Now that the fall season in full swing, we’re experiencing  lots of falling leaves, and wet weather.

Are the catch basins in your parking lot ready for the onslaught of debris?

Many facility and property managers don’t ever think about their parking lot drainage until it is too late because,  at least on a surface level, any problems are not easily seen.  But, if you look closer in and around those catch basins, you may notice potential drainage issues.  If they’re recognized early, they can be repaired before they become a problem.

A catch basin is a part of a storm drain or sewer system that traps debris so that it cannot enter the drainage pipes. They allow sand, sediment, and larger materials like garbage and leaves to settle, and allows any storm water to pass through. Catch basins are basically a larger version of the traps used in home drains.

So, as a Property or Facility Manager, what can you do?

Start be assessing the number and location of catch basins on your parking lot.  When your parking lot was initially built, it should have been constructed  with a minimum of 1% slope for efficient drainage.  You may find that the slope is not uniform throughout the parking lot, there may be some areas with lower spots.  Obviously, the catch basins should be located in those areas to help water leave the surface of your parking lot.

Over time, due to wear and tear, your parking lot catch basins may need cleaning or adjusting to ensure that they are properly draining water from the surface.  By taking the time to check on and maintain the drainage system on your parking lot, you can lessen the potential for flooding and other water damage to your asphalt investment.

Are your catch basins able to handle fall weather?

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