Frequently Asked Questions
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What removes tea stains from stainless steel?
White vinegar is effective for helping remove or reduce tea staining from stainless steel.
Learn more about the process here.
Can I use Jonite pool grates if my pool is not an overflow pool?
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.
How wide or deep does my trench drain need to be?
This will vary based on slopes, rainfall, weather patterns and location of the drain.
Use our partners tool here to design your system, or contact us for assistance.
Can Jonite Ventilation Grates be customized for vehicular applications?
Yes, this is possible. However, the open area and design of the grate may be limited, similar to a customised trench grate.
How to tell the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel
The key distinction between 304 and 316 stainless steel lies in their chemical composition, which influences their corrosion resistance and suitability for specific environments. Both materials offer a sleek, polished finish. However, 316 grates may maintain their appearance better over time in corrosive environments, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
More information on the difference between 304 and 316 here.
Are Jonite trench grates slip-resistant?
The matte finish of Jonite trench grating means it is naturally non-slip. Jonite has conducted Pendulum and Ramp tests on all trench grate covers 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 drainage grates can handle most locations and applications.
What drainage channel material should I select?
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.
Can Jonite sump covers be used in a driveway situation?
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.
How do Jonite Breeze Blocks compare with traditional concrete blocks?
The comparison reveals many advantages. Regular concrete blocks are commonly found in raw concrete colors, and colored variations often appear largely synthetic. In stark contrast, Jonite Breeze Blocks are significantly more durable, owing to their exceptionally low water absorption capacity and self-cleaning capabilities, making them far more durable than traditional concrete breeze blocks. With high compressive and tensile strength, Jonite Breeze Blocks are substantially stronger than concrete blocks, expanding their potential applications.
Is 601 heel guard?
Yes, the aperture of 601 grate is 8mm.
Should grates be installed before concreting?
Yes, it is extremely important to prevent bowing when concreting. It is impossible to install a grate if the channel has bowed after concrete has set.
A great tip is to use a temporary grate (like timber) to avoid concrete spill on the grates if possible. Ensure there is no bolts/lockdown that needs to be secured before concreting)
How to improve driveway drainage?
Trench drains are the most common type of driveway drainage solution. These are long channels that run across the width of the driveway. Water flows into the drain, which can empty into additional drainage elements around your home.
Does SABdrain only supply trench drain?
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
What sizes are available?
Our channels range from 100mm x 50mm – 500mm x 500mm
How much does a drainage system cost?
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.
What is a tree grate?
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.
Where are Jonite products made?
Jonite is based in Singapore. SABdrain stocks a limited range. Contact us to find out more.
Can Jonite Breeze Blocks be designed to a specific open area for better ventilation?
Absolutely, Jonite is capable of tailoring a breeze block to match your unique open area needs. In contrast to other Jonite products, breeze blocks are less reliant on load requirements, giving us increased flexibility in open area customization.
Is there an alternative to polymer drains?
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.
Do plastic channels warp in concrete?
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.
Can I conceptualise and design a completely unique street bench?
Yes, this is possible.
Are Jonite tree grates slip resistant?
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.
Is it cheaper to form channels/use grate and frame?
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.
What drain should I install?
This depends on a lot of factors such as desired aesthetic, what load class you need & where is it being installed. Check how much water the area will receive, has it got a slope? Is it near your pool? Do you live near saltwater?
Use our handy product finder or contact us.
How weather resistant are Jonite street benches?
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.
Load Classes Explained
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.
Can Jonite tree grates be expanded for growing trees?
Not all tree species need this feature, but if you do, Jonite has selected models like their ADA Collection, which offers up to 4 different inner diameters (390/460/530/600mm). Should you need even more expandability, some models like the Square Slots can expand even beyond that. Contact us for better advice on this.
What trench drains are used in a sea port environment?
Wharves and docks provide a challenging environment due to extreme dynamic forces and corrosive surroundings. Installation must be carefully planned to minimize interruptions to workflow.
SABdrain has a range of drainage solutions suitable to be used in port and wharf environments. Discover more here.
How to clear an outdoor drain?
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.
What is the stepped fall cap?
The SABdrain stepped fall cap is designed to slip into the precut slots in the drainage channel to aid in linking channels of different sizes. In this way you can obtain a progressive increase of the flow rate in the section of channel.

What is the fastest drainage system to install?
The SABdrain system is up to 40% quicker to install than standard polymer channels. With an installation time of 10M per hour, compared to just 6M per hour. CPB Contractors used just 60% of their allocated installation time when installing SABdrain on Northern Road Stage 5.
Can I use Jonite pool grates for curved pools?
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.
Can Jonite Ventilation Grates be used for vertical and horizontal installation?
High compressive load strength allows for sturdy horizontal installation for minimal pedestrian use. As for vertical installation, load-bearing requirements are usually not needed, but Jonite ventilation grates are rated for at least 5KN.
What are the different types of surface drainage?
Different types of surface drainage solutions includes in-line pits, open swales or grated trench drainage. Cost comparisons have shown modular trench drains to have lower total installed costs when labour, excavation, pipework, grading etc., are taken into account. Furthermore, heavier materials such as polymer concrete will drive up labour and transport costs.
Discover the advantages of using polypropylene instead of polymer.
Is there an alternative to ACO drainage systems?
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.
How durable are Jonite tree grates compared to cast iron tree grates?
Jonite tree grates, like all Jonite products, are made of a proprietary stone composite material with unique properties. When correctly installed, the material ages very similarly to natural stone but excellent UV and weather resistance. However, unlike cast iron, the material does not rust with time and is outstanding for many applications.
Polymer drainage channels are better suited for commercial environments
This is something commonly believed in the drainage industry, and it’s a myth. Polypropylene channels bring the strength, chemical resistance and durability that commercial environments actually demand. Lightweight, easy to install, and built to last – they outperform traditional polymer channels in real-world conditions.
Is Jonite sustainable?
Jonite is on a mission to lead the way towards a greener future. This is why everything Jonite does starts with sustainability in mind. All Jonite products are proudly made of at least 30% recycled materials. Unused products don’t go in the trash. Steel and stone that meet their strict requirements are recycled so they can be used again as raw materials.
Learn more here.
What are the different types of trench drains?
Trench drain systems utilise a simple angled slope on both sides of a linear trench to move runoff into a channel. Liquids are then discharged at the end of the drainage channel into an underground pipe system or culvert. Trench drains generally require a shallower excavation than in-line pits with extensive underground piping.
Cast-in-situ systems are another type of trench drain design. This method uses extensive formwork and labour required. A form is built and concrete is poured around it to form the trench. Forming channels onsite drives project costs up dramatically due to labour time.
Are Jonite sump covers slip resistant?
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.
Can the size & colour of Jonite sump covers be customised?
Similar to the trench grate, the customisation process is the same.
Are Jonite Breeze Blocks suitable for outdoor applications?
Certainly! Jonite Breeze Blocks aren’t merely appropriate for exterior use, but they thrive under these conditions. Their special material makeup allows them to resist even the most severe weather and temperature conditions. They also feature self cleaning properties, making them significantly more durable than traditional concrete breeze blocks.
Are Jonite tree grates compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA)?
Some of our models are ADA compliant. Should you prefer a particular design, Jonite can modify and customize the grates to be ADA compliant.
What is nominal wheel loading?
The nominal wheel loading refers to the weight of 1 wheel of the vehicle.
For example, if you estimate the heaviest vehicle that will be driving over the drain weighs 2215kg. The nominal wheel loading is 553.7 kg (2215 ÷ 4 = 553.75). Therefore you will require a Class B rated grate (Class B nominal wheel loading is 2670kg).
Can I design a Jonite Ventilation Grate to a specific open area?
Yes, if you provide your required open area Jonite can customise the design based on those requirements. They can also work with several parameters together like open area, design and size, for example.
What types of drains are used in residential applications?
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.
Is there a minimum order for custom items?
No
What are the best trench drains for airports?
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.
What lengths do SABdrain channels come in?
Most SABdrain systems are sold in 1M lengths to be joined together. They are easily cut, allowing installers to achieve exactly how many metres they need.
Sizes above 200mm x 300mm are sold in 500mm pieces
How to clean drains?
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.