The catch basin, also known as a storm drain inlet, is an opening to the storm drain system. Grate or curb inlets are some of the main features of the storm drain system. Storm water passes through the grate or curb inlets to enter the catch basin. Within the catch basin, a sump catches all the present sediments, debris and other related pollutants. The main role of the catch basin is to prevent trash as well as other floatable objects from making their way into the drainage system by means of hooded outlets. Catch basins are the pretreatment for other treatment practices as they allow large sediments to settle in the basic sump zones.
Essence of catch basin maintenance
Maintenance of the catch basin helps prevent storm sewer blockages. It reduces the amount of pollutants that enter into the storm sewer and end up discharging into the local streams and rivers. In addition, maintenance minimizes clogging in catch basins that causes ponding water along streets and parking lots. Ponding water causes terrible nuisance to motorists, pedestrians and businesses. Therefore, maintenance not only keeps the streets and parking lots clean but also gives a safe and healthy environment for motorists, pedestrians as well as businesses to carry out their activities.
Maintenance guidelines for catch basin
Removal of trash and sediments that accumulate in the sump using a catch basin cleaner is one the simplest ways of cleaning. Usually, effective cleaning takes place when you use the catch basin with a vector truck or clamshell bucket. Regular cleaning of the catch basin forms the largest percentage of maintenance. Other additional maintenance activities invariably happen when necessary. It includes making repairs to the catch basin’s brickwork, covers, frames as well as hoods.
To optimize basic cleaning and repair efforts in catch basin maintenance, it is paramount to incorporate a computerized work management system. The systems play a vital role in tracking all the cleaning and maintenance activities that take place in the catch basin. Vital information such as actual date of cleaning and maintenance repair is collected and recorded in the system making it viable to optimize maintenance efforts. Consequently, the system significantly lowers street flooding, nuisance foul smell and averts waterway pollution.
Cleaning the catch basin
To maintain the ability of catch basins to trap sediments and provide effective drainage for storm water, you need to clean the catch basin periodically. Aforementioned, removal of decaying debris, sediments as well as other detrimental pollutants has aesthetic value and water quality merits. Here is more on cleaning catch basins.
Working on the grates
Leaves and other kind of trash usually collect at the grates. If they build up over the course of time, they result in clogging. It is therefore imperative to ensure that you remove the leaves and other kind of trash from the grates to avoid clogging. Experts for catch basin in Phoenix advise immediate removal of leaves and debris from the grate as it is an effective infection-control measure.
You can hire contractors to clean the catch basin or do it yourself if you have ample time in your hands. Cleaning the catch basin involves lifting the grate and removing water and debris using a bucket and a shovel. Dispose of the water safely in a sanitary sewer and in cases where you cannot access it, use the toilet or any other appropriate drain as an option. For the remaining solids, leave them to dry before disposing of them properly.
Disposal of the sediments requires you to consider the appropriate place that will not pose threat to the environment. Factoring the type of activities as well as pollutant on sites go a long way to help you identify the right place for disposal. In cases where you can hardly access the right place for disposal, call in contractors to help and fix other related issues such as catch basin repair. Catch basin contractors offer cleaning, repair as well installation services. They have some of the most effective equipment that leaves your catch basin perfectly clean and spotless allowing easy water flow in the catch basin.
Cleaning the catch basin is the responsibility of the owner and as such, he or she needs to know how to dispose of solid wastes properly without posing any of form of environmental threat. In particular, it applies to people who prefer DIY option to maintain their catch basins. For the ones who hire contractor services, the service provider actually steps in and becomes liable for everything involving catch basin cleaning and maintenance. You do not have to worry about where you are going to dispose of the dirty storm water, solid wastes and other pollutant elements because contractors will sort you out on it. Either way, the point of it all is to clean the catch basin and provide a healthy environment to live and work.