Every claim backed by independent testing.
Tested by 7 independent laboratories across 4 continents. Every claim traces back to an accredited lab report.
Aerosol retention testing.
A common question about any drain seal device: how well does it restrict the retrograde movement of air and aerosols from the drainage system into the room above? Green Drain characterized this physical behavior with independent laboratory testing at SGS-CSTC, one of the world's largest testing and certification organizations.
SGS aerosol-retention test
SGS conducted an aerosol-retention test on the Green Drain GD3 under Report QDF25-0049810-01. The test used MS2 bacteriophage (ATCC 15597-B1), a non-pathogenic virus widely accepted as a surrogate for human respiratory and enteric viruses in aerosol transmission research. MS2 is a well-characterized surrogate and a standard choice for evaluating how physical barriers behave against viral aerosol penetration in controlled bench conditions.
Test protocol and results
The test was conducted over three rounds. In each round, aerosolized MS2 was introduced below the drain device, and air sampling above the device measured the number of plaque-forming units (PFU) that penetrated through.
- Control (no device installed): 18,000 to 72,500 PFU detected above the drain opening
- With GD3 installed: Below detection limit (<5 PFU) in all three rounds
- Retention rate: Greater than 99.9% across all three test rounds
These results mean that out of tens of thousands of MS2 surrogate particles aerosolized below the device in this bench test, fewer than 5 were detected above the installed GD3. The test was conducted under CNAS L0604 accreditation, the Chinese National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment, ensuring laboratory competence and result traceability. This retention figure describes the device's physical effect on an aerosolized viral surrogate under controlled conditions; it is not a measure of protection against real-world pathogens or infection.
Why this matters for specifiers
Many products claim to "block sewer gas" or "prevent odors." Those are subjective descriptions. The SGS test provides a quantified, reproducible measure of how the sealed device restricts the retrograde movement of an aerosolized MS2 viral surrogate under accredited laboratory conditions. Green Drain is a supportive engineering control that complements, and does not replace, infection-prevention practices; no study has tested a trap-seal barrier against an infection endpoint. This bench data point gives infection preventionists, healthcare architects, and facility managers an objective measure to weigh when evaluating drain seal technology for sensitive environments.
Flow rate testing.
A drain seal device that restricts the retrograde movement of air and aerosols but also restricts water flow is not a viable solution for commercial environments. Green Drain flow rates are tested by IAPMO under ASSE 1072-2020 to verify that every model handles real-world drainage loads without restriction.
IAPMO Flow Rate Certification
All Green Drain models are tested individually by IAPMO under ASSE 1072-2020. The GD4 (4-inch model, the most common commercial floor drain size) sustained 276 L/min for a continuous 10-minute test period. This exceeds the drainage capacity required by virtually all commercial floor drain applications.
Full Model Range
Flow rates across the product line range from 30 L/min for the GD125 (1.25-inch, the smallest model) to over 550 L/min for the GD6 (6-inch, the largest model). Each model is sized to exceed the maximum expected flow rate for its corresponding drain pipe diameter. The silicone valve opens fully under water pressure and returns to the sealed position when flow stops.
No Restriction Under Load
The one-way silicone valve design means the device does not act as a filter or mesh. Water pushes the valve open and flows through the full cross-sectional area of the drain. There is no progressive clogging, no buildup of debris on a screen, and no reduction in flow capacity over time. The valve either opens fully or seals fully.
Pressure and odour tightness testing.
A drain seal must maintain its barrier under the pressure differentials that occur in real plumbing systems. Wind loading on a building, HVAC pressure, stack effect, and sewer pressure fluctuations all create forces that push against the drain seal. Green Drain has been independently tested for both odour tightness (low pressure, sustained) and mechanical resistance (high pressure, burst).
DTI Report 226049: European Assessment
The Danish Technological Institute (DTI) tested Green Drain under EAD 180020-00-0704, the European Assessment Document for waterless trap seal devices. Key results:
- Odour tightness: 200 Pa with zero pressure drop. The device maintained a complete seal at 200 Pascals of sustained positive pressure with no measurable air leakage through the valve.
- Mechanical resistance: Exceeding 700 Pa for most models. This is the pressure at which the valve begins to allow air passage, well above any pressure differential encountered in normal building operation.
DTI Report 957187: Vacuum and pressure resistance
A separate DTI test evaluated the device under both positive pressure (sewer gas pushing up) and negative pressure (vacuum pulling the valve open). Results confirmed resistance exceeding 400 Pa in both directions. This means the device holds its seal whether pressure is pushing up from below or pulling from above, covering the full range of real-world plumbing pressure scenarios.
What these numbers mean in practice
Building plumbing systems typically experience pressure differentials of 25 to 100 Pa during normal operation. Extreme conditions (high winds, stack effect in tall buildings, simultaneous fixture use) might produce 150 to 250 Pa. Green Drain's tested resistance of 400 to 700+ Pa provides a substantial safety margin above any expected operating condition.
Material durability testing.
The silicone membrane is the core functional component of every Green Drain device. Its mechanical properties determine how long the device lasts, how it performs under extreme temperatures, and whether it maintains elasticity over years of use. CRT Laboratories in Orange, California tested the membrane to ASSE 1072-07(2013) Section 3.9 material requirements.
Split Tear Strength
The silicone membrane achieved a split tear strength of 23.38 kN/m. The ASSE 1072 minimum requirement is 0.25 kN/m. That means Green Drain's silicone is 93 times stronger than the industry standard minimum. This level of tear resistance ensures the membrane maintains its integrity through years of foot traffic, cleaning equipment, and water flow without degradation.
Temperature Range
The membrane was tested across a temperature range of -40F to 212F (-40C to 100C). At -40F, the material showed no brittleness, maintaining full flexibility and seal integrity. At 212F (boiling water temperature), the silicone retained its mechanical properties. This range covers every plausible drain environment, from cold-storage facilities to commercial kitchens with hot water washdown.
Elongation and Flexibility
Initial elongation testing measured 656%, meaning the silicone can stretch to more than 6.5 times its original length before failure. This extreme flexibility is what allows the one-way valve to open fully under water pressure (providing unrestricted flow) and return to a tight seal when flow stops, cycle after cycle, year after year.
Thermal cycling and lifecycle testing.
Single-point material testing tells you how the silicone performs today. Lifecycle testing tells you how it performs after years of repeated stress. Green Drain has been subjected to extensive thermal cycling and mechanical lifecycle testing by both DTI and IAPMO to verify long-term performance.
DTI thermal cycling
DTI subjected Green Drain to over 1,500 thermal cycles, alternating between 93C (199F) hot water and 15C (59F) cold water. After 1,500+ cycles of extreme thermal shock, the device's self-cleaning capability was maintained. The valve continued to open and close properly, and the seal integrity was preserved. This simulates years of hot water washdown in commercial kitchen and industrial environments.
IAPMO lifecycle testing
Under ASSE 1072-2020, IAPMO requires lifecycle testing to verify that the device maintains consistent performance over thousands of open-close cycles. Green Drain completed 2,500 cycles, which is the ASSE 1072 requirement. The opening force remained consistent at 32 grams across the full lifecycle test. This means the valve requires the same minimal force to open on cycle 2,500 as it did on cycle 1. There is no stiffening, no fatigue, and no change in seal behavior over the tested lifecycle.
What this means for building owners
A drain seal device in a commercial building may experience multiple open-close cycles per day. In a restaurant kitchen, that could be dozens of cycles during a single shift. The combination of thermal cycling (extreme temperature swings) and mechanical lifecycle testing (thousands of open-close cycles) provides confidence that the device will perform consistently over its installed life without requiring scheduled replacement.
Chemical resistance testing.
Floor drains are exposed to cleaning chemicals, industrial solvents, food waste acids, and disinfectants on a daily basis. The silicone membrane must resist chemical degradation to maintain its seal properties over time. CRT Laboratories and other testing facilities evaluated Green Drain's resistance to a range of aggressive chemicals.
Acid and Alkali Exposure
CRT testing included exposure to sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide, two of the most aggressive chemicals commonly found in commercial drain cleaning products. The medical-grade silicone membrane maintained its mechanical properties after exposure, with no measurable degradation in tear strength or elasticity. This confirms suitability for environments where strong chemical cleaners are used regularly.
Ozone and UV Resistance
The silicone membrane was tested for ozone resistance at 100 hours of continuous exposure at 150 pphm (parts per hundred million) and UV resistance at 500 hours of continuous exposure. Both tests confirmed no degradation. While most drain installations are not exposed to sunlight, ozone resistance is relevant for facilities using ozone-based sanitization systems, and UV testing validates overall material stability.
Medical-Grade Silicone
Green Drain uses medical-grade silicone, the same class of material used in implantable medical devices and food-contact surfaces. Medical-grade silicone is inherently inert to most common drain chemicals, including bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds, enzymatic cleaners, and alcohol-based disinfectants. It does not absorb, react with, or degrade from exposure to standard commercial cleaning products.
Independent testing laboratories.
Green Drain does not self-certify. Every test referenced on this site was performed by an independent, accredited laboratory. Here are the 7 laboratories that have tested Green Drain products, along with their accreditations and areas of testing.
IAPMO R&T (USA)
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, Research and Testing. Provides cUPC listing (IAPMO File 9301) under ASSE 1072-2020 for barrier-type waterless trap seal protection devices. Responsible for flow rate testing, evaporation testing, and lifecycle testing across all Green Drain models.
SGS-CSTC (China) - CNAS L0604 Accredited
SGS is the world's largest testing, inspection, and certification company. The CSTC laboratory conducted the aerosol-retention test (Report QDF25-0049810-01) using an MS2 bacteriophage viral surrogate under CNAS L0604 accreditation. This is the test in which the GD3 retained over 99.9% of the aerosolized MS2 surrogate in a controlled bench test.
DTI / Danish Technological Institute (Denmark) - DANAK Reg. 300
DTI conducted pressure testing, odour tightness testing, and thermal cycling under EAD 180020-00-0704 (European Assessment Document). Reports 226049 and 957187 document odour tightness at 200 Pa, mechanical resistance exceeding 700 Pa, and sustained performance after 1,500+ thermal cycles. DTI operates under DANAK (Danish Accreditation) Registration 300.
CRT Laboratories (Orange, CA, USA)
CRT performed material durability testing on the silicone membrane under ASSE 1072-07(2013) Section 3.9. Testing included split tear strength, temperature range evaluation, elongation, chemical resistance (sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide), ozone resistance, and UV exposure. This is the lab that documented the 23.38 kN/m tear strength (93x above minimum).
NSF International (USA)
NSF International certified Green Drain under NSF/ANSI 2 for food equipment material safety. This certification confirms that the device materials are safe for use in food handling and food processing environments, supporting compliance in commercial kitchens, restaurants, and food manufacturing facilities.
CTT (Dongguan, China)
CTT conducted Proposition 65 compliance testing, verifying that Green Drain meets California's requirements for lead content and phthalate limits. This testing is required for products sold in California and demonstrates that the device contains no harmful levels of regulated substances.
Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research Institute (Japan)
The Tokyo Metropolitan Institute conducted chemical compatibility and thermal performance testing for the Japanese market. This testing supports Green Drain's presence in Asian markets and validates performance under testing protocols specific to Japanese building standards.
Complete Spec Pack - All Test Reports
The Green Drain Spec Pack includes every test report, certification, and technical data sheet in a single downloadable document. Use it for project submittals, specification reviews, or infection control committee presentations. Everything referenced on this page is included.
- SGS aerosol-retention test report, MS2 viral surrogate (QDF25-0049810-01)
- DTI pressure and thermal cycling reports (226049, 957187)
- CRT material durability test data
- IAPMO cUPC listing and ASSE 1072 compliance
- NSF/ANSI 2 certification, HACCP International endorsement, and Proposition 65 compliance
- Complete specifications for all 8 models
No form required. Direct download.
Download Spec Pack (PDF)Includes all test reports and certifications
Frequently asked questions.
Who tests Green Drain products?
Green Drain products are tested by 7 independent laboratories across 4 continents. These include IAPMO R&T (USA) for cUPC certification and ASSE 1072 compliance, SGS-CSTC (China, CNAS L0604 accredited) for MS2 viral-surrogate aerosol-retention testing, DTI / Danish Technological Institute (Denmark, DANAK Reg. 300) for pressure and thermal testing, CRT Laboratories (Orange, CA) for material durability, NSF International (USA) for food safety certification, CTT (Dongguan, China) for Proposition 65 testing, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Technology Research Institute (Japan) for chemical and thermal testing. Green Drain does not self-certify any performance claim.
What is MS2 bacteriophage and why is it used?
MS2 bacteriophage (ATCC 15597-B1) is a non-pathogenic virus used as a surrogate in aerosol transmission research. It is structurally similar to many human respiratory and enteric viruses and is widely accepted by regulatory bodies and research institutions for evaluating how physical barriers behave against viral aerosol penetration in controlled bench conditions. SGS used aerosolized MS2 to test the Green Drain GD3, measuring how many surrogate particles were detected above the device compared to an open drain. In that bench test the GD3 retained over 99.9% of the aerosolized MS2 bacteriophage viral surrogate, with fewer than 5 plaque-forming units (PFU) detected above the device compared to 18,000 to 72,500 PFU in control trials. Retention of a surrogate in a bench test is not a measure of protection against real-world pathogens or infection.
How long does Green Drain last?
Green Drain is built from medical-grade silicone with a documented split tear strength of 23.38 kN/m (93 times above the ASSE 1072 minimum of 0.25 kN/m). DTI thermal cycling tests subjected the device to over 1,500 cycles at 93C/15C with self-cleaning function maintained. IAPMO lifecycle testing confirmed consistent opening force of 32 grams across 2,500 open-close cycles. The silicone membrane shows no brittleness at -40F and resists ozone, UV, sulfuric acid, and sodium hydroxide exposure. Periodic inspection is recommended as part of routine facility maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Are all 8 models tested?
Yes. All Green Drain models from the GD125 (1.25-inch) through the GD6 (6-inch) are individually tested for flow rate performance under IAPMO and ASSE 1072-2020 protocols. The GD3 was the specific model used for the SGS aerosol-retention test with an MS2 bacteriophage viral surrogate. Material durability, chemical resistance, and thermal cycling tests apply across the entire product line because all models use the same medical-grade silicone membrane formulation. Pressure testing at DTI covered multiple models with mechanical resistance exceeding 700 Pa for most sizes.
Can I download the test reports?
Yes. The complete Green Drain Spec Pack is available as a free PDF download and includes all test reports, certifications, and technical data sheets in a single document. Individual certification pages on this site provide summaries and key data points from each report. For project submittals, the Spec Pack provides all documentation typically requested by architects, engineers, and facility managers. Download the Spec Pack here.
Has Green Drain been tested for food safety?
Yes. Green Drain holds NSF/ANSI 2 certification from NSF International, confirming that the device materials meet food equipment material safety standards. It also carries a HACCP International endorsement (Certificate RG-04), verifying suitability for use in food handling and food processing environments, and a Proposition 65 compliance declaration supported by CTT testing confirming compliance with California lead and phthalate requirements. Together, the NSF/ANSI 2 certification and these endorsements support specification in commercial kitchens, restaurants, food manufacturing facilities, and hospital dietary departments.
Need test reports for your project submittal?
Download the complete Spec Pack with every test report and certification, or browse individual certifications by category.