[Published: 17 October 2026 | Last updated: 17 October 2026] | 5 min read
TL;DR
- Most cast iron storm drain covers weigh between 80 and 300 pounds (36-136 kg), and a standard 24-inch cover usually falls around 100 to 150 pounds (Neenah Foundry, 2026).
- A common 24-inch by 24-inch cast iron catch basin grate weighs 147 pounds (NDS, 2026).
- Size, material, and traffic load rating decide the weight. Heavy-duty street covers can pass 400 pounds (Neenah Foundry, 2026).
- Composite and plastic covers weigh far less than iron but are used mainly in driveways, gardens, and foot traffic areas.
- Never lift a cast iron cover by hand. Use a lifting hook, a cover dolly, or a second person.
How Heavy Is a Storm Drain Cover?
A storm drain cover weighs 80 to 300 pounds in most cases. Cast iron versions of a standard 24-inch municipal size land near 100 to 150 pounds, while small light-duty covers can come in under 70 pounds and large traffic-rated ones can top 400 pounds (Neenah Foundry, 2026).
This article uses “Storm drain cover” as the general term. It includes two common types: the solid manhole cover and the slotted grate (also called a catch basin grate) that lets rainwater flow in.
Storm Drain Cover Weight by Diameter
Diameter is the biggest factor in weight. A wider cover needs more metal, so each size step adds tens of pounds. The ranges below come from Neenah Foundry (2026) and compare lighter-duty and heavy-duty castings.
| Diameter | Lighter-duty weight | Heavy-duty weight |
|---|---|---|
| 18 inches | 40-70 lbs | 70-160 lbs |
| 24 inches | 70-100 lbs | 100-250 lbs |
| 30 inches | 100-140 lbs | 140-325 lbs |
| 36 inches | 140-180 lbs | 180-400+ lbs |
The frame that holds the cover adds more weight on top of these figures (Neenah Foundry, 2026). If you are budgeting for shipping or crane time, ask the supplier for the frame and cover weights separately.
Real Product Weights: Two Examples From Manufacturers
Published spec sheets give the most reliable numbers for a specific purchase. Two examples show how much a grate weighs in practice.
- The NDS 2413 is a 24-inch square cast iron catch basin grate rated H-20 for driveway-level vehicle loads, and it weighs 147 pounds (NDS, 2026).
- The East Jordan 6221M is a round gray iron grate for 24-inch pipe, with a shipping weight of 169 pounds (Kuhlman, 2026).
Both are the same nominal size, yet they differ by 22 pounds. Shape, thickness, and bar pattern all affect the final weight, so check the exact part number before ordering.
What Determines the Weight of a Storm Drain Cover
Three things decide how heavy a cover is: its size, its material, and the load it must carry. Changing any one of them moves the weight up or down.
- Size: a larger diameter or footprint uses more metal.
- Material: cast iron and ductile iron are dense and heavy, while composite covers weigh a fraction of that.
- Load rating: a cover built for trucks has thicker ribs and walls than one built for foot traffic, so it weighs more at the same diameter.
Vented covers weigh slightly less than solid ones, and gasketed watertight covers weigh slightly more (Neenah Foundry, 2026).
Why Storm Drain Covers Are So Heavy
Storm drain covers are heavy so that traffic, floodwater, and thieves cannot move them. A heavy cover stays seated when a truck rolls over it, which prevents an open hole in the road.
Round covers add another safety feature. A round lid cannot fall through a round opening however it is turned, while a square lid can tip in diagonally (Neenah Foundry, 2026).
How to Lift a Storm Drain Cover Safely
Use a tool, not your back. At 100 to 150 pounds for a common size, a cast iron cover is far past what one person should lift by hand.
- Clear dirt and debris from the edge so the cover is not stuck.
- Hook a lifting tool into the pick hole or slot, or slide a pry bar under the rim.
- Lift just enough to slide the cover sideways, then roll it clear on a cover dolly.
- Wear steel-toe boots and gloves, and keep fingers out from under the rim.
- Set the cover down flat and away from the opening before working below.
Stay off busy roads without traffic control. A drain in a public street is usually the city’s property, so call the local authority before opening it.
Common Mistakes When Estimating Cover Weight
The most common mistake is ordering by diameter alone. Two covers with the same diameter can weigh 100 pounds apart if one is rated for foot traffic and the other for trucks.
Other mistakes to avoid:
- Forgetting the frame, which adds its own weight to the delivery.
- Assuming a plastic or composite cover can handle vehicles when it is rated only for pedestrian or light use.
- Guessing the weight of an old cover. Corrosion and damage change it slightly, so weigh it or read the casting markings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storm Drain Cover Weight
How much does a standard storm drain cover weigh?
A standard 24-inch cast iron cover weighs about 100 to 150 pounds (Neenah Foundry, 2026). The full range for cast iron covers runs from 80 to 300 pounds depending on size and duty rating.
How much does a catch basin grate weigh?
A 24-inch square cast iron catch basin grate weighs about 147 pounds (NDS, 2026). A round gray iron grate for 24-inch pipe ships at 169 pounds (Kuhlman, 2026).
Why does a storm drain cover weigh so much?
The weight keeps the cover in place under traffic, water pressure, and tampering. Cast iron is dense, and heavy-duty ratings call for thicker metal, which adds pounds.
Can one person lift a storm drain cover?
One person can slide or tilt a cover with a lifting hook or pry bar, but should not lift it off the ground by hand. Use a cover dolly or get a second person for anything over about 50 pounds.
Are there lighter storm drain covers?
Yes. Composite and plastic covers weigh far less than iron and suit driveways, gardens, and pedestrian areas. Check the load rating first, because lighter covers carry lower loads.
What does a manhole frame weigh in addition to the cover?
The frame adds its own weight, often a significant share of the total casting weight (Neenah Foundry, 2026). Ask the manufacturer for the combined frame and cover weight before you plan transport.
References
- Neenah Foundry: How Much Does a Manhole Cover Weigh, and Why Does It Matter? – https://neenahfoundry.com/blog/how-much-does-a-manhole-cover-weigh-and-why-does-it-matter/
- NDS: 24-Inch Square Catch Basin Grate 2413 Tech Spec Sheet – https://www.ndspro.com/PDFs/Tech-Spec-Sheets/24-Inch-Square-Catch-Basin-2413.pdf
- Kuhlman Corporation: East Jordan 6221M Grate for 24″ Diameter Pipe – https://shop.kuhlman-corp.com/east-jordan-6221m-grate-for-24-diameter-pipe/p4835/
Leave a Reply