A practical guide for specifying engineers and project managers on what compliance actually requires, and what documentation to ask for before weep hole filters are approved on a federally funded project.
Weep hole filters are a small line item in a project specification, but on federally funded infrastructure, the wrong specification can create a compliance problem that derails a submittal review or flags a project during a DOT audit. This guide covers what DOT approval and Buy America compliance actually mean for weep hole drainage, what documentation is required, and what to look for when evaluating products for spec.
What DOT Approval Actually Means
DOT approval for a drainage product means the product has been reviewed and accepted by a state Department of Transportation for use on its infrastructure projects. It is not a universal federal certification. Each state DOT maintains its own approved products list and review process.
We have installed the JET Filter™ system across North America and are actively working with each state DOT where approval is still pending. To find out your state’s approval status, visit the project map or email us at info@jetfilter.com.
When specifying for a state DOT project: Request written confirmation of DOT approval status from the manufacturer. If your state is not yet on the approved list, ask for the technical documentation package used to support prior approvals. This accelerates the review process significantly.
Specification Checklist for Weep Hole Filters
Use this checklist when evaluating any weep hole filter for inclusion in a project specification, particularly on DOT or federally funded work.
Pre-Submittal Checklist
Documented flow rate data with test conditions stated. Flow rates must specify pressure (PSI) and soil conditions at time of testing.
Geotextile soil retention certification (ASTM D4751). Confirm the AOS is appropriate for the retained soil gradation.
Material spec appropriate for the environment. 316L stainless steel for marine/coastal; ABS plastic for protected freshwater.
Written Buy America compliance certification. Required for any steel component on a federally funded surface transportation project.
DOT approval status confirmed. Verify approval in your state or request documentation for a new submission.
Maintainability confirmed. Confirm the filter can be serviced without excavation or structural modification.
Buy America Compliance: What It Requires
Buy America requirements apply to iron and steel products used on federally funded surface transportation projects. The requirement mandates that all iron and steel manufacturing processes, from initial melting through application of coatings, occur domestically.
For weep hole filter products, this applies to any steel housing components. JET Filter™ is Buy America compliant. When specifying on a federally funded project, request written Buy America compliance certification from the manufacturer. A product’s domestic appearance does not constitute certification.
| Requirement | What It Covers | Documentation to Request |
|---|---|---|
| Buy America | All iron and steel manufacturing must occur in the U.S. on federally funded projects | Written compliance certification from manufacturer |
| DOT Approval | State DOT review and acceptance for use on that state’s infrastructure projects | DOT approval letter or approved products list entry |
JET Filter™ satisfies both requirements. Request documentation in writing prior to submittal.
Note: JET Filter™ is protected by US Patents #7,615,148 and #10,124,281. Patent protection prevents product substitution with unlicensed equivalents during value engineering, but is separate from Buy America and DOT compliance requirements.
DOT Approved
Multiple States
Buy America
All 316L SS Models
US Patents
#7,615,148 · #10,124,281
GRI Standards
GS36 · GC18
The Testing Standards Behind a Proper Spec
A weep hole filter specification should reference the test standards used to validate the product’s performance. The standards below apply to specific components of the JET Filter™ system.
| Standard | What It Tests | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM A240 / A666 | Stainless steel plate, sheet, strip specs | 316L stainless steel housing (JF3SS, JF4SS, JF6SS and CVLV models) |
| ASTM D4491 | Water permeability of geotextiles | Mirafi® Filter-Weave FW 300 geotextile cartridge |
| ASTM D4751 | Apparent opening size (AOS) of geotextile | Mirafi® Filter-Weave FW 300 geotextile cartridge |
| GRI-GS36 | Specification for maintainable weep hole systems | Complete JET Filter™ system (housing + cartridge) |
| GRI-GC18 | Geocomposite drainage standard | Drainage layer performance in composite systems |
Steel standards (ASTM A240/A666) apply to 316L stainless steel models only. Geotextile standards (ASTM D4491/D4751) apply to the replaceable filter cartridge. Full test documentation available through the Engineering Hub.
JET Filter™ Models for Specification
All JET Filter™ stainless steel models use 316L-grade housing, are Buy America compliant, and are appropriate for DOT, marine, and high-moisture environments. Check valve models (CVLV) are available in each size for tidal and backflow applications.
| Model | Size | Flow Rate (1 PSI) | vs. Traditional | Maint. Interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JF3SS | 3″ | 33 GPM | +35% | 3–5 Years |
| JF4SS | 4″ | 77.1 GPM | +92% | 4–7 Years |
| JF6SS | 6″ | 166.6 GPM | +87% | 6–10 Years |
Flow rates at 1 PSI, No Soil conditions per TRI Environmental Report MAPP-LSH 2020-003. Multiplier shows improvement over a standard 2D weep hole of the same diameter. Full comparison at Product Comparison Guide.
Ready to Spec JET Filter™ on Your Next Project?
Full submittal packages, CAD files, STEP files, cut sheets, and compliance documentation are available through the Engineering Hub at no cost.
DOT Approved. Buy America compliant. US Patent #7,615,148 / #10,124,281.