Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Jonite can be crushed and broken down into smaller aggregates as road base.

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.

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.

Like most metals, cast iron undergoes a natural oxidation process, resulting in an outer protective coating known as rust. This process is called ‘patina’.

Patina is a naturally occurring process and should not be confused with corrosive rust. Patina is good for iron as it provides a protective layer, as it is a thin layer of oxides on the surface that acts to slow down further corrosion. Therefore patina on cast iron grates does not harm the structural integrity. This ‘rust’ layer shields the cast iron from further oxidation. Think of rust as a corroded armour that protects against additional corrosion. This property allows iron to remain strong & intact for several decades. Unlike steel, cast iron is durable and will not flake. The patination of cast iron grates is predictable & the duration of each stage depends on local moisture conditions, foot traffic, foreign substances etc.

Once the oxidation process begins, cast iron will turn a bright orange then fade to a chocolate brown, similar to the colour of manhole covers.

Learn more here.

Average lead time is 12-14 weeks. Please contact us to confirm lead times as this can vary.

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

Yes, you can unless they are within 3 metres of your pool, which Jonite would then recommend Jonite pool grates instead. The main difference is the reinforcements, which for pool grates are a non-ferrous composite material.

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.

Jonite trench grates are slip resistant. Jonite has conducted Pendulum and Ramp tests on 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.

For the Banco collection, Jonite can customise the designs and colours of the panels.

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.

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.

13mm

Installing SABdrain drainage systems is a simple process due to the click-clack feature on the channels, saving time and labor costs. View detailed information on our installation page.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jonite trench grate covers are designed to handle vehicular loads and are compliant with BS EN124:2015 standards. Our load-rated drainage grates are available up to load class D400, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications such as commercial driveways, car parks, and other hardstanding areas.

It is essential to complete regular stormwater drain maintenance to ensure a safe environment on your property. When drainage systems overflow, it creates unsafe conditions and potentially costly damage. Here’s a guide to maintaining & the upkeep of stormwater drains.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Yes, the aperture of 601 grate is 8mm.

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

Like most metals, cast iron goes through a natural oxidation process, resulting in an outer protective coating known as rust.  This process is called Patina. Patina is a naturally occurring process and shouldn’t be confused with corrosive rust. 

The two conditions that cause cast iron to rust are:

• Moisture (Cast iron will begin to patina when the relative humidity exceeds about 64%.)
• Oxygen

Factors that accelerate rusting:

• Carbon Dioxide
• Acids
• Impurities

Like most metals, cast iron goes through a natural oxidation process, resulting in an outer protective coating known as rust. This process is called Patina.

Patina is a naturally occurring process and shouldn’t be confused with corrosive rust. Patina is good for iron as it provides a protective layer. A metals patina is a thin layer of oxides on the metal that acts to slow down further corrosion. Therefore patina on cast iron grates does not harm the structural integrity. This rust layer shields the cast iron from further oxidation. Think of rust as a corroded armour that protects against additional corrosion. This property allows iron to remain strong & intact for several decades. Unlike steel, cast iron is durable and will not flake. The patination of cast iron grates is predictable, and the duration of each stage depends on local moisture conditions, foot traffic, foreign substances etc.

Once the oxidation process begins, cast iron will turn a bright orange and then fade to a chocolate brown, similar to the colour of manhole covers.

Rust cannot be prevented but the process may be slowed by introducing a buffer material between the iron and atmosphere. Linseed oil can be applied to the grates prior to installation. Another common practice is to spray or powder coat the grates. This coating must be reapplied whenever there is chipping to maintain rust protection.

Trench drains are a common solution for sloped pavements. They are covered with grates that prevent debris from getting in the drain while also providing a surface for vehicles and pedestrians to travel over.

Driveway trench drains are easy to install, long-lasting, and suitable for almost any driveway. They can even be placed close to the building foundation to prevent water from running in.

Learn more 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 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).

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.

SAB is a part of System Group, a group of companies founded in 1979, one of the main European holdings in the supply of piping systems in PE and PP. The company was born in Sirolo (AN) in 2003, and it moved to Sant’Angelo in Vado in 2007. SAB specializes in moulding and extrusion of plastic materials for the production of compression and electrofusion fittings, drainage channels and products for drip irrigation. They are active in three sectors: irrigation, water and gas, and drainage. 

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

Jonite use at least 30% recycled aggregates in their stone grating products, which reduces carbon emissions by up to 80%. All Jonite decorative grating is Singapore Green Building Product (SGBP) certified (4 ticks, leader). This means when you choose Jonite stone trench grates, you 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. 

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

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).

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.

Sloped driveways and heavy rainfall make for an unfortunate combination and can become a dangerous slipping hazard. Plus, excess water can end up flooding your yard, garage or seeping into the foundation of your house. 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.

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.

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

This depends on several factors such as gradient and drainage requirements of a site. For certain cases which requires a massive dispersion of water from a wider area, linear drains might be more suitable. Sump covers can also be used in conjunction with trench grates for more drainage.

All SABdrain channel measurements are internal.

SABdrain galvanised, polypropylene, cast iron and stainless grates in widths of 100mm, 150mm, 200mm, 250mm, 300mm & 500mm.

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.