What is the purpose of a catch basin?
For finished ground surfaces, water and ice are the enemy; and the weapon of choice for vanquishing the enemy is gravity.
Expertly graded surfaces that slope to properly installed and supported catch basin (aka storm sewer or storm drain) systems facilitate effective drainage that moves water off a finished surface and underground.
Inside a catch basin
Made up of the components illustrated below, a typical catch basin system filters out larger debris at the surface grate and allows smaller debris to sink down into the concrete basin at the bottom of a vertical column constructed of grade rings. Over time, horizontal piping exiting the concrete basin carry water and the sediment of smaller debris away from the basin.
Why do catch basins fail?
Properly installed catch basin systems begin with a strategically determined surface grading that positions the grate assembly low enough for effective drainage, but not so low that it presents hindrance or hazard to vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
Many catch basin problems are the result of improper installation and maintenance resulting in the grate assembly sitting too low or too high, insufficiently or excessively sloped grade, or improper compaction surrounding the catch basin during installation or poorly prepared surface material around the basin that can result in shifting, sinking, heaving, erosion, freeze-thaw cracking and general deterioration.
The repair process
From clearing clogged underground drainage pipes to replacement of a broken or collapsed steel grate/assembly, Catch Basin Authority – with access to the full complement of experience available to Addaline – can quickly and easily address any catch basin problem.
