How to clean out the catch basin?

The catch basin, which is also known as the storm basin, is a type of basin that collects debris from the backyard or the street before it can enter the sewer lines. They are installed in the backyard and can often be neglected, which leads to blockages. Such basins are also installed in the storm sewer systems that help in removing pollutants carried by stormwater runoff. The solids captured in the catch basin may be in excessive amounts, and they can wreak havoc on the sewer systems if it keeps building up. That is why some experts prefer to clean catch basins at least twice a year. You may be able to easily find any commercial catch basin cleaning service providers around, which might help.
The process of cleaning the catch basin can be dirty and labor intensive, but it's an essential part of maintaining the infrastructure of a community.

The following are some of the steps you need to follow to properly clean out your catch basin:
1. Collecting necessary materials: Before you begin any cleaning work, make sure that you have all the necessary materials on hand. The materials may include things such as a shovel, a broom, a bucket, a pry bar, some work gloves, and a trash bag. Make sure you have a ladder because it will be difficult to reach it if the catch basin is too deep. You may consult with a commercial drainage cleaning company, in case some of the above things are missing.
2. Located the catch basin: After all the necessary material is gathered, the next step is to find the catch basin. The places to look at are the driveway or the backyard. When finding the catch basin, you need to keep one thing in mind. You should focus on speculating the lowest point of the property. The reason is, that when a home or building is constructed, a low point is deliberately made so that all the water can flow towards it.
3. Put on protective gear: Before you can get to work, always make sure that you have your protective gear on. Get a pair of thick gloves and wear them to protect your hands from any sharp objects. Also, make sure to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from any dirt or debris.
4. Grate removal: The first step in cleaning the catch basin is to remove the grate. Removing the grate is simple because you need to apply some pulling force and lift it upwards. However, some grates may be firmly attached with the help of bolts, so before you pull, check if there are any bolts. The bolts can be loosened with the help of some household tools. However, there is a chance that they may be hard to loosen up due to the rust accumulation caused by constant exposure to water. Rust removal sprays such as WD40 may come in handy. Just spray some over the bolts and wait a few minutes. They use the tools to loosen the bolts. After taking out all the bolts, lift the grate carefully. It should be done with care so that the grate or the area surrounding it is not damaged.
5. Shovel out debris: On removal of the grate, a pile of dirt and debris will appear if you haven't cleaned your catch basin for a long time. Use the shovel to shovel out the debris accumulated in the catch basin. The debris may consist of leaves, sticks, trash, and sediment. Make sure to use the shovel and remove as much debris as to prevent clogs in the drainage system.
6. Check for wild plants: After clearing most of the debris with the help of a shovel, you should look out for tree roots or any wild plants growing inside the catch basin. Such wild plants are also one reason why the catch basin is blocked most of the time. It isn't recommended to chop and shovel up these plants as they will grow as long as their roots aren't destroyed. Any commercial catch basin cleaning company may offer you products helpful in such situations.
7. Use the broom: After shoveling out the debris, the next step is to use the broom and remove any remaining debris to ensure that the catch basin is as clean as possible. If it is dark inside, you might use a torch to look for any debris.
8. Dispose of the debris: After the cleaning process is completed, the next step is to get rid of the collected dirt and debris. Disposing of the debris is a crucial step because if it is not disposed of properly, it may end up in your catch basin again, and the cleaning process will be of no use then. The best way is to collect it in a trash bag and dispose of it in a bin. You may also turn it into compost for your plants. Leaving the debris on the street or nearby waterway is a bad idea as it may end up clogging the drainage system of the street, or may end up in your neighbor's catch basin.
9. Cleaning the grate: After the catch basin is cleaned, the next step is to clean the grate. You may use a bucket of water or shower it with a hose to remove any dirt or debris accumulated on it.
10. Install the grate: After successfully finishing the cleaning process, replace the grate in its original position. Make sure it is secured and leveled to avoid any potential issues.
11. Inspect the surrounding area: Lastly, take a glance at the surrounding areas to make sure that no dirt or sediment is left behind. If found, use the broom to collect it in a corner and dispose of it in a garbage bag.
The above steps are a complete guide on how to fully clean your catch basin, but if you think it's too much, you may find catch basin cleaning services in Toronto that can do the job for you.