Do you have a sloped yard? Is there one spot on the lawn that always seems to be wet? Or do you have water getting into your basement? Those are all signs of a landscape drainage issue.
Water, especially after a heavy storm, can be powerful and difficult to control. However, there are ways to redirect water away from your home or property. One option is installing a catch basin.
At Rick’s Plumbing, we know how important proper drainage is for your home or business. Our experts can help you select the best catch basin option to address your landscape drainage issue and improve water flow on your property. Contact us today to learn more!
How Does a Catch Basin Work?
A catch basin is a small box (usually 1 ft. x 1 ft. for residential use) that is placed in the ground at a low point in the yard. On top of the box is a metal grate to prevent large debris from entering the basin. As water runs down the sloped ground, it enters the catch basin. Any solids that are in the runoff settle at the bottom of the box while the water flows into a pipe that goes to the sewer system or another water area such as a nearby stream.
Benefits of a Catch Basin
There are many benefits to installing a catch basin. Not only does it remove water from your property so it doesn’t affect your home or yard but it also is effective at catching debris before it enters the storm drain or sewer system, which can prevent future service issues. A catch basin can also improve your landscape and increase the value of your home.
Removes Water From Your Property
Catch basins are effective at removing water from your property. As the runoff enters the catch basin, it is redirected away from low spots in your yard or home which can prevent flooding and other water damage.
Prevents Debris From Entering Storm Drains
Catch basins act as a filter to help clean up debris that may be coming down the drain. This can help prevent clogs and flooding in your home or business.
Improves Landscape Aesthetics
Catch basins are an attractive addition to any landscape. They add a decorative element while providing practical drainage solutions. Plus, they are easy to maintain and typically require little upkeep.
Increases Home Value
If you are looking to sell your home, installing a catch basin can help increase the value of your property. It gives potential buyers peace of mind knowing their yard won’t flood and they won’t have to deal with drainage issues.
Downsides of Catch Basins
Like most things in life, catch basins aren’t perfect. Before having one installed, you should know about a few requirements and potential issues.
- It’s very important to maintain your catch basin by cleaning out the debris and sediment from the top of the grate and inside the box.
- Depending on the size and slope of your yard, you may need to install multiple catch basins to fix all your water issues.
- Since the basin holds wet organic material that can take a long time to dry, it can attract unwanted pests such as mosquitos.
- If the pipe running out from the catch basin breaks, it can cause a sinkhole on your property, which should be repaired by a professional as soon as possible.
Is a Catch Basin Right For Your Property?
If you have a soggy yard or other water drainage issues on your property, you may want to consider having a catch basin installed. Because water can be a tricky substance to control, it’s better to have a professional examine your yard to determine the best location and solution for discharge.
Catch Basin Maintenance
Clean Your Catch Basin
To ensure your catch basin remains in proper working order, the EPA recommends periodic cleaning. It’s important to clean the grate and box on a regular basis. Make sure to remove any debris or sediment from the top of the grate and inside the box. This will prevent clogging of the grate.
Sweep Your Yard
When you sweep your yard regularly, you can help reduce the amount of debris that enters the catch basin. This will ensure your catch basin stays clean and does its job properly. As a result, you will not need to clean your catch basin often.
Install an Outlet Trap
If your catch basin doesn’t have an outlet trap you should install one. Outlet traps make it easy to remove floatable debris and sediment from the box. They can also help prevent odors from coming out of the catch basin.
By installing a catch basin, you can improve your landscape drainage while protecting your home from flooding and water damage. Not only is a catch basin effective at catching debris and sediment, but it’s also easy to maintain and can add value to your home. However, it’s important to properly maintain your catch basin by cleaning the grate and box regularly and installing an outlet trap if necessary. With the right maintenance plan, you can keep your catch basin in good working order for years to come.
Contact Rick’s Plumbing For More Information
If you run into any plumbing issues be sure to call the professionals at Rick’s Plumbing. With over 25 years of experience, we can handle any job – large or small. To schedule an appointment, call us at (203) 874-6629.
At Rick’s Plumbing, we can help you get the right catch basin for your property. Our experts understand the complexities of water drainage and will work with you to select and install a system that meets your needs. Contact us today to learn more about catch basins and other options for improving landscape drainage on your property.