Catch Basins and Curb Inlets
Catch basins and curb inlets must be cleaned periodically to effectively trap sediment and allow stormwater to flow into your facility. Catch basins and curb inlets protect your facility by trapping sediment and debris. They are the first part of your facility and need regular maintenance to remove material. Maintaining your catch basin or curb inlet may require a confined space permit.
Where to find it:
Find these features outside of your facility. You may have more than one. Caution: inlets are often located roadside or in parking lots. Take traffic safety measures.
When to maintain it:
Maintain in late spring and again in late fall when sediment levels are greater than 60% of the sump depth, or as directed by your local jurisdiction.
What you'll need:
- gloves
- safety gear if working in traffic
- lid puller
- up to a 10' pole to measure sediment
- post-hole digger, shovel or wet-dry vac
- buckets lined with trash bags
Call a professional if your catch basin is too deep to be reached with these tools. Find professionals here.
Step 1
Use a lid puller to remove lid and set aside. Caution: lid is heavy - use proper lifting technique or call a professional.
Step 2
Mark 6” increments on a pole or stick and use it to measure sediment depth in the sump, from the floor to the bottom of the outlet pipe.
Step 3
If sediment is 60% or more of the sump depth (see diagram above) it's time to clean out the catch basin to remove sediment.
Step 4
Bag the sediment and dispose in regular trash. CAUTION: sediment may be contaminated - DO NOT put in yard debris cart or compost.
Maintenance sheets
Facilities commonly associated with catch basins and curb inlets:
Detention Pond
Wetpond
Swale
Treatment Wetland
Infiltration Basin