Installation

Alternative Mounting Options

Most installations only need the stem described above. If your drain pipe or grate configuration won't accept the stem, or you'd simply like a permanent mount, the DrainDome has four tabs with screw holes around its outer edge that support either of the methods below. If your drain allows it, you can still use the stem together with either method.

Option 1: No-Drill Adhesive Mount

This method secures the cover with heavy-duty exterior construction adhesive, with no drilling required. Polycarbonate is naturally slick, so rather than relying on surface grip alone, this method forms a solid "mushroom rivet" of adhesive through each of the four screw holes that physically locks the cover to the concrete.

Please note: an adhesive mount is effectively permanent. The cover will not lift off easily if you later want to clean out the drain beneath it.

What you'll need

• Heavy-duty exterior polyurethane or hybrid construction adhesive (such as Loctite PL Premium Max or SikaBond)
• 60-grit sandpaper
• Wire brush or stiff bristle brush
• Rubbing alcohol or degreaser
• Clean rag
• A weight, such as a brick or paving stone

1. Clean the concrete. Scrub the concrete around your drain with a stiff wire brush to remove dirt, algae, moss, and loose debris. Rinse and allow the area to dry completely. Adhesive needs a clean, dry, dust-free masonry surface to bond properly.

2. Scuff the plastic tabs. Use 60-grit sandpaper to aggressively scuff the underside of the four tabs with screw holes, as well as the inside edges of the screw holes themselves. Removing the factory sheen creates micro-grooves that give the adhesive a mechanical bite. Wipe away the plastic dust with rubbing alcohol.

3. Apply the adhesive. Set the cover over the drain and mark the locations of the four tabs with screw holes on the concrete, then set the cover aside. Apply a marble-sized dollop of construction adhesive directly onto the concrete at each of the four marks.

4. Seat the cover and create the "rivet." Press the cover firmly into position over the drain. Push down until the adhesive spreads beneath each tab and squeezes up through each of the four screw holes.

5. Tool the adhesive. Using a gloved finger or putty knife, smooth the adhesive that pushed up through each hole into a small mushroom-shaped cap over the top of the opening. Once cured, this cap locks the tab down from above.

6. Weight and cure. Place a brick or similar weight across the top of the cover to keep it seated flat. Allow the adhesive to cure undisturbed for a full 24 to 48 hours before walking on it or exposing it to heavy water flow.

Option 2: Masonry Screw Mount

Use this method to fasten the cover directly into the concrete with concrete screws (such as 3/16-inch Tapcons).

What you'll need

• Hammer drill or standard drill
• 5/32-inch carbide-tipped masonry drill bit
• 3/16-inch concrete screws (Tapcon style, 1-1/4 inch length recommended)
• Screwdriver or driver bit matching the screw heads
• Blow bulb, compressed air, or small brush to clear dust
• Eye protection

1. Position the cover. Center the cover directly over the drain opening in the exact orientation you want.

2. Mark the hole locations. Insert the masonry bit through the four screw holes to mark the concrete. You can drill shallow guide marks directly through the tabs, then set the cover aside to finish drilling without damaging the plastic.

3. Drill the concrete holes. Hold the drill straight and perpendicular to the concrete. Drill each hole at least 1/4 inch deeper than the screw will penetrate (roughly 1-1/2 inches deep for a 1-1/4 inch screw).

4. Clear all concrete dust. Blow or brush the pulverized dust out of each hole. Concrete screws will bind or jam before seating fully if dust remains trapped at the bottom.

5. Drive the screws. Place the cover back over the drain and align the tabs with the drilled holes. Drive the concrete screws by hand or with a low-torque drill clutch until snug against the plastic tab. Do not over-tighten, as this can strip the threads in the concrete or crack the plastic tab.