A catch basin system is an excellent way to keep rain from forming puddles or flooding your property. The purpose of a catch basin is to create both a directed drainage system for floodwaters and a reservoir for greater drainage than the landscape would usually allow. Catch basins direct overflow water through the basin, then along a gentle downslope into the local sewer or other outstanding drainage systems. Catch basin systems work well for both commercial and residential properties with floodwater concerns, and commercial property basin systems are ideal for safe on-premise driving.
Installing a catch basin system on your property can increase longevity and reduce flooding. It’s a great way to keep your pavement dry during heavy rains and minimize pooling throughout the landscape. If you already have a catch basin system, cleaning and regular maintenance are essential for the best floodwater management.
Installing a catch basin system is a careful calculation of downhill slopes, reservoirs, and connections to your local storm sewer system. Catch basins direct water into pipes that stow water in the basins and drain out into local drain systems. To do this, you will need to have sloping downhill pipes buried and set your catch basin securely.
Catch basin installation is most often done by pouring concrete around the basin to secure the basin and pipes, called cement encased basins. This is also why catch basins combine excellently with property pavement design for parking lots, driveways, and internal roads.
Over time, a catch basin can fill up with debris and water that is never quite clear. This is a normal hazard of most drain systems, especially those commonly used outdoors. There are a few clever ways you can help to keep your catch basin clean in-between basin maintenance.
Proper grates and emplacement of your catch basin will help keep out debris, while secure installation of the drain spout will help keep it clear of pooled water. Consider catch basin inserts that improve filtration and block debris better, and be careful to avoid chemical runoff entering your catch basins, like motor oil or pesticides.
Catch basin systems need to be cleared out and inspected every few years or months, depending on the frequency of heavy rains and, therefore, use of the basins.
To clear out a catch basin, you will first need to release and raise the grate. Then, pump out the potentially unclean water at the bottom of the basin and scoop out the solid debris with heavy-duty gloves or tools. Dispose of the water in your sewer and drain system and dispose of the solid debris in a legal, ecologically safe manner, depending on what may have flowed into your drain.
Untrained people should not enter the catch basin, even if it is quite large. It is important to have the proper training, and going into storm drains is how people can get into bad trouble even on your own property.
Does your property have catch basins that are full of debris or toxic, hazardous runoff? Does your property have serious floodwater problems or standing puddles? Neyra Paving would be proud to help you install a catch basin system or maintain your existing catch basin system with our variety of drain and pavement services. Save your pavements from cracking from moisture exposure and keep your landscape from holding pooled water with the simple installation and maintenance of a high-quality catch-basin system.
In Cincinnati, you don’t have to be a drain and elevation specialist. We’ll take care of those concerns so you can focus on running your business or relaxing at home. Contact us today to consult on your catch basin system needs.
