What is the Difference between a Catch Basin and Storm Sewer?

Simply put, Catch Basins are excavated holes in the ground that accumulate rainfall and any other water runoff from parking lots and streets. Storm Sewers are the pipe systems underground that move the water into an existing waterway or retention pond.

The Catch Basin is created from a mix of steel and precast concrete. Once water is collected it runs into the storm sewer system by a series of graded piping.

When working correctly, the catch basin is an amazingly efficient and time-tested answer to stormwater runoff. The water comes in, any loose debris settles to the bottom, the water then reaches a certain level where it hits the pipe, and then it begins to drain, which connects to the main storm sewer line and then off to the main outlet like a local waterway or retention pond.

Catch Basins and Storm Sewers fail over time because of lots of different reasons, but mainly they fail is just because of age and increased amounts of damage.

Water can leak out of the bottom of the basin and erode the sub-base underneath, leaving a pocket of open space. The catch basin then sinks into that open space. If you see a hole developing around your inlet, this very well could be the reason.

In areas with low temperatures, you must deal with quite a bit of ice. That sometimes that leads to a freeze/thaw cycle which can wreak havoc on concrete catch basins.

If you think your property is need of storm drain repairs, please reach out to sales@delawarevalleypaving.com