What is the difference between SS 304 and SS 202?
Both are austenitic stainless steels, which is why they look alike when new. The difference is in the alloy. SS 304 carries about 18% chromium and 8% nickel. SS 202 uses less nickel (around 4–6%) and replaces it with manganese. Nickel is expensive, so SS 202 is cheaper — but nickel is also what keeps stainless steel stable in water, soap and cleaning chemicals.
Factor | SS 304 floor drain | SS 202 floor drain |
|---|---|---|
Nickel content | ~8% | ~4–6% |
Rust resistance in wet areas | High | Moderate — can spot or stain over time |
Hard water and acid cleaners | Handles well | More prone to marks |
Coastal cities (Mumbai, Chennai, Gulf) | Recommended (SS 316 for direct sea exposure) | Not recommended |
Price | Higher | Lower |
Best for | Main bathrooms, kitchens, shower areas, export | Budget projects, utility and low-use areas |
Where should you use SS 304?
Use SS 304 wherever the drain stays wet every day: main bathrooms, shower areas, kitchens and wash areas. Choose it in coastal cities, where salt in the air speeds up corrosion, and in homes with hard water. Builders who want to avoid complaints after handover usually specify SS 304 for every bathroom.
Where does SS 202 make sense?
SS 202 is a fair choice for budget housing, service bathrooms and areas that dry out between uses. It still outperforms PVC and coated iron jalis. The key is honest labelling: buyers should know which grade they are paying for.
How to check the grade before you buy
- Ask for the grade in writing on the invoice or product label.
- Ask the manufacturer for a material test certificate for the sheet used.
- Do not rely on a magnet. Both grades are largely non-magnetic, and bending or pressing can make either one slightly magnetic, so the test proves little.
- Buy from a manufacturer, not an unbranded trader, so the grade can be traced back to the steel supplier.
What about SS 316?
SS 316 adds molybdenum, which improves resistance to chlorides and salt (ASPE). It suits swimming pools, seafront buildings and chemical areas. Pridel makes SS 316 drains on request.
Frequently asked questions
- Is SS 202 floor drain good for a bathroom? It works in low-use or drier bathrooms, but SS 304 lasts longer where the floor is wet daily.
- Will SS 304 floor drains ever rust? SS 304 resists rust well; surface marks from iron particles or harsh acid cleaners can appear, and wipe off with mild soap.
- Which grade do builders prefer? For premium projects, SS 304; for economy units, many use SS 202 in service areas only.
- Does Pridel sell both grades? Yes — SS 304 and SS 202 across the drain range, with SS 316 on request.
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