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CATCH BASIN DRAIN CLOG

Is your street flooded? Are your bathroom or kitchen drainage lines backing up? If you have a catch basin clog, we’re ready to come to the Rescue. Call our friendly staff today to start your catch basin drain project! (773) 799-8848

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Rescue Plumbing can set up your catch basin
Dig gravel beneath grass to access basin clog

WHAT IS A CATCH BASIN?

A catch basin is a device that collects water from rain, snowmelt, and any other runoff before it enters the sewer system. The basin separates debris like leaves or litter before sending the waste water into a drain pipe.

A catch basin collects surface water when there are no storm sewers or sanitary sewers in the surrounding area.

Catch basins can be made of various materials including cast iron, steel, concrete, or plastic. Additionally, catch basins come in different shapes and sizes. For example, some catch basins are round while others are rectangular. Most catch basins have a grate over them to prevent debris from entering.

A catch basin or storm drain can be installed on residential properties or in large municipal systems.

They are a crucial part of a drainage system that deals with stormwater runoff and prevents standing water. A catch basin collects the runoff water and also protects drainage systems from trash and debris that can cause clogs.

A commercial or home drainage center can save you from costly damage due to rainwater or broken drainage pipe leaks.

A catch basin can be found anywhere there could be a problem with standing water. Typically, you’ll find a catch basin along sidewalks and near buildings where they serve as an overflow for roof drains, gutters, and streets.

Storm drains in Chicago tend to have a grate over them so pedestrians can walk over them without getting wet or falling in. These grates also help prevent large debris and trash from entering the basin. The storm drains in the city help handle rain runoff from buildings and the streets.

Residential

A catch basin on a residential property looks different than a commercial catch basin. Some people may install a catch basin in their yard if the area has a slope that causes pools of water. Some homes have a catch basin in the basement as part of their flood protection system.

Other places in the home that may have a catch basin are a laundry room, a basement, or a bathroom. These are all locations that are susceptible to floods.

Commercial

Commercial properties may have catch basin drain pipes in the restrooms to prevent bathroom flooding. There are also industrial trench systems that protect assets from water damage.

Rescue Plumbing has the licenses and equipment to install both industrial and residential catch basins. Contact us today to start your installation (773) 799-8848!

  • You notice an odor around the grates located on the street. This is a sign that your drains are not working properly and can lead to floods during heavy rains.
  • You see insects or rodents near the grates located on the street. This may indicate that there is standing water that the animals are using to breed, which is a health hazard for your family.
  • Plumbing appliances in your home aren’t draining, indicating there is a clog further in your sewer.

Since catch basins are commonly found installed in a lawn or in an urban environment, they can be clogged easily.

A couple of the common reasons catch basin clogs include:

  • Debris: leaves, dirt, and other debris can clog a catch basin if it isn’t properly maintained.
  • Blocked Drains: some catch basins are used to drain stormwater from the building roofs as well as toilets in older buildings. When the drainage pipes that lead to these catch basins are blocked, water can’t efficiently flow to the municipal sewer. Consequently, obstructions will likely cause rainwater to run off into the street or your home rather than drain into the catch basin.
  • Grease: If the catch basin is part of a kitchen drain line, grease and oils may develop a blockage over time in the pipe.
  • Neglect: If you have a catch basin but haven’t cleared the grate or flushed the pipe in a while, your system is likely to clog.

The best way to prevent a clog is by regularly cleaning your catch basin. Rescue Plumbing offers regular catch basin maintenance services. Our licensed plumbers have the tools to clean commercial and residential drainage systems.

First and foremost, make sure your catch basin is properly installed. A proper install will make maintaining the system much easier.

When your catch basin is dug, make sure the depth is correct for your yard, and that gravel surrounds the buried section to protect it from trees’ roots.

Having a grate covering your catch basin also helps prevent debris from entering the drain pipe. It is important to also periodically clear the grates from leaves or other material that could cover them.

Rescue Plumbing experts can determine the best location for your trench. Our trench dig services will protect your house from rainwater. Contact Rescue Plumbing to start your catch basin install (773) 799-8848!

Many people do not know what a catch basin is or that they have one in or near their home. While catch basins can be found outside, in older homes, they are often built into the sewer drainage system.

The Chicagoland area has many homes that are 50 to 150 years old. Many of the homes built more than 50 years ago already have a catch basin installed! These older basins are usually in need of a serious cleaning.

Catch basins were widely used because the municipal sewer system could not handle the high volume of grease that was used in dish soap, shampoos, and cooking oils at that time period. Catch basins divert all of the kitchen lines to a basin deep in the ground.

Diverting kitchen water to a subterranean basin allows grease to collect, cool and harden. Then, grease can be physically removed during routine cleaning.

However, now that the city sewer is can maintain a certain range of grease and debris, catch basins aren’t installed as frequently.

Catch basins are a great way to prevent flooding in your home and can remain clear of obstructions so long as they’re properly maintained. If you notice a pool of water on your property, then it may be a sign to install a catch basin.

If you have a catch basin, and you notice backed-up water or an odor, you may need to fix your drain pipe. When you are experiencing a catch basin clog and need help, call the expert plumbers at Rescue Plumbing! (773) 799-8848

Rescue Plumbing can fix your catch basin clog

WE CAN CLEAR YOUR
CATCH BASIN CLOG

Why choose Rescue Plumbing? Because we are the best!

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  • Real Completed Jobs Near You
  • 5-Star Rated Plumbing Company
When your pipes need repairs, Rescue Plumbing is a full service plumbing company
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RESCUE PLUMBING COMPANY SERVES THE CHICAGO METRO AREA

Our professional plumbers can respond to your plumbing need! We have installed and repaired catch basins in addition to removing drain clogs across the Chicagoland area.

Read more about our plumbing services and our completed jobs!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You have questions, the Rescue Team has answers.

A catch basin is a cylinder type hole dug into the ground that collects sanitary or storm drainage water. Catch basins are an integral part of a plumbing’s drainage.

If your home is over 50 years old and you live in the Chicagoland area it is most likely that you do have a catch basin in your home. In older homes catch basins were installed because the cities sewer systems could not handle the grease.

All kitchen drainage lines were run to an exterior underground basin where the grease would be cooled and hardened. Plumbers would periodically remove the hard grease from the catch basins. Usually, catch basins in homes are installed on a side of the home or in the back porch area. In newer condominium buildings catch basins are normally in the front of the building.

If you have never serviced your catch basin have it serviced as soon as possible. A catch basin should be serviced at minimum every 3 to 5 years. Catch basins need to be pumped out to remove any accumulations of grease or debris so the do not clog and cause a back up in your basement.

When the catch basin is pumped a camera inspection of all pipes leading out of the catch basin should be performed. If any issues are found after the camera inspection they should be address immediately. You should visually inspect your catch basin at least once a year.

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Rescue Plumbing ready to give you a quote to fix your catch basin clog

Let Us Fix Your Catch Basin Clog!

Rescue Plumbing has experience installing all types of catch basins in the Chicagoland area. Our plumbers arrive at every job with a catch basin kit ready for installation.

If you have a problem with your catch basin, don’t hesitate to contact us at for professional service!