Catch basins are a common sight while strolling around the city for a few kilometers. You might have wondered about their purpose and the reason for their extensive distribution. Catch basins, also called storm drains, serve the purpose of collecting and directing rainwater and melted snow from the streets, pavements, and other surfaced areas. They are generally found in the lowest areas and connected to underground pipes or channels that transport water away from the nearby vicinity.
How To Properly Maintain Catch Basins
Proper maintenance of catch basins is important to ensure they function properly and prevent flooding, erosion, and other problems. Here are some steps you can take to maintain catch basins:
- Keep Catch Basins Clear Of Debris. It is important to maintain the cleanliness of catch basins by keeping them free from any debris such as leaves twigs and other hazardous materials. Debris can obstruct the flow of water through the catch basins, which can cause problems. Always check for any debris around catch basins on your property and remove them to ensure proper water flow.
- Inspect Catch Basins Regularly. Check them regularly to be sure they are functioning correctly and there are no leaks, cracks, holes, or other damages. If you notice any issues during the inspection, address them immediately by getting them fixed. This will prevent any further damage from happening.
- Keep Catch Basins Clean. Catch basins can become dirty and clogged over time, especially if they are located in areas with heavy foot traffic. Be sure to clean catch basins regularly to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.
- Use a catch basin insert; this device fits inside a catch basin and helps filter out debris and pollutants before they enter the stormwater system.
Why is Catch Basin Cleaning Crucial?
Catch basin cleaning is crucial because it helps prevent many problems that can occur if catch basins become clogged or damaged. In addition, catch basins are relatively easy to care for. In the long run, your catch basin will work without issues if it has adequate drainage and a grate that is adequate. Therefore, your catch basin is most likely to be successful with a little bit of regular and extra care.
Some of the reasons why catch basin cleaning is important include:
- Flood prevention: If a catch basin becomes clogged with debris, it can’t properly channel rainwater and melting snow away from streets, sidewalks, and other paved surfaces. This can lead to flooding, which can cause property damage and create hazardous driving conditions.
- Erosion prevention: Catch basins are designed to channel water away from certain areas to prevent erosion. If a catch basin becomes clogged or damaged, it may not be able to do this effectively, which can lead to erosion and other problems.
- Pollution prevention: Catch basins are also designed to help filter out pollutants and debris from rainwater and melting snow. If a catch basin becomes clogged or damaged, it may not be able to do this effectively, which can lead to water pollution.
- Property damage prevention: Clogged or damaged catch basins can also cause damage to surrounding properties. For example, if a catch basin is not functioning properly, it may not be able to channel water away from a building, which can lead to water damage.
- Regularly cleaning catch basins and ensuring they are in good repair can help prevent these problems and keep your property and the surrounding area safe and healthy.
Conclusion
Proper maintenance of catch basins is crucial if you have one or more on your property. It’s important to note that property owners are responsible for maintaining their catch basins, even if they’re unaware of it. While cities are responsible for maintaining catch basins on municipal property, those located on private properties are the owners’ responsibility. Catch basin maintenance involves cleaning and removing debris from the grates, which often get clogged with litter, dirt, and leaves. This should be done regularly, especially during fall and spring. It’s recommended to have the grates inspected and cleaned before half of the storage area is full. Fortunately, professional companies specialize in catch basin cleaning and maintenance, so you don’t have to do the dirty work yourself.
