The best catch basin for most yard low spots is the NDS 12 in square catch basin kit (1200GRKIT with a green grate): a 12 in square basin with two outlet openings, two locking adapters for 3 in or 4 in pipe and an outlet plug. For the 12 in and 9 in sizes we link NDS black-grate kits sold under different part numbers.
Use the 9 in NDS 900GRKIT under a downspout or for a small wet spot, and the 18 in NDS 1882GRKIT when 6 in or 8 in pipe or several lines meet. For a planting bed or window well, the round NDS 101ATBLKIT area drain with a domed atrium grate is the simpler choice.
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A catch basin collects surface water at one point and sends it down a solid pipe. It does not dry out wet soil. If water is coming up through the ground or into a basement, read our sump pump vs French drain guide first.
Quick comparison
| Check | NDS 1200GRKIT | NDS 900GRKIT | NDS 1882GRKIT | NDS 101ATBLKIT (or 101 basin + 6 in atrium grate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 12 in square | 9 in square | 18 in square | 6 in round |
| Pipe in the box | 3 or 4 in adapters (2) | 3 or 4 in adapters (2) | 6 or 8 in adapters (2), 2 reducer rings | 3 or 4 in, built into the outlet |
| Grate | Green plastic square (black in the kit we link) | Green plastic square (black in the kit we link) | Green plastic square | Black plastic domed atrium (green in the separate grate we link) |
| Exact purchase | Check the NDS 12 in kit, black grate (1200BKITRTL1PK), on Amazon → | Check the NDS 9 in kit, black grate (900BKITRTL1PK), on Amazon → | NDS dealer (no in-stock Amazon listing for the 1882GRKIT on Oct 14, 2026) | Check the NDS 101 Spee-D basin on Amazon → |
BEST OVERALL · 12 IN · 3 OR 4 IN PIPE
NDS 1200GRKIT: the size that fits most yard jobs
Choose it when water stands in one spot in the lawn, at a patio corner or at the bottom of a slope. NDS lists the 1200GRKIT (adspipe.com) with a two-opening catch basin, a square green grate, two 3 in and 4 in locking outlet adapters and one outlet plug. The adapters fit 3 in and 4 in sewer and drain, single-wall corrugated, triple-wall and DWV or Sch. 40 pipe.
The basin is UV-treated polypropylene and the grate is HDPE, per NDS. The built-in sump sits below the outlets and catches grit before it reaches the pipe. Use the plug to close the opening you do not need, or run a second line out of it.
Skip it if the basin sits in a driveway. Set it in concrete and swap in a metal grate (see the 1213 below). For black or sand-colored grates, NDS sells the 1200BLKIT and 1200SKIT.
We found no Amazon listing for the 1200GRKIT or 1200BLKIT on October 14, 2026. The link below is an NDS 12 in two-opening kit with a black plastic grate, sold as 1200BKITRTL1PK. That is a different part number, so check the box contents on the listing.
Check the NDS 12 in kit, black grate (1200BKITRTL1PK), on Amazon →
BEST SMALL · 9 IN · DOWNSPOUTS
NDS 900GRKIT: for a downspout or a small wet spot
Choose it when you are catching one downspout or a small area like a walkway edge. NDS lists the 900GRKIT (adspipe.com) with the same parts and pipe fit as the 12 in kit in a 9 in size.
NDS also makes a 9 in Downspout Defender kit, the 900DSGKIT, with a grate shaped to catch a downspout. If the pipe runs shallow in a cold climate, read our note on discharge lines that freeze.
Skip it for a large lawn area. A 9 in grate is easy to block with leaves, and a small sump fills faster.
We found no Amazon listing for the 900GRKIT on October 14, 2026. The link below is an NDS 9 in two-opening kit with a black plastic grate, sold as 900BKITRTL1PK, a different part number.
Check the NDS 9 in kit, black grate (900BKITRTL1PK), on Amazon →
BEST LARGE · 18 IN · 6 OR 8 IN PIPE
NDS 1882GRKIT: where big pipe or several lines meet
Choose it when a large lawn, a parking pad or several downspout lines drain to one point. NDS lists the 1882GRKIT (adspipe.com) with a two-opening 18 in basin, a green HDPE grate, two outlet adapters for 6 in and 8 in pipe, two reducer rings and a plug. The adapters fit 6 in and 8 in sewer and drain and single-wall corrugated pipe. Adapters for 3 in and 4 in pipe are sold separately.
Skip it if all your pipe is 4 in and the area is small. You would also need extra adapters.
Buy the NDS 1882GRKIT from an NDS dealer or landscape supply; we found no in-stock new Amazon listing for the 18 in kit on October 14, 2026.
BEST AREA DRAIN · 6 IN ROUND · DOMED GRATE
NDS 101ATBLKIT: an area drain that shrugs off mulch
Choose it when the drain sits in a mulched bed, a natural area or a window well. NDS lists the 101ATBLKIT (adspipe.com) as a 6 in round Spee-D catch basin with one outlet and a black atrium grate. The grate stands 5-3/4 in tall with a 3-7/8 in top and 1/4 in wide openings. Its raised dome keeps mulch and leaves off the base while water runs in through the top. NDS says it suits moderate flows.
The outlet connects with locking flex tabs to 3 in and 4 in single-wall corrugated, sewer and drain and triple-wall pipe, and to 4 in Sch. 40. The basin is high-impact polystyrene and the grate is HDPE. A built-in sump catches particles.
Skip it in a lawn you mow or where water arrives fast from a slab. A flat 9 in or 12 in grate takes more water and sits flush with the grass.
We found no Amazon listing for the 101ATBLKIT kit on October 14, 2026. We link two separate parts instead: the NDS 101 one-outlet Spee-D basin and an NDS 6 in green atrium grate (listed as model 80), not the black grate in the kit. Confirm the grate fits the 101 basin before you order both.
Check the NDS 101 Spee-D basin on Amazon → Check the NDS 6 in green atrium grate (80) on Amazon →
BEST UPGRADE GRATE · DUCTILE IRON · 12 IN
NDS 1213: a metal grate for traffic areas
Choose it when a 12 in basin sits where cars or a mower deck cross it. NDS lists the 1213 (adspipe.com) as a heavy-duty ductile iron grate for 12 in square catch basins, risers and low-profile adapters. NDS gives no psi rating on the grate page; the load depends on the concrete around the basin (see the table below). For a lighter metal option, NDS sells the 1215 galvanized steel grate.
Skip it in a lawn or bed. A plastic grate is lighter and does the job.
Buy the NDS 1213 from an NDS dealer or landscape supply; we found no in-stock new Amazon listing for the ductile iron grate on October 14, 2026.
9 vs 12 vs 18 in: how to size a catch basin
NDS makes square basins in 9, 12, 18 and 24 in. Pick the size by three things:
- The pipe. The 9 and 12 in kits come set up for 3 in and 4 in pipe. The 18 in kit comes set up for 6 in and 8 in pipe. Match the basin to the pipe you plan to run.
- How many lines meet. Each basin comes with two openings. NDS sells 3 and 4 opening versions of the 12 in (1203, 1204) and 4 opening versions of the 9, 18 and 24 in (900-4, 1884, 2404).
- How much debris. A bigger grate is harder to block and a bigger sump holds more dirt between cleanings.
Depth is adjustable. NDS says (adspipe.com) its 9 and 12 in risers add 6 in, and the 18 and 24 in risers add 8 in. The 9 and 12 in risers can be cut, leaving at least a 1-1/8 in base. The 18 and 24 in risers cannot be cut, and NDS does not recommend stacking more than five risers.
Grates and load ratings
The grate and what surrounds the basin set how much weight it can take. NDS gives these catch basin ratings on its catch basins page (adspipe.com) and grate classes on its load ratings page (adspipe.com):
| Installation | Rated load | NDS class | Typical traffic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backfilled with soil, sand or gravel | 60 psi | A (1 to 60 psi) | People, bikes, wheelchairs |
| 4 in of concrete around it | 175 psi | B (61 to 175 psi) | Cars and light trucks under 20 mph |
| 6 in of concrete | 325 psi | C (176 to 325 psi) | Heavy pneumatic-tire forklifts and trucks under 20 mph |
| 8 in of concrete | 575 psi | D (326 to 575 psi) | Hard-tire forklifts under 20 mph |
Plastic grates come in green, black, gray and sand, plus decorative and atrium (domed) styles. Use an atrium grate such as the 1280 or 1290 on a 12 in basin where mulch or leaves pile up. Use a metal grate where wheels cross.
Outlets and pipe
NDS uses separate universal outlets and adapters (adspipe.com) so one basin can take different pipe:
- 3 and 4 in pipe: 1243 locking adapter (in the 9 and 12 in kits), 1245 offset adapter, 1242 internal spigot adapter that also takes 4 in fittings.
- 6 and 8 in pipe: 1266 for 6 in, 1888 and 1889 standard and offset for 8 in.
- 1206: outlet plug for an unused opening.
Use solid pipe, not perforated, out of a catch basin. Smooth-wall pipe cleans out more easily than corrugated. Our PVC vs ABS guide covers the plastics. Keep the pipe sloped downhill the whole way with no sags.
Area drain vs catch basin
An area drain is a grate over a pipe. A catch basin adds a sump below the outlet that catches soil, sand and mulch before they clog the pipe. NDS says the sump area of its basins is watertight, while the joints to risers and outlets are soil-tight unless sealed with silicone.
Put a catch basin at the start of any long pipe run. On a hard surface where water sheets across, a long channel drain catches it better than one grate.
Install basics
- Call 811 a few days before you dig.
- Find the outlet first. Know where the water goes: daylight downhill, a dry well or an approved storm drain. Ask your building department before you tie into a storm sewer. Never tie into the house sewer or a floor drain.
- Set the grate height. In a lawn, set the grate a little below the soil so water runs in. Add risers to reach the pipe depth you need.
- Bed the basin. Set it on compacted gravel. Use concrete around it where it must carry a load (see the table above).
- Clean it. Lift the grate after big storms and scoop the sump. NDS sells 1200FF and 900FF filter inserts for the 12 and 9 in basins.
When to call a pro: if water is getting into the house, if you need to cross a sidewalk or driveway, or if the only outlet is a street or storm connection, hire a licensed plumber or drainage contractor. Some towns need a permit for that work.
Catch basin FAQ
What size catch basin do I need?
Use a 9 inch basin for a downspout or a small wet spot, a 12 inch basin for most yard low spots and patio corners, and an 18 inch or 24 inch basin when several pipes meet or a large area drains to one point.
What is the difference between a catch basin and an area drain?
A catch basin has a sump below the outlet that holds dirt and debris so it does not wash into the pipe. An area drain is a simpler grate over a pipe or a small fitting. Use an area drain for clean water in a planting bed and a catch basin where leaves, mulch or soil wash in.
What pipe connects to an NDS catch basin?
The 9 inch and 12 inch kits include locking adapters for 3 inch and 4 inch pipe, including corrugated and Schedule 40. The 18 inch kit includes 6 inch and 8 inch adapters. Other sizes use separate NDS outlet adapters.
Can you drive over a catch basin?
Only with the right grate and base. NDS rates its basins at 60 psi when backfilled with soil, sand or gravel and 175 psi with 4 inches of concrete around them. For a driveway, set the basin in concrete and use a metal grate such as the NDS 1213 ductile iron grate.
How often should I clean a catch basin?
Check it after big storms and at least each spring and fall. Lift the grate and scoop or vacuum out the sump. If the sump fills often, add a filter insert such as the NDS 1200FF on a 12 inch basin.
Can I connect a catch basin to the sewer?
Not unless your local rules allow it. Most towns do not let storm water into the sanitary sewer. Run the pipe to daylight, a dry well or an approved storm drain, and call 811 before you dig.
How we chose
This is a document-based comparison from a licensed plumber’s point of view. We stuck to one maker’s system, NDS, because its basins, risers, grates and adapters fit together, which matters more in a yard than small spec differences. We read the NDS product pages for each kit, grate and adapter and the NDS load ratings page. Sources were read October 14, 2026; sellers and availability change. We do not publish prices or claim hands-on testing. More about our selection method and Plumbing Picks.
Primary sources
- NDS 1200GRKIT product page (adspipe.com): kit contents, 1243 adapters, compatible pipe types, PP basin and HDPE grate.
- NDS 900GRKIT product page (adspipe.com): kit contents, 3 and 4 in adapters, compatible pipe types.
- NDS 1882GRKIT product page (adspipe.com): 6 and 8 in adapters, reducer rings, compatible pipe.
- NDS 101ATBLKIT product page (adspipe.com): outlet pipe fit, grate height, top size and openings, uses.
- NDS 1213 ductile iron grate page (adspipe.com): material and what it fits.
- NDS square catch basins listing (adspipe.com): sizes 9 to 24 in, opening counts, grates, filters, risers, 900DSGKIT.
- NDS catch basins and grates page (adspipe.com): riser heights, cutting, stacking, load ratings by installation, materials, watertight sump.
- NDS round Spee-D catch basins page (adspipe.com): 1 to 4 outlet versions, materials.
- NDS universal outlets and adapters page (adspipe.com): adapter models and pipe sizes.
- NDS load ratings page (adspipe.com): Class A to D psi ranges and traffic types.