Drain Grates
Stormwater drain grates are a key element required for civil construction, used across multiple project applications including major road infrastructure, municipal drainage networks and standalone residential or commercial drainage systems. Several types of grates are available to suit these varying applications, differing by load class, materiality, grate pattern and inflow capacity.
Drainage grates are typically made from hot-dip galvanised steel or heavy-duty ductile iron, ensuring robust performance and long-lasting durability in the built environment. Stormwater applications may require flat or V-shaped drain grates, used in conjunction with stormwater pits, or trench grates, which are required for linear drainage channels.
All stormwater grates supplied by SVC are industry-compliant and tested to meet the requirements of the Australian Standard, VicRoads and council standards where necessary. All SVC drain grates have a minimum bike-safe rating, while a pedestrian-safe range of heelproof grating is also available.
Our Steel Grating Products
Pipe Grilles
Surcharge Pit Grates
Drain Grates: Steel & Metal Grates for Stormwater & Trench Applications
SVC offers a diverse range of steel grates to suit multiple stormwater drainage applications. These high-performing metal grates comply with the Australian Standard AS 3996:2019 and are stocked in standard load classes A, B, C and D. Higher load class grates (Class E, F, G) may be available on a made-to-order basis.
The loading classes for steel metal grates are dependent on the environment in which they will be installed. The lower-rated load classes of A and B are typically used in off-road applications such as garden beds, nature strips or driveways, whereas grates used in VicRoads roadside applications will require higher load classes of C, D or E due to their proximity to vehicle traffic.
Why Choose SVC For Your Stormwater Grate Needs
Operating since 1948, SVC is a trusted supplier of stormwater drain grates to the civil industry, with many types of pit grates and trench grates on offer. Our grating range forms a core part of our wider product offering for civil and infrastructure construction.
Produced under rigorous quality controls, SVC’s stormwater pit grates are tested and achieve compliance with the required Australian Standard, VicRoads and local government regulations. Clients can safely rely on the quality and longevity of our products and the dedicated service and expertise provided by our specialist team.
Download Our Drainage Grate Datasheets
SVC has developed a range of product datasheets that provide technical product specifications including the dimensions, weight and load classification of our drainage grates. When selecting steel grates, individual project specifications will typically dictate the size, load class rating or grate style required.
Our datasheets for drain grates have been designed to assist customers with product selection, providing contextual information to help customers choose the correct drainage grates to suit their specific project application.
Custom Drainage Grate Solutions
Certain applications may require stormwater grates outside our standard product offerings. SVC can gladly assist clients by sourcing tailor-made drainage grates to fulfil bespoke project requirements.
Due to the nature of the custom fabrication process, custom drainage grates are generally more costly than standard products but provide a purpose-built solution that accommodates all requirements.
To request custom-made grates from SVC, contact our friendly team using the button below, providing all required product details such as product dimensions, load class ratings and any additional information to assist us with your enquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which AS 3996 load class should I use for different locations (driveways vs roads)?
Residential gardens and footpaths typically use Class A, the lowest load rating which accommodates pedestrian traffic only. Domestic driveways and car parks often use Class B–C, which is suitable for slow-moving domestic traffic. Areas subject to frequent vehicle traffic (i.e. where the grate is installed at road level) require a Class D or higher load rating, depending on site conditions. Always confirm the required load rating with the governing authority and refer to the AS 3996:2019 for guidance.
What’s the difference between bicycle-safe and heel-safe grates?
Bicycle-safe (BTPR) grating configurations prevent tyre entrapment by controlling grate opening apertures, ensuring they are not more than 12mm wide. To be classed as heel-safe or pedestrian-safe, grates must have even smaller grate openings or apertures (commonly ≤ 8mm) to avoid heel catch in pedestrian areas. Both concepts derive from AS 3996 usage and accessibility guidance.
Do fine “heelguard” meshes reduce hydraulic intake?
Yes. Smaller apertures and higher bar density can lower inflow efficiency, which may cause pooling at inlet points during heavy rain events. To avoid this issue and ensure your stormwater system is adequate for all weather conditions, you can consider using grating products with higher intake capacity such as SVC’s Tiered Flood Grates. An alternative option is to add supplementary inlets to reduce flooding risks.
How often should stormwater grates be inspected and cleaned?
Drainage asset owners should schedule routine inspections and debris removal, especially before wet seasons and after storms, to maintain efficient stormwater flow and to reduce flood risk. Local government drainage design guides emphasise maintenance planning.
Do kerb inlet grates need to be captive (hinged/bolted)?
For safety reasons, SVC’s stormwater grates are always either hinged or bolted for anti-theft and maintenance control, ensuring they cannot be easily removed by unauthorised users. While certain kerb grates have a hinged design, there is no strict requirement for this – lift-out grates that can be bolted down are often sufficient for council and VicRoads applications. As with every project, it is recommended that you check the standard drawings and confirm the specific grate requirements with the relevant governing authority before commencing construction of your project.
How should bars be oriented for cyclist safety at kerb inlets?
Forgebar grates are installed with the load-bearing bars oriented to match the direction of traffic. The forgebars are typically spaced 12mm apart, with perpendicular cross bars providing lateral support. This narrow aperture effectively prevents tyre penetration, following bicycle-safe (BTPR) principles referenced alongside AS 3996.
What materials suit coastal or corrosive sites?
Galvanised steel or coated ductile iron have protective coatings that enable their suitable use in most stormwater and wastewater environments. However, they are not inherently resistant to saltwater and are susceptible to corrosion over time. For marine environments where there is prolonged exposure to saltwater, stainless steel is a more suitable option for durability.
Is slip resistance relevant for pedestrian grates?
Yes. In pedestrian zones, surfaces are typically assessed to AS 4586 (wet pendulum test) to ensure all surfaces are appropriately slip-rated to reduce slip risk and prevent pedestrian injury.
Where can I find authority drawings for gully/side-entry pits and grates in Victoria?
The Department of Transport & Planning (VicRoads/DTP) publishes Standard Drawings for road drainage (e.g., SD 1401–1441, 1601–1641) used across the VicRoads network. For council projects, each governing municipality will also have their own set of standard drawings with specific drainage material requirements.
