Catch basins are an integral part of a city’s drainage system – safely and effectively taking surface water from storms and melted ice – moving it into our underground sewer system. These areas are prime candidates for failure given the intense concentration of water flowing through the surrounding graded surface area to the basin’s mouth. While asphalt failure and other related moisture issues begin below the surface, recognizing and reacting to early symptoms will often make your catch basin repair project far less disruptive to the property and less impactful to your budget.

 

 

i. Cracks or Holes around the Catch Basin Cover

Identifying surface asphalt cracks adjacent to a catch basin is an early warning. It's a sign that water has started to erode the asphalt and to a degree, it should be appreciated– It's an opportunity to save you money by using a pavement solution specialist to stop the damage from escalating. Water will collect in the cracks. Moisture will settle; then freeze, expanding and contracting over time. Eventually the cumulative effect will develop a sink hole. A crack is much more cost-effective to fix than a sink hole so act promptly. Just like all other maintenance, the sooner the problem is addressed the more positive the impact on ROI over time.

 

ii. Raised Catch Basin Cover – If the catch basin has become raised above the surrounding surface level asphalt, it’s highly recommended that you bring in a pavement repair professional to assess the condition of the surface and most importantly the risk of further more serious deterioration if it’s left unattended to. Raised catch basin covers represent a potential public liability concern from a tripping accident, and the risk of seasonal or severe weather flooding is tremendously increased with lower drainage function of the raised sewer opening. Consistent flooding and surface water settling around the catch basin will most definitely accelerate further damage and increase the inevitable repair or reconstruction project costs.

iii. Sunken Catch Basin Cover – More common in parking lots, this failure is generally a result of older systems that used a stone base. Longer term settling or water erosion can cause the system to sink. If left in disrepair, the failure would continue to worsen until requiring the replacement of the entire drain.

 

Catch Basin Repair Considerations

When doing an asphalt repair to surface areas surrounding catch basins, contractors should ensure proper compaction of the materials, or density. The areas surrounding the catch basin will face the most water flow throughout the year– whether it's due to seasonal changes or intense storms. Having inadequate density will eventually allow moisture to seep into more porous areas of the surface. Once water penetrates the asphalt, it will eventually erode it and form cracks to which water will consistently fill, freeze, expand and contract; deepening and broadening the cracks over time. As the cracks proliferate, they network together and their cumulative effect forms what is called "Alligator cracking” At this point simple crack filling is no longer an effective repair option.

 

Ensure your pavement repair contractor uses only heavy duty vibratory rollers to compact the regions around your catch basin. Pay close attention to seams and ensure their ‘finish’ is diligent and thorough and pick a contractor who will back their work with industry leading warranty. Contact us today to see what we can do to help with your asphalt maintenance needs.

‘Fast and loose’ work might help this quarter’s repair budget, but in the long run, you’ll get what you pay for.