If you own or manage a commercial or industrial property that includes a parking lot than it is important to know if your catch basins are working properly. In fact, the catch basins are an incredibly important part of the drainage system, and should not be ignored or neglected. Catch basins can actually be your parking lot’s best buddy when it rains, especially during the hot and humid summer months when it tends to downpour on a regular basis. In essence, they are the first line of defense against the heavy rain.
Their job is to collect and properly drain the pavement of water runoff in order to prevent puddles from forming. Standing water can be unsightly and a complete inconvenience for your visitors. Picture it this way; nobody wants to park his or her automobile and then step out into a gigantic puddle. Worse yet, all of that water that is just sitting on the surface of your parking lot is causing damage to the pavement. For example, water accelerates the formation of cracks, which tend to spread at a rapid pace.
When your parking lot experiences heavy rain and melted snow, it is crucial that your catch basins are working correctly. That means they need to be maintained year round in order to perform at their maximum efficiency.
What Exactly Is A Catch Basin?
A catch basin is an inlet to a storm drain system that typically consists of a grate that filters out large debris, and a sump that catches sediment and smaller debris. In essence, it is a box that is buried in the ground. Water collects in the catch basin until it reaches a pipe that is connected to an underground storm drainage system. The underground drainage system allows the water to travel to a local water treatment plant or a retention pond located on the property, or at a location close to the property. The catch basin box is typically constructed with concrete, and the grate on top is made out of steel. Many are reinforced with concrete collars.
Catch Basins Should Be Inspected And Maintained On A Regular Basis
In order for the water to drain off of your parking lot in the proper manner, the catch basins should be inspected and maintained on a regular basis. When the sediment and smaller debris in the box builds up over time, the pipe that is connected to the underground drainage system becomes blocked. When this happens the water collecting in the catch basin will back up and flood your parking lot. A solid maintenance plan will prevent this from occurring.
Property owners need to make sure that the sump is cleared of this debris by hiring a qualified and experienced catch basin cleaning contractor. A professional should also inspect your catch basins for damage. The bottom line is that they are exposed to the elements on a constant basis. That means your catch basins can deteriorate due to water erosion, the recurrent freeze-thaw cycles, and the presence of salt and other chemicals in the water.
In conclusion, inspections conducted on a regular basis, combined with a preventative maintenance plan, will help keep the catch basins in your parking lot working properly for the long run. These actions will also provide you with the ability to discover and repair any issues before your catch basins totally deteriorate. If you have any questions about catch basin inspections and maintenance, 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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