Have you noticed pooling water in certain areas of your yard? Maybe a problem under a downspout?
A functional drainage system is important for keeping your home safe from water damage. One easily customizable drainage solution is to install a catch basin. They’re a great project for do-it-yourselfers too. Keep reading to learn more about catch basins!
What is a Catch Basin?
A catch basin is a large underground reservoir that collects and disperses runoff water. They’re a versatile drainage solution that can be used as a standalone solution or as part of a larger system.
Which Catch Basin is Right for Me?
Depending on your needs, you can get a catch basin in different shapes and sizes—grates included.
Sizing
Residential catch basins can range from 6 to 12” where commercial basins can get up to 20” or more. Pick a catch basin based on the area you’re installing it. If you’re installing under a downspout, there are some catch basins that don’t require much digging to install.
Grate Options
Not only can you choose the best size and shape catch basin for your application, but there are also different options for grates. Flat grates blend into their surroundings for a clean look—and as a bonus, they can handle light foot traffic. Atrium grates have a dome shape that’s great for areas prone to lots of debris (think flower beds or mulchy landscaping).
Catch Basin Installation
You can typically find catch basins installed in areas where water accumulates in a yard or directly beneath a downspout. They are then connected to a drain pipe that runs the water to a ditch or other safe outlet.
Much like installing channel drain, catch basins require a decent amount of work to install. You’ll need to dig out a pit big enough to hold the basin plus some gravel beneath it. A trench also must be dug for the drain pipe.
Catch Basin Maintenance
Over time, you might notice the catch basin isn’t as effective at collecting water. Like many underground drainage systems, debris can make its way into your catch basin. Cleaning and maintaining it is important to keep the water flowing freely.
You can install a debris trap underneath the grate to catch large debris like leaves or pebbles. This is the easiest way to keep the catch basin clean, but you should still look inside the pit to make sure there isn’t a blockage at the drainpipes.
If you're looking for a DIY-friendly drainage solution that'll help on the rainiest of days, consider installing a catch basin. Want more drainage ideas? Follow our Drainage 101 board on Pinterest!
