Drain Cap for Modular NFT Hydroponic Gutter Base

This is a drain cap designed for the Modular NFT Hydroponic Gutter Base. It closes one end of a module and provides a drain outlet so water or nutrient solution can flow back into your reservoir. It’s part of my modular “raingutter” hydroponics approach, which I created because square gutters are not readily available where I live—and when they are, they only come in 1 m segments at nearly the same price as printing my own. With modular parts, I can build a hydroponic system that’s tailored to my space and crops.

The drain cap is intended for the end of the NFT channel, where water completes its flow through the gutter. It can be connected to return tubing for a closed-loop hydroponic system.

Sealing options:

TPU seal for removable watertight connection

Silicone for semi-permanent sealing

Glue for a permanent fix

Features:

Quick and easy print without supports

Drain outlet sized for standard hydroponic tubing (customizable)

Fits securely onto the gutter base end

Can be paired with clips and TPU seals for a watertight connection

Other parts in this system (separate designs):

Base module (main gutter body)

Blank top plate

Single-hole (55 mm) top plate

Multi-hole top plates

Connection clips

TPU seals

Feed cap with dual 7 mm inlets

With this drain cap, your NFT hydroponic “raingutter” system is complete, allowing nutrient solution to circulate smoothly from feed → channel → drain → reservoir.