Catch Basin Cleaning
The duty of a catch basin is to collect trash and debris from entering a drainage system. Different examples of this type of system include storm drains or a car wash catch basin. The reason taking care of this type of cleaning is so important is that it helps to prevent or limit the amount of pollutants that enter a storm sewer which can eventually make its way to local waterways like streams and rivers.
Another important function of this type of drainage system is to relieve surface area of a heavy influx of water. Heavy rain or water from places like a car wash need a runoff spot. If the grates are blocked by leaves, trash, sediment buildup or other materials there is a good chance this will cause blockage and eventually lead to flooding.
The elimination of sediments, debris or other materials from a storm water catch helps ensure proper function of the drainage system. This in turn can help to alleviate the likelihood of flooding in areas like parking lots or eventually, city streets. Regular maintenance of a catch basin can also reduce the risk of contaminating or polluting the local water ways.
How Often Should You Clean a Catch Basin
The common mistake organizations make is waiting until there is a visible need for catch basin cleaning. If the grate is already blocked or water has been backing up the cleaning should already have occurred. The idea behind setting up storm drain cleaning is to prevent any problem altogether.
Setting up a scheduled regular maintenance program is your best approach to preventing future problems. In other words, get your catch basin cleaned before it is blocked. This will make it possible for water flow to continue through the drain as needed.
One think to take into consideration is the amount of use your catch basin goes through. If you own a busy car wash you will need cleaning on a much more regular basis. Also keep in mind that in some areas it may be part of your codes and guidelines to operate this type of business to have these drains cleaned and inspected. Make sure you set up service so that you comply with the restrictions in your area.
If you live in an area that is known for having heavier rainfall then it is also your responsibility to take care of this task more frequently. For example, if you own a parking lot in Seattle you may need more recurrent catch basin service than one that is located in Phoenix. The important thing is not to wait until the system is blocked or flooded to resolve the issue; use a preventative approach.
Benefits of Preventative Maintenance
For one thing, if you are running a business, it is more cost effective to have regular cleaning than wait for something to go wrong. If you neglect to have cleaning done then eventually a problem will arise. Your catch basin will back up and the area will flood. This could even lead to a temporary halt to your business.
Hiring a professional crew to clean up the mess and fix any resulting damages is already going to be an unwanted expense. Add to that the potential financial losses there could be as a result of your business being temporarily shut down. Be a smart business owner and take care of this service.
Cleaning storm drains also helps the area to be prepared for any severe weather events. One of the main functions of these types of drains is to keep runoff water flowing in the event of a storm. So it is important to enable them to be able to do their job when severe weather occurs.
Of course one of the other main advantages of having your system cleaned is for customer satisfaction. Your customers are what drives your business. But if you own a commercial property that has a catch basin system you could be threatening to inconvenience them. A backed up car wash system or flooded parking lot is not going to make your clients willing to return.
The bottom line is that part of being a responsible business owner is taking care of catch basin cleaning. Help keep your company running smoothly and your customers happy by taking care of this. Get on a regular maintenance schedule and you should be set for success.