If you own or manage a commercial building and begin to see puddles forming around the property during dry periods when it hasn’t rained in a while, it could be a sign that a major problem is brewing underground. The good news is that the major problem may be a simple fix that will not cost you an arm and a leg. Often times, puddles begin to form because the catch basins in and around the property have not been cleaned in quite a long time. Catch basins and storm drains are typically at the top of the list of items that are most neglected in the realm of property management.
Most property owners and property managers are unaware of the fact that having your catch basins and storm drains inspected and cleaned on a yearly basis can be a huge help. Here’s why. The catch basins and storm drains that surround your property are meant to filter stormwater and snowmelt runoff so that the water is clean enough to enter into the environment without backing up into your grounds. In essence, catch basins and storm drains are the main part of the landscaping drainage system. There is grate on top and a drainage pipe that slopes away from the catch basin.
The box is set into the ground at a low point on your property. Catch basins and storm drains trap debris from excessive amounts of flowing water, such as stormwater and snowmelt runoff, in order to prevent the pipes downstream from clogging. For example, both water and solids enter into the box through the grate. The solids settle to the bottom of the box, and the water drains out of the pipe. The drainage pipe is typically connected to a larger local plumbing system that distributes the water to either a sewage plant or a local body of water such as a stream or pond.
In certain cases, the water is directed to a man-made retention pond that is located on or near the property. The solids or sediments remain in the box until it is cleaned out by a professional environmental services company. If that property maintenance task is not performed on at least a yearly basis, the catch basin and storm drain will clog. At that point, you will begin to see a tell tale sign that there is an issue. Puddles will begin to form around the property. If the catch basins and storm drains are not cleaned at this point, they will overflow to the point that it causes major flooding in the area.
The property owner and or property manager is responsible for the flooding from both a financial and legal standpoint, which means you are on the hook to pay for any damages that the flood has caused. You are also responsible to pay for any fines that are issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.
If you have any questions about catch basin and storm drain cleaning and inspection, or would like to schedule service we are happy to help. Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc. is your New England connection for a vast variety of environmentally related services. Our company has been serving Boston Massachusetts, Southern NH, VT & ME as well as Northern CT & RI since 1952. Please Contact us to learn more today.
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