As they’re not something most homeowners think about when they think about their plumbing system, catch basins tend to be overlooked for far too long across Chicago’s Northwest Side and that can lead to flooding issues and foundation damage that can cost you big money over and over again – pretty much every time it rains. But there’s something you can do to prevent issues cropping up tied to your catch basins and it’s regular maintenance. Or you can call Vanguard Plumbing & Sewer at (773) 633-6139 for professional plumbing assistance with your residential property’s sewer lines and catch basins.

What Exactly Is A Residential Property Catch Basin?

A catch basin is basically a drain that leads directly to the sewer pipe on your property which then leads right to the municipal sewer system. Think of catch basins as a part of your home’s water mitigation system right alongside your gutters and downspouts. You know you can’t ignore those for too long without causing some kind of problem and your catch basin is no different. That means paying close attention to is state and function year round.

As it’s on your property, you’re responsible for maintaining it so you need to know what it is – it’s a drain – and how to approach it safely to maintain it long-term. This is vital because the catch basin plays a pivotal role in removing water and small debris from your property. Without it functioning properly you’re in for flooding and possibly foundation damage and no one wants that.

How To Properly Clean Your Residential Catch Basin

Proper catch basin maintenance begins with a visual inspection of the catch basin and its grate for any obvious signs of obstruction or overflow. As most catch basins are designed to fill somewhat with debris and still function, it’s not uncommon to find your catch basin up to one third full of debris each and every month. Don’t panic. That’s as it should be and it’s why it’s so important to check your catch basins regularly. Each property is different so it’s impossible to tell you when you have to check your catch basins but it’s a safe bet to do it once a month to stay ahead of any potential issues.

When you’re ready to clean your catch basin there are a few simple steps to take and a few tools you’ll need to ensure you get the job done effectively in one shot. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to have and what you’ll want to do:

• Get your tools ready: a shovel, a trash can or bag, a prybar or a crowbar.
• Clean out the grate that fronts the catch basin on your property.
• Carefully lift the catch basin lid and scoop out all debris present.
• Using the shovel dig out any compacted soil inside the catch basin.
• Ensure catch basin drain is completely free of roots and debris.
• Discard debris, dirt and trash where it can’t reenter the catch basin.

What To Do If Your Catch Basin Isn’t Working Correctly?

While Vanguard Plumbing & Sewer can help you with all of your residential plumbing needs on Chicago’s Northwest Side, we do not handle sewer line construction or modifications to existing sewer systems. Our specialties all lie in the diagnostic end of the sewer system spectrum so we can help you find out what’s going on inside your pipes with the most effective video plumbing inspections in Chicagoland and re-pipe your home if it’s in need. However, we don’t work on sewer systems in the capacity that’s required to fix a faulty catch basin so we’re not the team to call for that.

But as we want to help our valued customers we can tell you what you’ll be looking at to correct a malfunctioning catch basin. Here are the best options you have available on Chicago’s Northwest Side for catch basin repair:

• Sump Pump Installation (Vanguard Plumbing & Sewer specializes in this option.)
• Soil Contouring for Flow Improvement
• Water-Channeling Trenches – Gravel, Aggregate, Concrete

Call Vanguard Plumbing & Sewer For Expert Catch Basin Inspection

With so much riding on the effective operation of your catch basin, it’s vital that you give it the attention hat it deserves throughout the year – spring, summer, fall and winter. Otherwise you could be looking at extreme damages that come with even more extreme repair bills. Avoid that at all costs by having a Vanguard Plumbing & Sewer professional inspect your catch basins regularly to ensure you’re never caught off guard when a heavy rain hits. Call (773) 633-6139 or submit a contact form to get started today!