while allowing water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots. Tree grates also help to level the ground around trees, preventing trip hazards and ensuring smooth pedestrian movement.

Learn more about tree grates here

A 304 stainless steel drainage grate and a 316 stainless steel drainage grate differ primarily in their composition and corrosion resistance. 304 stainless steel is a versatile and commonly used grade known for its excellent corrosion resistance in various environments, making it suitable for many applications.

316 stainless steel contains higher levels of chromium and additional elements like molybdenum, which enhance its resistance to corrosion, particularly in harsher conditions such as marine environments or exposure to chloride-containing solutions.

Within a kilometre of breaking surf, 316 stainless is recommended to be utilised. Additional care will still need to be undertaken to prevent tea staining. See more about the maintenance of stainless steel here.

Due to the unique properties of the material, the heat absorption is better than most materials like metal and wood. Low water absorption and perforations on the benches also helps with quicker drying after the rain.

Jonite can design a simple panel support system. However, please take note that any mounting or fixtures will not be included in the design.

Cast iron undergoes a natural oxidation process, resulting in an outer protective coating known as rust. This process is called ‘patina’. Patina cannot be prevented but the process may be slowed by applying various coatings or treatments to create a barrier between the metal and environmental factors.

Learn more about the patina process here.

Jonite trench grates are incredibly durable. We use materials that are rust and corrosion resistant, slip resistant, have a low heat absorption, and high load-bearing performance.

The load rating of a grate is a specification of the amount of weight the grate can withstand.

Residential- Will withstand 1.5 ton wheel loading. Footpaths & driveways.

Class A – 330kg nominal wheel loading. Pedestrians, cyclists.

Class B – 2,670kg nominal wheel loading. Driveways (cars & light commercial vehicles)

Class C – 5,000kg nominal wheel loading. Areas with slow moving traffic (shopping centres). Heavy commercial vehicles.

Class D – 8,000kg nominal wheel loading. Highways & roads, lightly loaded forklift, warehouse

Class E – 13,700kg nominal wheel loading. Commercial heavy wheeled traffic, hard wheeled forklifts, construction/military/mining vehicles

Class F – 20,000 nominal wheel loading. Docks, wharves, airport taxiways

Class G – 30,000 nominal wheel loading. Extra heavy duty, airport runways, docks

View our guide to load class classifications here.

Most grates require the locking mechanism to be unlocked, before gently lifting the grate out of the channel. Ensure to not bend the grate. Keep components in a safe place if the grate is being placed back in the channel.

Jonite has a transparent step-by-step process page on their website to give you an idea. Contact us today to start your process.

Polypropylene is a type of plastic that is derived from propylene monomers. It is known for its excellent physical properties, including high melting point, low coefficient of friction, and resistance to chemicals and UV radiation. These characteristics make polypropylene an ideal choice for outdoor drainage applications.

In addition to its exceptional durability, polypropylene is also a sustainable material, making it an environmentally friendly option for trench drain channels. Its recyclability and long lifespan contribute to reducing the overall environmental impact of drainage systems, aligning with modern sustainability practices.

Discover the advantages of polypropylene here.

No. Jonite is more than happy to customize one set of tree grates.

Yes, SABdrain drainage systems are an alternative supplier for drainage solutions. SABdrain utilises polypropylene channels over polymer. Polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer that offers numerous benefits, including high chemical resistance, durability, and flexibility. These qualities make it an ideal choice for drain channel applications in various industries, such as food processing, automotive, and pharmaceutical.

One of the key advantages of polypropylene trench drain channels is their ability to withstand harsh chemicals commonly found in industrial environments. This resistance to corrosion ensures a longer lifespan for the drainage system, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. Additionally, polypropylene channels are lightweight and easy to handle during installation, making the process more efficient and cost-effective.

Learn the SABdrain advantage here

White vinegar is effective for helping remove or reduce tea staining from stainless steel.

Learn more about the process here.

It may be tempting, however labor costs can quickly increase with the time spent forming up the channel. Many grates are also designed to be locked into channels.

Standing or ponding water in and around buildings or on roads can cause severe structural damage to foundations, building materials and other structures so it’s important to utilise surface drainage solutions to divert it quickly and efficiently. Surface drainage is also crucial to help prevent hydroplaning on roads, highways, bridges and airport runways.

Effective handling and transporting away stormwater during, and after storms is a vital element in facility and road construction planning.

Discover the SABdrain advantages – click here

Some of our models are ADA compliant. Should you prefer a particular design, Jonite can modify and customize the grates to be ADA compliant.

The general life cycle of Jonite products is minimally 30 years or more

Jonite has a transparent step-by-step process page on their website to give you an idea. Contact us today to start your process.

A trench drainage system is an linear drainage system used to remove excess surface water from an area, by use of a channel & grate. Without a drain, water can pool- potentially leading to damage to building foundations, driveways, and other structures.

Linear drains rely on gravity to remove water from where it pools. When thinking about installing a drainage system, run length, slope & sizing need to be discussed with your installer or designer.

SABdrain channels are manufactured from polypropylene. Grates are available in a range of materials.

The system achieves high watertightness and bond strengths through the use of electric welding during installation.

Yes. Curve grates are available in any radius & design through Jonite customisation service. All radius will also be consolidated from a full-scale CAD drawing to help minimise cost.

Polypropylene drainage channels are known for their exceptional durability and strength. The material is highly resistant to corrosion, chemical attacks, and weathering. This means that it can withstand harsh environmental conditions, heavy loads, and extreme temperatures without deteriorating or compromising its structural integrity. Unlike traditional drainage materials such as concrete or metal, polypropylene channels are less prone to cracking, rusting, or weakening over time, resulting in a longer lifespan for your drainage system. The advanced construction of SABdrain drainage channels gives it greater structural rigidity, protecting it from damage during and after installation.

Discover the SABdrain advantage here

Once polypropylene channels are encased in concrete, they are rigid. Warping or bending is due to incorrect installation, such as concreting with no grate installed.

AS3996 is the Australian standard that provides the appropriate load rating based on weight, location and other environmental factors. It is the responsibility of the designer/specifier to ensure an appropriate class is selected and/or specified. Specifics of the installation location should be taken into consideration when selecting the right cover or grate. The speed of traffic, wheel type and the physical position (turning area) should all be assessed.

Standards vary around the globe, however AS3996, EN1433 and EN124 are considered the leading standards internationally for Access Covers and Grating. The main differences between the EN and AS standards with the load ratings is the label.  European standards (EN1433 and EN 124) are Class A to Class F, however the Australian Standard (AS3996) goes from Class A to Class G.  The testing is equivalent, for example, a EN Class F is tested to 900 kilonewtons (kN), and a AS3996 Class G is tested to 900kN)

To keep integrity, SABdrain uses independent testing facilities for all our grates.

Learn more about the load classifications here.

Yes, the aperture of 601 grate is 8mm.

SABdrain channels are manufactured & shipped out of Italy. Grates are a mix of overseas & local suppliers.

We have over 800 distributors Australia wide. Find your nearest one here.

Alternatively, contact us & we can assist you.

Jonite sump covers are slip resistant. We have conducted Pendulum and Ramp tests on our products to make sure they meet industry standards for slip resistance. With a class V on the Pendulum test and an R10 on the Ramp test, Jonite can handle most locations and applications.

Our channels range from 100mm x 50mm – 500mm x 500mm

There are a number of drainage solutions for residential areas such as driveways, gardens, balconies, pool areas, patios and more. Materials, sizing and grates will vary project to project.

For more information, click here.

SABdrain has a range of trench drains suitable for all areas of an airport, from pedestrian areas to runways. Innovative systems that can meet the extreme demand of airports. Discover more about airport drainage here.

SABdrain Australasia has a wide range of stormwater drainage solutions and architectural products such as breeze blocks. We are proud to offer niche or custom drainage solutions for projects, as well as other solutions such as cable troughs.

To find out more, click here

Remove any large pieces of debris. Drainage channels can be cleaned with a broom or shovel. Persistent dirt can be cleaned with a high pressure cleaner (jet pressure up to 120 bar), running the cleaning water along the entire length of channel. Ensure all sediment within the channel is loosened and rinsed down to the plumbing/sump pit. The discharge points must be cleaned & ensure pipework is draining effectively. 

More information here.

When compared to metal drain channels, polypropylene offers several advantages. Metal channels are susceptible to corrosion, which can compromise their structural integrity over time. Polypropylene, on the other hand, is corrosion-resistant and does not require regular maintenance.

Additionally, polypropylene trench drain channels are highly resistant to chemicals, making them suitable for environments where exposure to harsh substances is common. This chemical resistance ensures the longevity of the drainage system and reduces the need for frequent replacements.

Concrete drain channels, while durable, can be heavy and challenging to install. Especially in hard to reach areas. Polypropylene trench drain channels are lightweight, making them easier to handle and reducing the risk of accidents during installation.

Discover the advantage here

Absolutely. Jonite pool grates are excellent for pool decks because not only do they help drain water and prevent dirty water from entering the pool from maintenance, they also create an aesthetical feature with its appealing designs.

Jonite has grates rated from 6KN – Class D.

Sump covers are omnipresent in driveways and similar to its trench grate counterparts, Jonite sump covers can go up to D400 (400KN) Load Class. Jonite high-performance standard models come in a wide range of sizes.

The cost of a drainage system depends on the materials used, and the size. A system with a wide stainless steel grate will be more expensive than the same size with a polypropylene system. Reducing the width of your grate will help reduce costs.

SABdrain channels have a greater flow rate (up to 18% faster), therefore reducing the size has less impact on efficiency.

Similar to the trench grate, the customisation process is the same.

Jonite tree grates are slip resistant. Jonite has conducted Pendulum and Ramp tests on their products to make sure they meet industry standards for slip resistance. With a class V on the Pendulum test and an R10 on the Ramp test, Jonite can handle most locations and applications.

Jonite pool grates are specially designed to be resistant to chlorine. On top of that, it contains reinforcements made of a non-ferrous composite material which prevents it from rusting but at the same time, providing excellent compressive strength while being lightweight.

Trench drains are installed on roads and motorways to quickly remove surface water to help avoid dangerous pooling, splashing and hydroplaning.

SABdrain has a wide range of drainage solutions for roads and motorways here.

Jonite does not typically customise panels larger than 1-metre x 1-metre in size. However the panels can be assembled seamlessly if you require a larger panel.

Jonite commits to environmentally sustainable practices. We actively manage our energy, water, and waste with the future in mind. They use at least 30% recycled aggregates, which reduces carbon emissions by up to 80%.

Jonite products are also Singapore Green Building Product (SGBP) certified (4 ticks, leader). This means that designers can score additional points under the Functional Systems Criteria (Flooring, Ceiling, Roof, External Wall, Internal Wall and Door systems) and/or Singular Sustainable Products outside of Functional Systems Criteria. This ensures that sustainability is integrated throughout the design and manufacturing process of green building products.