NDS Spee-D Channel Drains: A Comprehensive Overview

The NDS Spee-D Channel Drain system was the first and largest of the ‘Profile Drains’ from NDS at around 4 inches in width. As with all the profile drains from NDS, the Spee-D system is an extruded plastic channel drain system and comes with a variety of different modular fittings that allow complex hardscapes to be easily created. A close up on the side of the channel reveals the extrusions running through the plastic in a honeycomb structure. These extrusions give the channel its strength, and while they’re great for lighter loads, the honeycomb structure of the channel drain itself doesn’t lend well to repeated, violent stresses. Things like driving quickly over the channel can cause stress in abnormal ways, fracturing the honeycomb design and damaging the integrity of the system. As a result, where a system like this shines is in pedestrian traffic areas. Now that we’ve got a basic overview of the system, let’s dive into the specifics of the Spee-D system.

The Spee-D Channel Drain System Overview

As we mentioned before, at it’s core the Spee-D channel system is a modular drainage system made from extruded PVC capable of Class B rated loads (with corresponding grates). Each piece of the modular system is adjoined by using a coupling, which easily slots on to the end of each component. Since the system is PVC, lasting, durable connections can be made by priming and bonding the PVC together. A large variety of different components, such as 90’s, 45’s, tees, and crosses are available to make installation into any hardscape popular. Every piece of the system, from the tees to the channel itself, uses NDS’ patented flying buttress design; this design ensures that aggregate can lock the channel in place in a robust manner, ensuring that the channel doesn’t come loose later. The system can use a variety of grates, available in a range of colors including black, white, green, red, and grey. If purchased complete, the system comes with light gray grates. The system comes in 2-, 4-, and 10-foot sections, making it easy to install long runs of the channel in a quick, efficient manner. Each grate uses four screws to affix to the channel, and no grate has openings larger than 1/2”, ensuring that each grate is ADA compliant.

When to use the NDS Spee-D Channel System

The Spee-D Channel System is at its best in a hardscape that won’t be regularly driven on, like a backyard patio, a tennis court, or a swimming pool. Due to the large width of the system, it can accommodate a reasonably large amount of water at a given time, making this grate a good choice for patios that receive intense rainfall for brief periods of time. Installed at a residence, the NDS Spee-D channel offers a variety of high-quality aesthetic options, from botanical to wave designs, in plastic, cast iron, or bronze. The bevy of options make it perfect for the homeowner on a budget, especially one that still needs robust drainage solutions.

When to avoid the NDS Spee-D Channel System

While the NDS Spee-D system is a versatile system, this system isn’t for every use case. Due to the extruded plastic of the channel, heavy vehicles cannot be driven over the system without causing damage; extruded PVC uses a honeycomb structure to give compressive strength, and while the compressive strength is impressive for the material used, it’s not enough to accommodate heavy loads regularly. This rules out using the Spee-D channel drain for more commercial uses, like a parking garage, or heavy use at home, such as in a driveway. In other cases, Spee-D channel may be too robust a solution: the four inch width of the system ensures that large amounts of water can be captured, but the maximum load rating of Class B makes the system less likely to be useful in such a situation. This was the genesis for the creation of the other two profile drains from NDS, the NDS Mini Channel system and the NDS Slim Channel system – both are smaller systems that can also be integrated into a hardscape.

Spee-D Channel Drain Final Thoughts

The Spee-D system from NDS exists to provide a robust hardscape drainage solution that’s affordable and easy to install. The system is at its best when it’s used for lightweight loads such as patios, walkways, and backyards and should be avoided for heavyweight applications where the channel will be subjected to repeated stresses. This channel drain system is constantly evolving, and there’s rumors that in the second half of 2025 we’ll see articulating channels that are compatible with the system. These, coupled with the bevy of prefabricated components make this system a favorite for landscape architects and backyard contractors.