Grate Cover for NID Box

The Telescoping Debris Grate that fits over any NID box. Perfect for keeping your sprinklers & filters clear all summer long.

Now just:

$12

60% OFF - Early Bird Discount

First 25 orders get 60% off!

Free local Delivery! Order now, pay after you receive it.

What problems does this solve?

This custom 3D-printed mesh screen blocks all debris larger than 1/8 inch in size. It is especially useful when you have impact sprinklers or filters downstream from the NID box that are easily clogged by acorns, leaves, algae clumps, and other debris that often find their way through the box.

How does it attach to the box?

The Water Grate is designed to be attached to the front of the NID box. Once you place it over the front, the grate telescopes for the perfect fit.

How does sizing work?

Each NID box has a different width. Most are between 30 cm and 31 cm wide, though some are over 32 cm, and others are less than 30 cm. Becuase of this, the grate can be adjusted to fit any NID box larger than 29 cm (11.8 in) and less than 33 cm (13 in). If your box is larger than 33 cm, you can order a custom size at no additional cost.

What are the Grate's dimensions?

The standard Water Grate is 35 cm tall and can be as wide as 34 cm, fitting a 33 cm wide box.

The sides of the Water Grate that fit against the side of the NID box are 3 cm tall.

How do local deliveries work?

This is the part of the project I have the most concerns about. During the purchase process, I'll ask for a physical location where I can drop off the Water Grate. My hope is that people select a location within 5 miles of downtown Grass Valley. If the entered drop location is too inconvenient, I will have to get intouch with you to get a different address.

Using a friend's, family member's, or coworker's house as the drop location is totally fine. The product will be dropped off as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Example areas that could work as drop locations:

  • Anywhere in or near the downtown Grass Valley, Nevada City, Brunswick, etc areas.

  • Loma Rica Airport area / Whispering Pines area.

  • Penn Valley around Western Gateway Park, Ready Springs, etc.

  • Rough and Ready Area.

  • Alta Sierra locations are also OK.

Please avoid these areas for drop locations:

  • Colfax / Chicago park areas

  • Up on the ridge, North San Juan, Camptonville

  • Way out in the surrounding Pentucky area

  • Way down Green Horn Road, You Bet Road, Banner Mountain Roads, Rattle Snake Road, etc

  • Up Highway 20

I fully realize that the areas I am discouraging for pickups are the exact areas that would have the highest need for this product. As this project goes on, I'll try to expand the delivery areas.

Are you able to ship upon request?

This is outside my capabilities at the moment. If this is needed, please use a local friend, family member, or coworker as the drop location and have them ship it.

What if I'm not happy with the Water Grate?

No problem! I'm happy to refund your order in exchange for the Water Grate. If the Grate breaks and you want a replacement, I'm happy to do this as well. I do ask that the broken Grate gets returned to me so I can review it and incorporate any fixes into future iterations. If you ordered the wrong size, I'm happy to get the correct size over to you as well. If you are seeking a replacement or refund, please send me a message.

What can I use instead of this product to do the same thing?

For the last 10 years, I have used hardware cloth of varying gauges to create a similar screen. However, fine hardware cloth, like ΒΌ-inch, often rusts away to nothing in about 2-3 months. Larger hole spacing cloth is not effective at stopping small debris from coming through. I'm sure there are other solutions out there as well, and I'll keep this section updated as I receive more ideas from the community.

How is it made?

This product is custom 3D-printed on a Prusa XL in Rough and Ready, CA. These are often printed to order.

What is it made from?

This product is made from PETG, a variation of the same plastic used in water bottles. This filament is UV resistant and will last for years in the sun.

Can the Water Grate be customized?

Yes! Get in touch with me here to discuss your exact needs: info@water-grate.com.

Can I print this myself?

Yes, assuming you have a large enough 3D printer, feel free to print this. Here is a link to the OnShape 3d files. I do ask that you not sell this design in Nevada County if you do print them yourself. If you want to help with this project, please get in touch with me at info@water-grate.com

Tips for printing: Select 22% grid or beehive infill and remove the top and bottom layers in the slicer. It takes about 6 to 11 hours for a Water Grate to print.

What is the motivation behind this project?

I made this grate for myself after cleaning cloggs out of my sprinklers daily for 10 years. The product worked so well that I knew I had to get it out into our community. This is just a fun little side project. Additionally, designing and selling a physical product has been on my bucket list for 9 years.

Can I help with this project?

Sure! If you want to help with this project, please get in touch with me at info@water-grate.com.