Catch Basins

Catch basins are essential drainage structures that collect surface water at strategic low points across your Long Island property, preventing flooding, erosion, and water damage to structures and landscaping. Brothers Paving & Masonry designs and installs catch basin systems tailored to the specific drainage challenges of Nassau and Suffolk County properties, from residential yards dealing with standing water to commercial sites managing large volumes of stormwater runoff.

A catch basin is a below-grade collection box with a grated opening at the surface that allows water to flow in from the surrounding area. Inside the basin, a sump at the bottom traps sediment, debris, and pollutants before the water exits through a connected outlet pipe that directs the flow to a dry well, storm drain, or other discharge point. This sediment-trapping function is one of the key advantages of catch basins over simpler drainage components, as it prevents debris from clogging downstream pipes and helps protect water quality in Long Island's sensitive coastal environment.

Long Island's flat terrain and dense residential development create conditions where catch basins are frequently the right drainage solution. Without adequate surface collection points, rainwater runs across lawns, driveways, and patios with nowhere to go, pooling in low spots, flooding against foundations, and creating soggy, unusable yard areas. Catch basins placed at the natural low points where water collects provide a direct pathway for that water to enter the underground drainage system and be carried away from your property.

Our catch basin installation process begins with a detailed site evaluation. We observe how water moves across your property during and after rain events, identify the locations where water accumulates, and determine the optimal placement for catch basins to capture the maximum volume of runoff. We also assess soil conditions, existing drainage infrastructure, and the available discharge options to design a complete system that moves water efficiently from collection to dispersal.

Excavation for a catch basin requires careful attention to depth, location, and surrounding grade. The basin must be set at the lowest point of the area it serves, with the grate positioned at or slightly below the surrounding surface grade to ensure water flows into the basin rather than around it. We excavate the pit to accommodate the basin body plus a gravel bed beneath it for stability and drainage. The basin is set level, and the surrounding grade is adjusted to funnel water toward the grate from all directions.

We install a range of catch basin types depending on the application. Standard polyethylene basins are the most common choice for residential installations, offering durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation. For larger residential and commercial applications, we use precast concrete catch basins that provide greater volume and structural capacity. Each basin includes a grate sized and rated for the expected traffic load, whether that is pedestrian foot traffic, lawn mower crossings, or vehicular use.

The connection between the catch basin and the discharge system is critical to performance. We install solid PVC piping from the basin outlet to the discharge point, maintaining a consistent downhill slope to ensure reliable gravity flow. On Long Island, where flat terrain can make achieving adequate slope challenging, we carefully plan pipe routes and elevations to maintain flow without requiring pumps or lift stations. For systems with multiple catch basins, we connect them in series with properly sized main lines that can handle the combined flow from all collection points.

Long Island's seasonal conditions add specific requirements to catch basin design. During fall, leaves and debris can quickly block grate openings if the basins are not properly maintained. We install grates with appropriate opening sizes that allow water to enter while minimizing debris ingestion, and we design the sump depth to hold a significant volume of sediment between cleanings. During winter, freeze-thaw cycles can affect the basin structure and connecting pipes, so we install all components below the frost line and use materials rated for freeze-thaw resistance.

For properties with severe drainage problems, catch basins are often part of a larger integrated drainage system. We frequently combine catch basins with French drains, channel drains, and dry wells to create comprehensive solutions that address both surface runoff and subsurface water. The catch basins serve as the collection points where surface water enters the system, while French drains handle groundwater and dry wells provide the final dispersal. This layered approach is often the most effective strategy for Long Island properties with multiple drainage challenges.

Yard catch basins are one of our most requested residential installations. Many Long Island homeowners deal with a specific low spot in their yard where water collects after every rainstorm, creating a muddy, mosquito-attracting mess that makes part of the yard unusable. A catch basin installed at this low point with a connection to a dry well or discharge pipe eliminates the standing water and reclaims the yard area for use. The grate sits at ground level and can be mowed over, so the system has minimal visual impact on your landscape.

Driveway and parking area catch basins serve a similar function for paved surfaces, collecting water at low points and directing it into the drainage system. We position these basins at locations where water naturally converges based on the grade of the pavement, and we size them to handle the flow rates generated by the contributing paved area during heavy rainstorms.

Maintenance for catch basins is important and straightforward. The sump should be cleaned out at least once or twice a year to remove accumulated sediment and debris. Grates should be checked and cleared of leaves and litter after storms and during fall when leaf drop is heavy. We recommend an annual inspection of the basin structure and connecting pipes to ensure everything is functioning properly. Brothers Paving offers maintenance services for catch basin systems and can set up a regular cleaning schedule for your property.

With years of experience installing catch basin systems across Long Island, Brothers Paving understands the local conditions that determine system success. We engineer every installation for reliable long-term performance, using quality materials and proven techniques that stand up to Long Island's weather and soil conditions. Contact us for a free drainage evaluation and estimate.