Category Archives: Catch Basin Cleaning

Catch Basin 101: Know Your Responsibilities

At Edenflo, we’ve always taken great pride in educating our customer base about the importance of catch basin cleaning. We think it’s important for property owners/waste generators to understand their role and responsibilities in the process.

That’s why, when we came upon an informative and entertaining video developed by the Capital Regional District (CRD), we simply had to share it! The CRD is the regional government for 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the nearby Gulf Islands. The CRD provides regional decision-making on issues that transcend municipal boundaries, and they also develop partnerships to facilitate and deliver projects and services that benefit the region as a whole.

Their mandate is to serve the public and build a vibrant, livable, and sustainable region, so they were more than happy to give us permission to use their video in today’s blog. In addition to the video, their brief article on catch basin maintenance provides all the information you need to be a responsible catch basin owner.

If you’re in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland, Edenflo has preventative maintenance programs that can help you to manage your catch basin responsibly and seamlessly; contact us today for more information.

Storm Drains and Catch Basins – Preventive Maintenance

Storm-Drain-Catch-BasinWhen it rains, or there’s a sudden snow melt (rare here in the lower mainland, but possible), it’s essential that the infrastructure in an urban or suburban area is designed so that there’s somewhere for the water to go. Otherwise, it ends up pooling in basements and around building foundations, where it can cause costly damage and lead to structural problems, mould growth, and other unpleasant conditions.

Most areas use storm drains (intakes that are connected to municipal storm sewers) and catch basins (“holding areas” for water that can fill when there’s a lot of flow, and empty slowly later) for runoff management.

It’s easy to forget about storm water management systems when it’s not raining, or when they’re working properly. The problem is that we don’t notice that there’s a problem until it’s too late – when the water is advancing on our homes and businesses, or filling up our basements.

July 28 2014 Catch Basin 1You need to take stock of your storm water management systems when it’s not raining. Edenflo specializes in pump truck services on the lower mainland, and can help you keep your storm drains and catch basins free of debris, and your drains flowing. We operate British Columbia’s premiere pump-truck service, with high-pressure water jets to dislodge clogs and vacuum pumping to take them (and whatever else) away for environmentally responsible disposal. We even have a special “lowboy” unit that fits into lower spaces, like underground parking garages.

Edenflo provides emergency response and preventive maintenance services to both residential and commercial customers. If you’ve got storm sewers or catch basins on your property call us and we’ll offer advice and service that will keep you out of trouble when the skies start falling.

For more information about the services offered by Edenflo, call us at 604-575-1414 or fill out our online request for service.

What Can Get Caught in Storm Drains and Catch Basins

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Storm drains and catch basins are essential components of drainage systems that prevent water runoff from causing millions of dollars in damage to homes in BC each year. Clogged catch basins can cause disastrous flooding of surrounding homes. Regular cleaning of catch basins is essential for proper rainwater runoff.

Every year, needless flooding occurs because catch basins are not cleaned or because they were misused. Storm drains are often misused by people who have no idea that dumping fallen leaves or grass clippings into these drains will do any harm. Dry waste like leaves and grass sits in the drains and gradually gets compacted by gravity and gets sticky as moisture is absorbed.

Catch Basin DiagramThe moist waste will stick to the walls of the drain in the same way that grease will stick to the walls of your arteries. Dirt also helps the other debris stick as it is a magnet for moisture. The dirt mixes with grass clippings and, literally, it makes clay in the same way that ancient engineers used it to make bricks. Without applying huge amounts of water, it is impossible to break this dirt and grass apart.

As the waste accumulates on the walls and floor of the catch basin, the capacity for the basin to take away drain water is reduced and restricted. Routine rainfall can no longer be drained away quickly enough and water backs up from the drain. Flooding then results and will continue to happen until the drain is professionally cleaned.

Storm drains can also get clogged with garbage. While it may be tempting to sweep that paper and cardboard waste left down the storm drain, the consequences will be disastrous later. It is also not advisable to sweep dirt and dust into storm drains either, as the dirt will bond with water that comes through and start the process of accumulation and constriction of flow.

Catch Basins and When to Clean Them

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A catch basin is something that’s very easy for a busy person to ignore. Catch basins are also known as “storm drains” and are responsible for diverting excess water run-off into proper drainage channels. When they work properly, they help prevent flooding and oversaturation of critical drain fields and homes.

How often you clean your catch basin depends on the purpose that it serves. In BC, many places have catch basins that are connected to sump pumps due to the area’s moist climate and high rates of precipitation. You’ll find BC septic tank cleaning services also come with offers to clean catch basins. Companies such as Edenflo can provide both types of services.

Catch basins shouldn’t be used as dumps for yard clippings or other natural waste. They can not only back up if clogged, but over time, the walls of the basins get caked with debris and their ability to drain run-off is reduced. If the basin is connected to a sump pump, the waste can clog and break the pump itself, which can leave your home flooded during wet weather.

A catch basin should be cleaned every five years if you are not using your sump pump often. If your sump runs frequently, the basin should be cleaned annually and the sump pump should be inspected. You can schedule this service along with septic tank cleaning and maintenance.

Clogged catch basins may require additional remediation. Edenflo can provide this service. The standard remedy for cleaning a clogged catch basin is called hydro excavation. Pressurized water is literally used to excavate the debris out of the basin. The debris is captured with a vacuum on a pump truck.

Preventative maintenance of catch basins is as simple as controlling what debris goes into them and having the basins cleaned on an annual basis. Doing these two things will enable you to avoid most issues with catch basins.

How to Tell if Your-Catch Basin is Functioning Properly and a Recommended Cleaning Schedule

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A catch-basin is one of those things that are easy to take for granted. Of course, as with so many things we take for granted, if a catch-basin stops working correctly, you could be in for a lot of trouble. Keep reading to find out more.

What is a Catch-Basin?
Also known as storm drains, catch-basins are located along roadways, and they siphon water into the storm drain system. These reservoirs also help to replenish the underground water supply.

It’s also important to understand what catch-basins aren’t. Catch-basins are not trash cans or garbage disposals for whatever finds their way into them. Given their importance to the water supply, we need to be very careful what we allow into catch-basins.

Signs of Trouble
In many ways, it’s hard to notice signs of trouble before it’s too late. After all, we only see part of the catch-basin on a regular basis, and it’s simply a street-level cover.
There are some telltale signs, however, that something is wrong with a catch-basin. The prevalence of strong, foul odours emanating from a catch-basin is often a sign that it needs to be cleaned. Given their utility, catch basins generally do not smell good, but if one is noticeable from a distance, this is most likely a sign that something is affecting its operation.

Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Your Catch-Basin
Plenty can be done to maintain catch-basins, as well. Most things are preventative measures, but they can have a huge impact. As I mentioned earlier, keep garbage and litter from going down the drain.

Many people don’t realize how easy it is, however, to accidentally send this kind of debris down there. Be careful not to clean up yard clippings, litter, or dirt from sidewalks with a hose, as the runoff almost always ends up in catch-basins. Simply by being mindful of what you’re doing with your own lawn and driveway, you can save your catch-basin a lot of problems.

Though they’re easy to miss, catch-basins play an unmistakably important role in how our modern society works. Contact Eden flo for all your Catch-basin cleaning and maintenance needs.

British Columbia Sump and Catch Basin Cleaning

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Sump pumps need preventative maintenance to continue running smoothly and efficiently.  This machine assists the drainage system by removing liquids to help in preventing flooding and other high water issues.  When this system is not used often, you need to have maintenance done about every five years, but if you use it often or live in an area that is not good for this type of pump, such as somewhere with a lot of mud or sand, the maintenance should be done at least every year.

Why It Needs to Be Cleaned
The maintenance you have done on your sump pump and catch basin is to ensure that all gravel, dirt, and sand are properly and thoroughly cleaned out.  If you let these things build up they can end up in the sump pit and can break the pump or cause clogging.  It is important to have maintenance done so that clogs are not able to form and start causing problems.  When you have a clog there is a risk that the house will become completely flooded and the sump pump motor burned out.  In this type of scenario, you may not even be able to get to the pump and the problems will just continue to compound.

Getting the Sump Pump and Catch Basin Cleaning Done
It is important to choose a reputable company that will completely and efficiently remove sand and debris and the water from your culverts, sanitary and storm pump stations, sumps, and catch basins, according to EdenFlo.  When the work is done right you can rest assured that you should not experience issues like clogs so that your system will continue to work effectively and not cause you any problems or hassles.

Time for Spring Cleaning – Book your Catch Basin Cleaning

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After any significant storm, it is always a good time for spring cleaning to ensure that the catch basin is free of debris and accumulated dirt. More than just a preventative measure, normal cleanings can ensure that the catch basin is flowing freely, and working properly.

A storm drain, or catch basin, in every neighborhood provides proper drainage of excess water that accumulates after a storm, or from melting snow. Many of the catch basins all across British Columbia experience high flooding throughout the year. It is imperative to remove debris and sediment that has built up and accumulated in the catch basins. Any debris that is left on the surface grates or catch basins will eventually decompose. The rotting solids will make their way into the waterways and can significantly reduce the levels of dissolved oxygen which would increase levels of bacteria in the water.

Remove Harmful Solids
Alternatively, by utilizing vacuum pumps and other devices, the equipment can loosen away all compacted material and remove the solids from the basin. In some areas, this spring cleaning process should be performed frequently as a way to eliminate any blocking of the system which could cause neighborhoods to flood.

Routine basin maintenance is essential because debris, sediment, leaves, trash, chemicals and other harmful pollutants can so easily enter the storm drains. By removing the debris quickly, the removal process can eliminate the potential of the harmful pollutants that could make their way into the beautiful streams, rivers and lakes of British Columbia.

Ideally, it is highly recommended to create and implement an effective catch basin maintenance schedule to ensure that storm water structures and catch basins are flowing freely. To maintain an effective sump capacity, it is recommended that the basin be cleaned before they are half-full or when quickly filling up with dirt, leaves and other debris after the winter months. This can significantly reduce higher pollutant loads and harmful discharges to the area surface waters.

What is Catch Basin and Sump Cleaning?

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The sewage system plays an important role in every neighbourhood. This prevents floods and ensures that the rainwater is irrigated properly out of the establishments and buildings.

The catch basin and sump are just two of the many components of a sewage system. The sump pit is usually found under the basement where it collects the water and fluids and ensures that the basement is dry. The catch basin, on the other hand, is a part of the storm drain. It traps debris to prevent them from entering the pipes. Even if these two are completely different, both are used in preventing water to accumulate in unwanted places.

The sump pit and catch basin are used all throughout the year, no matter which part of the world you are from. This is the reason why they frequently get blocked by soil and other debris that aren’t caught by the grills. If this happens, there may be water damage in the basement and puddles in the road. Proper maintenance and regular cleaning for these sewage parts is a must, especially if you want to avoid such nuisance and problems. This is also helpful for flooding prevention.

In cleaning the catch basin and sump pit, the deposits and the sludge in those places are hosed and scraped off. This tends to be a bit difficult and tricky if done on your own. This is why contacting professional services is advised for these situations.

Edenflo can provide you with professional cleaning services for your sump pits and catch basins. This prevents the drainage from getting blocked, which may cause problems for you and your family. They can do hydro flushing and hydro excavating in order to clean up the sewage. This preps the sewage system for the storm and keeps your basements dry. Aside from cleaning, they also offer the construction of underground facilities like septic tank and water pipes.

What is Catch Basin and Sump Cleaning?

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Catch basins and sump pits are two of the most often used words in relation to property management. Although completely unrelated—one is found on the road, while the other is located at home—those two parts of a sewage system prevents water from accumulating in places where it shouldn’t be.

While there is no denying that water is important, there are times when excess water gets into places where possessions could be easily destroyed. Therefore, it is important to have a drainage system that will direct water to a different location. This is where catch basins and sump pits come in—but first, a definition.

A catch basin is a type of drainage found on roads. When it rains, water accumulates on the lower part of the path, creating puddles that are not only unsightly but also inconvenient to walk on. A catch basin filters large debris and removes water from roadways and directs it to oceans, lakes and other bodies of water.

A sump pit, on the other hand, is located in the basement of homes. It holds the water that has collected inside the house and contains it in the basement. Like the catch basin, the sump pit has a grate over it, which acts as a riddle to prevent debris from entering the pit.

Both the catch basin and the pump pit are frequently used every year. Because of that, they tend to catch debris that is not filtered by the grills. Therefore, regular cleaning of the basin and the pit is required.

Catch basin and sump pit cleaning involves hosing off sludge and dirt and scraping off remaining deposits from the containers. Accessing drainage is tricky work, so the cleaning should be left to professionals.

Cleaning the receptacles is one way of preventing drainage clogging. When the systems are plugged, water cannot flow through freely, which could cause flooding and overflowing.

Call Edenflo to book your catch basin or sump pit cleaning needs.

Use Edenflo for Your Hydro Excavating and High Pressure Flushing Needs

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Edenflo has been in the industry of cleaning septic systems for a while, making the business one of the trusted names in property management companies in British Columbia, Canada.

Employing a fleet of tandem axle vacuum trucks, Edenflo offer a wide range of property management services such as catch basin and sump cleaning, inspection, and preventive maintenance. Edenflo recently expanded its list of property management services, adding high pressure flushing and hydro excavation to the company’s roster of service jobs.

High Pressure Flushing
High pressure flushing removes sludge, silt and other debris from the sewer system and drain lines. This latest offering by Edenflo is a preventive measure that helps homeowners make the most of their septic tanks by increasing the efficiency of the systems.

This type of service saves customers money by preventing the overflowing of the septic tank. High pressure flushing is an environmentally-sound procedure wherein regular water is propelled through pipes and hoses to get rid of the waste buildup (such as grease, sludge and mineral deposits) on septic walls.

Hydro Excavation
A combination of high-pressure water and air vacuum, Edenflo uses the hydro excavation process to break down the soil in order to find underground utilities such as septic tanks.

Traditional excavation proved to be dangerous to the lives of workers, and hydro excavation is a very good alternative solution to uncovering facilities below the ground.

In Canada where the soil freezes during wintertime, hydro excavation using hot water is very useful. Manual digging is near to impossible, but the hydro excavation process allows worker better damage and control. It is also the preferred method for line installation trenching and creating landscape features.

Edenflo has gone a long way in the property management field. Through the company’s various services, homeowners can have peace of mind knowing that their septic tank and other sewage systems are in excellent condition.