Earle American

Water is one of the greatest threats to a parking lot. Excess moisture can cause foundation heaving, fatigue cracks, and deep potholes that make your parking lot unsafe and unattractive. An effective drainage system is your best defense against moisture-related damage. If your drainage also falls into disrepair, then it can’t protect your lot. In this blog post, Earle American discusses why catch basin repairs are essential to prevent expensive asphalt pavement repairs.

Key Takeaways

• Parking lot catch basins are drainage features that collect runoff before releasing it into a storm sewer or retention pond.
• Signs that your catch basin is failing include standing water, cracked or shifting pavement, small sinkholes, a rattling or uneven grate, and foul odors.
• Catch basin repairs are essential to prevent erosion, cracks, heaving, foundation failure, and other types of water damage.

What Is a Parking Lot Catch Basin or an Inlet?

A parking lot catch basin is a stormwater drain designed to catch water runoff. Water collects in the drain before being released into a storm sewer or retention pond. This keeps water from accumulating on or under the parking lot, helping to prevent damage. Catch basins have three main features:

• Grate: A steel or cast-iron cover that sits flush with the asphalt, allowing pedestrians and vehicles to move over the catch basin safely.
• Sump:The low area at the bottom of the basin that traps heavy sediment, dirt, and debris to prevent pipe clogging.
• Outlet:The pipe that carries clean water out into the city stormwater system or a retention pond. It sits slightly higher than the sump to keep debris trapped.

An inlet is similar to a sump pump but shallower. Instead of collecting runoff, an inlet exists only to let water leave the pavement surface before being directed elsewhere. Inlets have a grate and outlet, but they may not have a sump.

What Are the Signs That Your Catch Basin Is Failing?

Catch basins and inlets endure constant stress from traffic and the elements. Over time, these stresses create wear and tear on the catch basin structures. Accumulated wear and tear may eventually result in significant damage to the catch basin. Look for the following signs that your catch basin requires repair:

• Water pooling around the catch basin
• Shifting or uneven pavement
• Small sinkholes or potholes directly adjacent to the basin
• Fatigue or “alligator” cracks
• A grate that does not sit flush with the pavement surface
• A grate that rattles when stepped on
• Persistent bad smells that come from the basin

These indicators suggest that the basin’s structural integrity is compromised. The grate may be loose, the outlet might be clogged, or the sump may be full of rotting debris. Whatever the case, the catch basin is no longer completing its function safely. Your pavement or your customers may be at risk.

What Happens When Your Catch Basin Is Damaged?

A catch basin in disrepair doesn’t just cause safety issues; it also has knock-on effects for your whole parking lot. If water cannot collect in the catch basin, then it will instead pool on top of your asphalt. Standing water causes erosion that degrades your asphalt surface. It also seeps into cracks, making them wider, and it deepens potholes. These issues can significantly accelerate the rate at which your asphalt surface degrades, leading to frequent resurfacing and rising expenses.

Moisture damage can run below the surface, too. If rainwater pools underneath your pavement, it will cause the soil to swell and shift. This destabilizes the pavement foundation, causing heaving, sinkholes, and eventual pavement failure, requiring expensive full-depth paving. Repairing your catch basin is essential to extend the lifespan of your pavement.

FAQs About Catch Basin Repairs

What is a catch basin in a parking lot?

A parking lot catch basin is a drainage feature that collects water runoff through a grate. The water collects in a sump, where debris is allowed to settle out. The water is then released into a storm sewer or retention pond.

Why do catch basins and inlets need repairs?

Catch basins and inlets need repairs to clean out blockages, keep the grate rust-free, and address structural issues. Regular repairs and maintenance help to prevent failure so the catch basin can continue protecting your parking lot.

Should inlet repairs be completed before resurfacing?

Yes, inlet repairs should be completed before resurfacing. By prioritizing drainage repairs, you make sure that your new asphalt surface will last.