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Proper
commercial catch basin repair and maintenance is an important part of taking care
of Toronto properties and preventing expensive, time-consuming damage.
Reasons for Repairing Catch Basins
A common
reason for catch basin failure is a broken or leaky pipe
inside of the basin. When a pipe cracks and water leaks from the basin, the
soil and pavement around it begin to soften and, eventually, erode. Taking care
of this problem quickly can avoid serious cracks from appearing around the
catch basin.
If there is
a seepage problem, water may get trapped between the grate and the pavement or
asphalt, causing cracks and erosion. If this happens over the winter, the
cracking will be more severe as water freezes and expands in the cracks.
A catch
basin may not have been installed correctly when originally placed. A new owner
will most likely have no idea when or how a catch basin was installed, so it is
worthwhile to have the parking area and catch basin inspected for maintenance
issues after purchasing property. Issues like unlevelled pavement surrounding
the catch basin or sunken catch basins can be repaired quickly before there is
further damage.
Out-of-date
materials may also be to blame if a catch basin is cracking the pavement around
it. In the past, brick and mortar were used to create catch basins,—materials
that wear over time. If a visual inspection reveals that the catch basin is
collapsing inward, there is a good chance that salt has built up in the mortar
over time and bricks are crumbling. Modern catch basin materials usually
include pre-cast, steel-reinforced concrete modulock units and hydraulic
concrete.
Catch Basin Maintenance
It’s
important to take care of smaller problems before the problems become more costly.
Watch for broken asphalt and cracked grates or frames.
A quick
resurfacing can repair cracks, small holes, and general asphalt degradation
before the catch basin is damaged.
Sometimes
the asphalt around the catch basin will need to be replaced. Again, this smaller repair
is still less disruptive and less costly than replacing the entire basin itself.Repaving can take care of potholes or any elevated areas that aren’t draining
properly.
Cleaning
the catch basin area can help prevent damage. During or after rainy weather,
check to ensure that the basin isn’t clogged and the area is draining properly.
A backup could cause area flooding and serious damage to asphalt or even
buildings around the catch basin.
Also
inspect the pavement or concrete around the basin. If it isn’t level, there is
a chance proper drainage cannot occur. If a parking lot slopes down away from
the catch basin, then the basin is in the wrong place or the asphalt needs to
be leveled so the basin can do its job properly. Any slopes should lead gently
toward the basin so the area drains properly during rain and melting snow.
With proper
maintenance and monitoring, commercial catch basin repairs can be kept to a
minimum for your Toronto property. Contact us today and see how we can help maintain your parking lot.