If you've ever experienced standing water in your yard or driveway after a heavy rainstorm, you know how frustrating poor drainage can be. One of the more effective landscape drainage solutions is to install a catch basin drainage system, which collects excess water and directs it away from your property.
In this article, we'll go over the basics of how to install catch basins, including the tools and materials you'll need, and the steps involved in the process.
Pre-Installation Preparation
Before you start your catch basin installation, it's important to make sure you have all the required tools and materials. Here is a list of what you'll need:
- Catch basin
- Catch basin grate (if not included)
- PVC pipes (2-3 inches in diameter)
- PVC glue
- Drain pipe
- Trenching shovel
- Silicone caulk
- Safety goggles
- Work gloves
Once you have all the necessary equipment, it's time to prepare the site for installation. First, choose the location where you want to install the catch basin. This should be a spot where excess water tends to accumulate, such as at the bottom of a hill or in a low-lying area.
Next, mark out the area where you'll be digging. Use spray paint or stakes and string to create a perimeter around the excavation site. The depth and dimensions of the excavation will depend on the size of your catch basin, so refer to the manufacturer's instructions for guidance.
Excavation
Now it's time to start digging. Use a trenching shovel to remove the soil from the marked-out area. Be sure to dig your hole 6 to 12 inches deeper than the depth of your basin. As you dig, be mindful of any obstacles you might encounter, such as rocks or tree roots. If necessary, use a pickaxe or other digging tool to break up any hard soil or rocks in the way.
Next, you'll need to dig a trench that slopes gently away from the catch basin and towards a safe location for water drainage. The trench should be about 7-10 inches wide and a foot and half (18 inches) deep, allowing enough space for the necessary drainage piping to be installed. This gradual slope will ensure that water flows smoothly through the catch basin and into the drainage system, preventing any standing water or potential damage to your property.
Installation of the Catch Basin
Once the excavation is complete, it's time to install the catch basin.
Prepare the Weep Holes
To prevent standing water from accumulating in the catch basin, you'll need to drill several small holes into the bottom of the basin. This allows any excess water to flow out of the basin and into the drainage system, ensuring that the basin remains dry and functional. Simply flip the basin over and drill the holes using a drill bit of appropriate size. With this simple step, you can help ensure that your catch basin is an effective solution for addressing excess water and poor drainage on your property.
Fill the Trench
Fill the excess 6-12 inches at the bottom of the trench with gravel. This will provide a stable base for the catch basin to rest on. Once the gravel is in place, position the catch basin on top of it, making sure that the top of the basin is aligned with the ground level next to it. If necessary, remove some of the gravel from the hole to ensure that the basin sits flush with the ground.
Attach the Drainage Pipe
Next, attach the drain pipe to the outlet on the basin. Before making the connection, ensure that the area around the inlet is clean and dry. Apply a waterproof silicone where the pipe connects to the outlet on the basin. This will create a tight seal that prevents any water from leaking out of the connection point. With this step, your catch basin and drainage system will be fully functional and capable of effectively managing excess water and preventing any potential drainage problems on your property.
Connect the Rest of Your Piping
After attaching the drain pipe to the outlet on the catch basin, you'll need to glue each section of the drainage pipe together until you reach the point where the water will drain. Using PVC glue, apply a small amount to the end of each pipe section and connect them firmly, making sure that each joint is secure and watertight. Once all sections are connected, ensure that the drainage pipe flows smoothly towards the designated drain point, whether it is local waterways or another section of your drainage system. With these steps, you can ensure that your catch basin is properly installed and effectively managing excess water on your property.
Finishing Touches
With the catch basin installed, it's time to test that it is functioning properly. Pour water into the basin and watch as it flows through the drainage pipes. If you notice any standing water or slow drainage, you may need to make adjustments to the pipes or the catch basin itself.
Finally, clean up the site and fill any gaps between the basin and the ground with the excess soil you have from the excavation step.
Maintenance
To ensure that your catch basin continues to function properly and prevents a drainage problem from reoccurring, it's important to perform regular maintenance. This may include cleaning the basin grate, the debris basket and drainage pipes to prevent clogs, and checking the system for any signs of damage or wear.
If you notice any drainage problems or standing water around the catch basin, it's important to address them promptly to prevent further damage to your property or to prevent further damage to your property or nearby waterways.
In addition to regular maintenance, there are a few things you can do to prevent excess water from accumulating in the first place. For example, consider grading your yard to create a slope that directs water away from your property, or installing rain barrels or other water harvesting systems to collect and reuse rainwater.
Discover Vodaland's Range of Effective Water Management Solutions
Installing a catch basin drains system is an effective way to address poor drainage and excess water on your property. By following these simple steps and performing regular maintenance, you can help prevent water damage and protect your home and surrounding environment.
Vodaland offers a wide range of drainage solutions to meet your specific water management needs. Our 10x10 catch basins, 12x12 square catch basins, and other landscape drainage solutions, have you covered, no matter what your water management needs are. If you need help finding the perfect solution for your situation, don't hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts will be happy to assist you in selecting the right product to meet your needs and ensure proper water management on your property.
