A catch basin, also known as a storm drain, is a feature that is used to collect water run-off from rainstorms and snowmelt. In essence, catch basins channel water out and away from buildings, yards, parking lots, and other areas where water tends to collect in excessive amounts. The excessive amount of water can cause damage when not removed properly. When the catch basins become clogged with dirt and debris, it simply cannot perform its job properly. That means flooding and the property damage associated with flooding may occur, which can add up to thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs.
That is exactly why you should have your catch basins cleaned and inspected by a professional on a regular basis. There are a great deal of items that get into your catch basins that make them clog. For example, when the water runoff enters into the catch basin it typically carries twigs, leaves, soil, pebbles, and even trash. As these items get washed through the grate it can easily plug up the outlet pipe where the stormwater is supposed to enter into. Often times, the catch basin itself will fill up with the debris, especially if it has not been maintained properly.
In addition, materials such as shirts, towels, toys, and large pieces of garbage can lodge on top of the catch basin grating, which stops the runoff water from flowing down through the slats. When the catch basin becomes clogged for any reason the runoff water has nowhere to go. Instead of entering into the catch basin and then being properly distributed into the sewer system, a nearby retaining ponds, or even into local streams, the water backs up and floods the surrounding area. Property owners are responsible for maintaining their catch basins, which means you are on the hook if it floods.
Unfortunately catch basin flooding not only causes property damage, it also harms the environment. That means you are not only responsible for paying property damages for yourself and your neighbors, you may also be subject to paying a large environmental fine. The good news is that this can all be avoided if you regularly schedule a catch basin inspection and cleaning service. If the catch basin is clean and clear of debris, but the storm drain is still not functioning in the proper manner, there may actually be an issue at the other end of the system. For example, the storm drainpipe discharges water at a set pace.
If the end of the pipe is clogged with debris that pace slows down considerably, and can even come to a complete stop. That means that anything blocking the end of the storm drainpipe must be removed immediately including roots from nearby bushes, plants, and trees.
Catch basins are designed to work properly for years on end as long as they are maintained properly. In most cases, they will work perfectly, and simply need a bit of care in order to keep them working. However, if your catch basin or storm drain is not working correctly, or you have questions about how to clean them or keep them clean at your residential or commercial building, please contact us today. 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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