In the real world, manholes rarely match the drawings perfectly.

Frames are off by a fraction. Covers have been replaced over time. Drop rings show up where no one expected them. Field crews are left figuring out how to make a standard product work in a non-standard situation.

That’s where customization matters.

At Rainstopper, customization isn’t a special program or an upsell. It’s simply how we’ve worked for decades. Our inserts are designed to solve inflow problems in real systems, not ideal ones. That means being able to adjust, modify, and build to fit what’s actually in the ground.

Why Customization Exists at All

Most inflow issues don’t come from a lack of products. They come from small mismatches that turn into big problems over time. A gasket that doesn’t seal quite right. A handle that doesn’t hold up in a harsh environment. An insert that fits on paper but not in the field.

Customization addresses those issues before installation, not after. Sometimes that means choosing a different material. Sometimes it means upgrading a gasket. Sometimes it’s as simple as welding a handle instead of riveting it. These are not complicated changes, but they make a measurable difference in performance, longevity, and ease of maintenance.

Built From Experience, Not Theory

Rainstopper has spent more than 50 years working directly with municipalities, engineers, contractors, and operators. Because everything is built in-house, adjustments don’t have to go through layers of approval or long redesign cycles. When a project calls for something slightly different, it can usually be handled quickly and clearly.

The goal is not to reinvent the product, but to make sure it works as intended once it’s installed. This practical approach is also why Rainstopper holds multiple U.S. patents. Those designs came from solving repeated field problems, not from adding complexity for its own sake.

Common Customization Decisions

Most customization conversations start with a few straightforward choices:

Material Selection
304 stainless steel works well for most municipal applications. In higher-corrosion environments like coastal regions or areas with heavy road salt use, 316 stainless steel is the better option.

Gasket Selection
The standard neoprene gasket performs well in typical conditions. For flood-prone or high-groundwater areas, the extended-life gasket provides added assurance and long-term stability.

Handle Options
Nylon handles are lightweight and corrosion-resistant. Stainless steel handles offer added durability. Welded handles are available when maximum strength and zero failure points are required.

Security and Retention
In areas where theft, loss, or accidental drop-through is a concern, adding the Tetherlok system prevents downstream blockages and costly retrievals. For HDPE inserts in particular, this is an important consideration.

None of these decisions are complicated on their own. What matters is choosing them intentionally, based on how the system will actually be used.

Measurement Still Comes First

No amount of customization helps if the measurements are off. Accurate frame and cover measurements are essential for fit, pricing, and long-term performance. That’s why every custom configuration starts with the Rainstopper Measurement Worksheet. It keeps everyone aligned and prevents surprises later in the process.

A Practical Next Step

Customization doesn’t require having all the answers upfront. It starts with understanding the conditions, the constraints, and the priorities of the project.

If you want to see the available options in one place, or walk through how different configurations work together, visit our customization page. And if questions come up along the way, we’re here to talk them through.

Customization, when done well, isn’t about making things complicated. It’s about making sure the solution fits the system it’s meant to protect.

Questions about custom configurations?

Phone: 318-667-4330
Email: Info@rainstoppercompany.com