Catch basins, also known as storm drains, are an important component in landscape drainage systems. Facilitating proper water drainage away from your home is integral in avoiding property damage. Standing water, pooling water, and heavy run-off of water around your home and property are a recipe for disaster. Not having a proper drainage system can lead to flooding around and in your home.
If you have a catch basin to prevent these issues, you need to ensure that it is adequately maintained. Failing to do so can lead to expensive clogs and blockages that can cause backups and other damage.
What is a Catch Basin?
A catch basin is a drainage system designed to carry water away from buildings and properties. It uses an in-ground enclosed basin, covered by a grate, to catch water and remove it to a sewage plant or stream.
Catch basins are usually located at the low point of a property. They catch, hold and filter runoff water from around the home by allowing solids to settle to the bottom of the basin while the water continues through the downward-sloped pipe.
Catch basins can be found on residential and business properties but also as part of the public sewage system.
Properly Maintaining Catch Basins
Improper maintenance of catch basins can lead to costly repairs. If debris, such as branches, leaves and trash, obstruct the grate or accumulate in the basin, it can potentially cause damage to the main sewer line.
Properly maintaining catch basins is not difficult and only require professional intervention if the basin becomes too full.
In order to keep your catch basin in working order, follow these simple maintenance steps:
Keep Grates Clear
When the catch basin’s grate is obstructed, the basin cannot collect debris and allow water to properly drain.
Clear the grate of large debris every few months to ensure smaller debris and water can access the basin. The best times of the year to perform this maintenance is in the spring (when snow is melting and carrying larger debris to the catch basin) and autumn (when more foliage is falling to the ground). You should also check for large pieces of debris following heavy rains and storms.
Clean Out Debris from Storage Basin
In order to work optimally, the basin itself needs to be less than half full. If not, the pipes leading away from the basin will become blocked and a backup may occur.
To check the current capacity of the catch basin, insert a long pipe or broomstick through the grate and into the basin. Take note of where the pipe or broomstick hits debris versus where the bottom of the basin is.
If the basin needs to be cleaned out, contact a professional sewer technician.
Why You Should Contact a Professional
It is recommended that catch basin cleaning be done by a professional, such as those at Peak Sewer & Underground Services. Removing debris from the underground basin may seem like a straightforward job, but it can be dangerous and unpleasant. Catch basins are quite deep, posing a serious safety risk unless you are qualified professional. Plus, scooping out all the much that has accumulated in the basin can be disgusting.
Our highly trained technicians have the knowledge, experience and equipment to make sure your catch basin is cleaned out safely and properly. If you require an inspection or clean-out of your property’s catch basin, contact Peak Sewers & Underground Services today!