When a deluge of water rains down from the sky, proper drainage can be the difference between catastrophic damage and safety. Catch basins or storm drains can efficiently handle significant volumes of water, but only if clear and maintained.
Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your catch basins or storm drains:
Scheduling and Tools
Catch basins are essential for preventing flooding and protecting the environment by collecting and channeling rainwater and other surface runoff. However, these basins can quickly become clogged with debris, leaves, and trash, which can lead to flooding, reduced water flow, and other problems. To keep your catch basins in top condition, regular cleaning is necessary.
Create a Schedule: to prevent clogs and flooding, it's important to schedule regular catch basin cleaning. This can be done on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis, depending on the location and usage of the basins. It's important to time your cleanings to happen before the rainy season.
Right Tools: to effectively clean a catch basin, you'll need the right tools. A catch basin cleaning tool, also known as a "catch basin rake," is a long-handled tool with a scoop or rake on one end and a brush on the other. This tool is designed to reach into the basin and remove debris.
DIY Catch Basin Cleaning
When cleaning out your catch basin, it's important to remove obvious things like branches and trash, while also spending time on making sure water can efficiently flow through the drains.
Clear the Drains: before cleaning the basin, clear out any debris that has accumulated on top of the grate. This can include leaves, trash, and other debris. Once the debris is removed, use the catch basin cleaning tool to scoop out any debris that has accumulated in the basin. It's important to remove even small debris like sticks and leaves, as they can help form small blockages that grow rapidly in size during a heavy weather event.
Give it a Flush: after removing debris, flush out the basin with water to remove any remaining dirt or debris. This can be done with a hose or a pressure washer.
Inspecting and Clearing
Proper catch basin maintenance should involve regular inspection and clearing of problematic areas on your property that might cause issues.
Inspecting: after cleaning, inspect the basin to make sure it's in good condition. Check for any cracks or damage, and make sure the grate is securely in place.
Clearing: keep the area around the catch basin clear: To prevent debris from entering the catch basin, keep the area around the basin clear. This includes removing leaves and other debris and trimming back any overhanging tree branches
To learn more, contact a catch basin cleaning service in your area such as CatchAll Environmental