Tech Manual - Drainage Solutions, Inc.

TECHNICAL 

SPECIFICATION 

GUIDE 

EXTERIOR DRAINAGE PRODUCTS 

NDS Customer Service 

851 N. Harvard Ave, Lindsay, CA 93247 

Phone: (800) 726-1994 • (559) 562-9888 

Fax: (800) 726-1998 • (559) 562-4488 

www.NDSPRO.com

TECHNICAL MANUAL 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Overview.....................................................................................3 

Specifications .............................................................................4 

Technical Specifications ..............................................................4 

Catch Basins....................................................................4 

Grates...........................................................................4-5 

NDS 4" Channel ...............................................................5 

NDS 3" Channel ...............................................................5 

NDS 1 1 ⁄4" Channel..............................................................5 

Independent Laboratory Test Data.....................................5 

Physical & Chemical Properties ...................................................6 

Chemical Resistance...................................................................7 

NDS Chemical Resistance Guide...............................................7-9 

Drainage Guide..........................................................................10 

Catch Basins — Step-by-Step Installation ..................................13 

Adapters and Grates — Step-by-Step Installation .......................14 

Channel Drains — Preparing and Assembling Channel Drain .......15 

Preparing Site and Installation of Assembled Channel Drain .......16

Overview 


NDS is the innovator of exterior surface drainage products. We offer a complete line of catch basins, grates, 

channel drains, and sewer and drain fittings. They are used to collect excess runoff water and dispense it into 

an underground drainage pipe. The drain pipe then discharges water to street curbs, storm water sewers, 

drainage ditches or other runoff areas. NDS products can be tied to an existing drain pipe or down spout connection 

as well. 

NDS drainage products are essential in maintaining healthy plant and lawn life, as well as protecting man-made 

structures from damage due to excess ground water. Locating low spots in landscaping, anticipating rainfall, 

and keeping in mind that water flows downhill are the keys to installing an effective drainage system. 

NDS products are designed to fit either corrugated pipe or sewer and drain pipe and fittings. Some of our 

grates, basins, and channel drains are load rated for light vehicular traffic. Our drainage systems are inexpensive, 

easy to install, light weight, and will not rust or need painting. Properly installed, they need little or no 

maintenance. NDS catch basins have a sump area that collects debris, preventing clogging of the pipeline. 

Grates are available in a variety of colors to blend in with surrounding surfaces. Depending on the size of the 

round, square, or atrium grates, they may fit directly into a riser of pipe, sewer and drain fitting, or our catch 

basins. (Refer to our catalog for the size of pipe, fittings or catch basin that each grate fits.) Popular applications 

for our grates include: 


• Round grates for landscaping 

• Square grates for brick, masonry, concrete, and asphalt applications 

• Atrium grates for landscaping, window wells or anywhere a flat grate may clog with debris such as 

leaves or mulch. 

NDS offers three different size channel drain systems. They come complete with bottom and end outlets, couplings, 

end caps, fabricated elbows and tees. These systems solvent weld together like PVC pipe, using solvent 

glue for easy installation. The channel drains operate like a roof gutter, and are ideal for driveway, garage, patio, 

pool and landscape applications. 

NDS offers the most complete line of time-proven drainage products available for every drainage need. Their 

use is limited only by your imagination! 

• Landscaping • Irrigation • Foundations • Tennis Courts • Swimming Pools 

• Downspouts • Driveways • Stables • Dog Kennels • Rood Prone Areas 

• Slab Drains • Basements • Water Diversion Ditches • Garages • Marinas 

• Saunas and Spas • Patios • Hot Tubs • Nurseries and Hothouses 

• Golf Courses and much more! 

See Step-by-Step Installation guides on page 13.



Specifications 

NDS quality one-piece molded parts conform to the following requirements. Use this data 

and NDS Specification data in your specifications to insure the highest quality. 

1. General: Catch basins, grates, channel drains, and valve boxes shall be one piece injection molded by NDS; 

they shall be uniform in quality, free from flashing, shrinkage, distortion, and other defects. Component parts 

shall fit together in a satisfactory manner. 

2. Quality: Material used in the manufacture of molded grates and valve boxes shall be structural foam 

polyethylene with ultra-violet light inhibitors. Material used in molded catch basins shall be polystyrene. 

Material used in extruded channel shall be polyvinyl chloride with ultra-violet light inhibitors. 

3. Open Surface Area: Grates deviation should not exceed +/- 5% of grate open surface areas designated in 

the NDS specifications catalog. 

4. Submittal: Manufacturer’s drawings shall be submitted to the architect/engineer for approval. The 

architect/engineer shall retain the right to reject parts not conforming to this specification and/or approved 

submittal drawings. 

5. Valve Box design: 6", 7” and 10" round sizes feature unique overlapping bayonet covers with finger holes. 

The 10" round and 12" x 17" rectangular designs include locking cover mechanism with optional bolt. 

Technical Specifications 

Catch Basins 

6" Round Basin (Spee-D Basin): Volume (nominal) 246 cu.in. 

Sump Area 

46 cu.in. 

9" x 9" Catch Basin: Volume (nominal) 669 cu .in. 

Sump Area 

70 cu.in. 

9" x 9" x 6" Riser add 647 cu.in. 

12" x 12" Square Catch Basin: Volume (nominal) 1328 cu.in. 

Sump Area 

244 cu.in. 

12" x 12" x 6" Riser add 1118 cu.in. 

18" x 18" Square Catch Basin: Volume (nominal) 6327 cu.in. 

Sump Area 

822 cu.in. 

Open Area for Flow Calculations (nominal): 3" & 4" Outlet (1243) 10.41 sq.in. 

3" & 4" Outlet (1244) 7.80 sq.in. 

6" Outlet (1266) 30.78 sq.in. 

8" Outlet (1888) 55.15 sq.in. 

Grates 

6" Round Grate Thickness .38 in. 

6" Atrium Grate Thickness .19 in. 

7" Square Grate Thickness 1.00 in. 

9" x 9" Square Grate Thickness 1.13 in.


Grates (continued) 

12" x 12" Atrium Grate Thickness 1.38 in. 

18" x 18" Square Grate Thickness 1.13 in. 

NDS 4" Channel 

4" Wide Spee-D Channel Drain 

Channel Grate Dimensions: Thickness (nominal) .75 in. 

Slot Opening Size 

.38 in. x 3.63 in. 

Number of Slots/Grate 31 

Open Surface Area 

19.3 sq.in./ft. 

Channel Dimensions (nominal): Volume Cross Sectional Area' 8.18 sq.in. 

NDS 3" Channel 

2.75" Wide Mini Channel Drain 

Mini Channel Grate Dimensions: Thickness (nominal) 25 in. 


.25 in, x .88 in. 

Number of Slot/Grate 150 


11.3 sq.in./ft. 

Mini Channel Dimensions (nominal): Volume Cross Sectional Area 7 sq.in. 


NDS 1¼" Channel 

1.25" Wide Micro Channel Drain 

Micro Channel Grate Dimensions: Thickness (nominal) .06 in. 


.19 in. x .63 in. 

Number of Slots/Grate 65 


2.5 sq .in./ft. 

Micro Channel Dimensions (nominal): Volume Cross Sectional Area 2.75 sq.in. 

Independent Laboratory Test Data 

Load Ratings - NDS Grates 

We recommend these drains for light to medium duty capacities such as passenger cars and light 

truck areas only. 

SUMMARY OF COMPRESSION TEST RESULTS 

SAMPLE MATERIAL BRAND FORCE AT FAILURE COMPRESSION 

(PSI) 

(LBS.) 

3" Channel 500 series* NDS 206 9888 

4" Channel 400 series* NDS 272 13056 

9" X 9" Grate* NDS 327 15696 

12" X 12" Grate* NDS 275 13200 

18" X 18" Grate** NDS 88 4224



* Method I: Load was applied via a 2.925" diameter x 3" long steel rod placed on the center distributing 

the load through the face of the steel rod. Test was performed in respective channels and basins to simulate 

field conditions. 

** Method II: Load was applied via an 8" diameter x .30" thick aluminum plate. Specimen was tested in a 

9.5" x 14" support frame made from 2" x 6" wood studs. 

Example: The 3" Channel 500 series is capable of withstanding a direct static loading force of at least 

206 PSI. Assuming a typical passenger car or light truck tire bearing upon a gross contact area of 48 square 

inches, this grate could theoretically support a static single wheel load of 9,888 lbs. in compression only. 

For a complete set of engineering test data & certification, please call NDS Customer Service at 

800-726-1994 or fax to 800-726-1998. 

Physical & Chemical Properties 

Composition: 

Polyethylene 

NDS Products: 

Grates - round, square, atrium, channel. Valve boxes. 

Tensile Strength: 

4500 psi (nominal) 

Melt Temperature: 130-137 degrees C. 

Flexural Modulus: 

180,000 psi (minimum) 

Notched Izod, Impact: 

5.0 ft- lbs/in. 

Hardness, Durometer Shore: 65 

Impact Strength (12 lbs wt., "B" tup min.): 6" Round Valve Box only 18 ft/lbs 

10" Round Valve Box only 45 ft/lbs 

14" Square Valve Box only 50ft/lbs 

Composition: 

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) 

NDS Products: 

Channel drains, Backwater valves, Sewer and drain fittings 




Composition: 

Styrene 

NDS Products: 

Basins, Risers, Universal outlets, Sump boxes and 

lids, Sewer and drain fittings 




Composition: 

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) 

NDS Products: 

Backwater valves, Sewer and drain fittings 



Melt Temperature: 11 0-125 degrees C.

Chemical Resistance 


The following results were derived from testing using standard procedures including ASTM D543 “Standard 

Test Method for Resistance of Plastics to Chemical Reagents.” Actual results will vary for different applications 

depending on environmental conditions for each particular application and other modifying factors. The 

following table assumes ambient temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The comparative information presented considers the environmental and stress-cracking tendencies of the 

polymeric material. Sunlight can be destructive because of its ability to cleave main chain bonds of polymers. 

When specifying plastic products for outdoor use, include the requirement for NDS products with ultra-violet 

stabilizers to protect against deterioration and discoloration due to exposure to sunlight. 

NDS Chemical Resistance Guide 

NDS Plastic Materials Metals Rating Flo Control Gaskets 

@ max. Temp ( 0 F) or Rating 


Chemicals % ABS Polyolefin Polystyrene PVC Brass Cast Iron Ductile Iron EPDM Buna-n Viton 


Acetic Acid 25 - 180 A 73 C C C 180 C C 

Acetic Acid 50 - 140 A 73 C C C 140 C C 

Acetic Acid 80 - 100 B 73 C C C 100 C C 

Acetone - - 73 C C A A A 130 C C 

Aluminum Chloride Sat - 180 A 140 C C C 210 70 150 

Aluminum Fluoride Sat - - B 73 C C C 210 180 - 

Aluminum Sulfate Sat - 180 B 140 C C C 210 200 150 

Ammonium Acetate Sat - 73 B 140 C - - 140 - - 

Ammonium Chloride Sat - 180 A 140 C C C 210 180 A 

Ammonium Hydroxide 10 - 180 B 225 C 210 70 A 

Ammonium Sulfate - - 180 A 140 C B B 210 180 A 

Amyl Alcohol - - 180 A 100 A B B 210 140 A 

Barium Chloride Sat - 180 A 180 A B B 250 180 A 

Barium Hydroxide Sat - 180 - 140 A B B 250 180 A 

Benzene - - C C C A A A C C A 

Benzoic Acid All - 140 A 140 C C C C C - 

Borax Sat - 180 A 140 A A A 210 140 A 

Boric Aid Sat - 180 A 140 B B C 210 140 A 

Calcium Chloride - 100 180 A 140 B A A 210 100 A 

Calcium Hydroxide - - 180 - 140 C C C 210 140 A 

Carbon Tetrachloride - - C - 73 A C C C C A 

Chlorine Gas (Dry)ppm 150 C C B 120 C C C C C B 

Chlorinated Water ppm 3500 - C B C C - - C C B 

Chromic Acid 10 C 150 B 140 C C C 70 C B 

Chromic Acid 30 C 150 B 140 C C C C C - 

Chromic Acid 40 C 150 B 140 C C C C C - 

Chromic Acid 50 C C B 75 C C C C C - 

Citric Acid Sat - 180 A 140 C C C 210 70 A 

Copper Chloride Sat - - - 140 C C C 210 180 150 

Copper Cyanide - - - - 140 C C C 210 180 - 

Copper Nitrate 30 - - - 140 C C C 210 B to 70 - 

Copper Sulfate Sat - 120 A 140 C C C 210 180 150 

Creosote - - - - 73 B A A C 73 B 

Crude Oil - - - - 140 C C C C 70 - 

Dibutyl Ether - - - - - - - - C C C 

Diesel Fuel - - - - 140 A A A C 70 - 

Ethyl Alcohol - - 180 - 140 A A A 170 180 A








Ethyl chloride Dry - 73 C C A A B to 70 C B 

Ethylene Glycol - - 120 A 140 A A A 210 180 A 

Ethyl Ether - - C - C - - - C C - 

Fatty Acids - - 120 - 140 C C C C 140 - 

Formic Acid - - 73 B 73 - C C 200 C C 

Fructose - - - - 140 - A A 175 140 - 

Gasoline(Leaded) - - C C C A A A C 70 A 

Gasoline(Unleaded) - - C C C A A A C 70 A 

Glycerine - - 180 A 140 A A A 200 70 A 

Hydrolic Oil - - - - 73 - A A C C - 

Hydrobromic Acid 20 - 120 - 140 C C C 140 C - 

Hydrobromic Acid 50 - - - 140 C C C 140 C - 

Hydrochloric Acid







Silver Cyanide - - - - 140 C C C 140 C - 

Sodium Acetate Sat - 180 A 140 - B B 170 C - 

Sodium Bicarbonate - 70 180 - 140 B A A 250 180 A 

Sodium Borate Sat - 73 A - - B B 140 70 - 

Sodium Bromide Sat - 180 A 140 - C C 210 70 - 

Sodium Chloride - - 180 A 140 A B B 140 140 A 

Sodium Fluoride - - 185 A 140 - C C 140 70 - 

Sodium Hydroxide



Drainage Guide 

How to calculate the pipe size and the appropriate NDS grate for exterior drainage applications. 

To guarantee a quality product, specify NDS grates by: 

• NDS Part Number 

• Polyethylene Grate with UV Inhibitors 

• Open Surface Area. 

Step 1: Calculate the total surface area to be drained (Feet length x Feet width). 

Step 2: Determine the coefficient of runoff for the type of soil (see chart below). 

Soil Texture Coefficient Soil Texture Coefficient 

of Runoff 

of Runoff 

Concrete or Asphalt 1.00 Loam - Bare .60 

Gravel- Compact .70 Loam - Light Vegetation .45 

Clay - Bare .75 Loam - Dense Vegetation .35 

Clay - Light Vegetation .60 Sand - Bare .50 

Clay - Dense Vegetation .50 Sand - Light Vegetation .40 

Gravel- Bare .65 Sand - Dense Vegetation .30 

Gravel- Light Vegetation .50 Grass Areas .35 

Gravel- Dense Vegetation .40 

NOTE: The above data is approximate. Coefficient of Runoff = Runoff / Rainfall. 

Step 3: Determine the maximum one hour rainfall expected in 100 years. 

100 Year Rainfall Map 

One Hour Rainfall 

in inches to be 

expected once in 100 years


Step 4: Compute the total gallons per minute runoff using the following formula. 

Rational Formula: Q= CIA/96.23 

Where 

Q = the runoff from an area, in gallons per minute 

C = the coefficient of runoff (Step 2) 

I = the intensity of rainfall, in inches per hour (Step 3) 

A = the areas to be drained (Step 1) 

Step 5: Select the pipe size by using the following table. 

1 1/2" Pipe < 13 gal/minute 4" Pipe < 79 gal/minute 

2" Pipe < 21 gal/minute 6" Pipe < 180 gal/minute 

3" Pipe < 46 gal/minute 8" Pipe < 316 gal/minute 


Table assumes flow velocity of 2 feet per second. 

Step 6: Select the appropriate grate or combination of grates required. (See chart below) 

Area Grate Selection Chart 

Round, Square and Atrium Grates 

Capacity NDS Part Numbers Grate Fits Grate Open Surface 

GPM Green Black Gray Pipe Size Area (in 2 ) 

3.4 16 14 15 3" 2.6 

4.5 01 02 03 3" 3.5 

5.0 13 11 12 4" 3.8 

5.6 07 08 09 4" 4.2 

12.0 50 40 60 6"* 9.1 

12.5 70 74 - 3" 9.5 

13.6 05 04 06 3.4" 10.4 

15.0 20 10 30 6"* 11.5 

17.8 772 771 773 6"* 13.6 

19.0 75 78 - 4" 14.5 

33.4 80 90 - 6"* 25.5 

37.2 950 970 960 6"* 28.4 

45.2 990 980 999 3, 4, 6" 34.4 

61.7 1212 1211 1210 3, 4, 6" 47.0 

78.7 1280 1290 - 3, 4, 6" 60.0 

136.5 1812 1811 1810 3, 4, 6, 8" 104.0 

*Use with Spee-D Basin



Channel Grate Selection Chart 

Spee-D, Mini and Micro Channel 

Capacity NDS Part Numbers Outlet Fits Grate Open Surface 

GPM Various Colors Pipe Size Area (in 2 ) 

25.2/ft 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 251 3,4" 19.3/ ft 

14.7/ft 541, 542, 543, 544, 551 2" 11.3/ft 

2.6/ft 8001, 8002, 8003 1 1/2" 2.0/ft 

Example 

50' x 50' area, clay-light vegetation soil, Atlanta, GA 

Step 1: Surface area = 2,500 square feet. 

Step 2: Coefficient of runoff = .60 

Step 3: 1 hour maximum rainfall = 3.5 inches 

Step 4: Q = (2,500) (.60) (3.50) /96.23 = 55 gal/min 

Possibilities 

A) 4" or larger pipe used with either an NDS 1210, 1211, 1212 or larger grate. 

B) A multiple of smaller size pipe lines and/or grates which together achieve adequate flow in gallons per 

minute. 

NOTE: This is a reference chart only. For critical areas, consult a landscape architect or engineer.


Catch Basins — Step-by-Step Installation 

Catch Basins are 

available in 4 sizes, 

with one to four 

outlets and connect 

to 3", 4", 6" or 8" 

sewer and drain or 

corrugated pipe. 


1. Locate low spot or any area where excess water 

will accumulate. 

2. Use Catch Basins in applications where it is necessary 

to collect debris from runoff water and later 

remove debris. This helps minimize clogging of 

drainage pipe. Choose basin size according to 

amount of runoff; it may be necessary to install 

more than one basin in succession to accommodate 

excessive runoff or a combination of low spots. 

Choose a larger basin with larger sump area for 

runoff containing debris, such as mulch or leaves. 

3. Dig hole deep enough for overall height of basin 

and grate, allowing for 1/4" recess of the grate below 

ground level. Install basin in hole on top of a firm 

base. Excavate the trench deep enough to accommodate 

drainage pipe and obtain proper slope. 

4. Connect pipe to basins, gradually sloping the 

pipe. Backfill trench and area around basin 

with dirt, sand, gravel, concrete or asphalt 

according to desired application. 

5. Finish off landscaping surrounding project area. 

DISCLAIMER: As conditions and methods of installation of our product are beyond our control, products contained herein are offered 

in good faith and subject to only our published warranty and guarantee. Claims for labor cost and other expenses required to replace 

defective products or repair of any damage resulting from the use thereof will not be allowed by NDS.



Adapters and Grates — Step-by-Step Installation 

Adapters and 

grates are available 

in many sizes and 

connect to 3", 4", 

6" or 8" sewer and 

drain pipe and fittings 

or corrugated 

pipe. They may be 

used with catch 

basins to complete 

a drainage system. 

1. Locate low spots or any area where excess water 

will accumulate. 

2. Use in areas where no sump area is needed or soil 

conditions are too difficult to dig deep enough to 

accommodate a catch basin. Choose adapter and 

or grates size according to amount of runoff. It 

may be necessary to install more than one adapter 

or grate in succession to accommodate excess 

runoff or a com bination of low spots. 

3. Dig hole for the adapter or fitting to be used with 

grate. Make hole deep enough for overall height 

of adapter, fitting and grate allowing for 1/4" 

recess of grate below ground level. 

4. Install adapter or fitting in hole on top of a firm 

base. Excavate a trench deep enough to accom - 

modate drainage pipe and obtain proper slope.. 

Connect pipe to adapters or fittings gradually sloping 

pipe. Backfill pipe in trench and area around 

adapter or fitting with dirt, sand, gravel, concrete 

or asphalt according to desired application. 

5. Finish off landscaping surrounding area. 





Channel Drains — Preparing and Assembling Channel Drain 


1. Locate lowest spot or any area where excess 

water will accumulate. 

2. Dig trench wide enough to allow for 2" of back fill 

on each side of Spee-D and Mini Channel, and 1" 

for Micro Channel. Dig trench deep enough for 

overall height of channel and grate, allowing for 

1/4" recess of grate below surface level, as well as 

1" of sand base underneath channel. 

3. Backfill trench with 1" of sand and tamp 

thoroughly. This allows for a level base and provides 

support. Trench bed must be compacted 

prior to installing channel. 

4. Measure and cut channel with fine tooth saw to 

desired length and remove burrs. Assemble channel, 

using couplings and channel accessories. Test 

for accurate measurements by placing channel in 

trench. (NOTE: Sewer and drain pipes.) 

5. Disassemble channel drain and apply PVC primer 

and PVC cement to all joints. Resemble channel 

joints. Allow cement to dry thoroughly. 

6. Install grate on channel. Completely cover grate 

with duct tape. (NOTE: Grate must be on channel 

prior to installation.) 






Preparing Site and Installation of Assembled Channel Drain 

1. Position assembled channel into trench with the 

grate recessed 1/4" below the ground level. 

2. Secure channel in trench using NDS stakes. See 

option 1 or option 2 in diagram C. Place stakes 

every 2 feet along both sides of channel. (NOTE: 

Use string line to ensure the channel is straight.) 

3. Back fill with either concrete, sand or dirt. Lightly 

tap down backfill with 2 x 4 to remove air and 

ensure that backfill has completely encased channel. 

(NOTE: All installations not using concrete 

backfill may now finish surface area and remove 

tape from grate. Installations using concrete backfill 

should complete Steps 4 through 7.) 

4. Smooth concrete surface. 

5. Use concrete edger and edge entire length of 

channel on both sides. 

6. Allow concrete to set for one hour or until it will 

firmly hold your thumb print. Use broom and 

brush concrete to give surface texture, if desired. 

7. Allow concrete to dry for five hours and then 

remove tape. 

Tools: Shovel, pick, hammer, hack saw, trowel, 

concrete edger. 

Materials: Duct tape, stakes, string, sand, PVC 

primer, PVC cement, and concrete. 



defective products or repair of any damage resulting from the use thereof will not be allowed by NDS. 

ARCHT 

NDS Customer Service 

851 N. Harvard Ave, Lindsay, CA 93247 

Phone: (800) 726-1994 • (559) 562-9888 

Fax: (800) 726-1998 • (559) 562-4488 

www.NDSPRO.com REV. 0408

Tech Manual - Drainage Solutions, Inc.

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