Catch Basin
A catch basin is a container used to filter debris which enters drain systems
such as street sewers. The basin, which is nestled into the entrance of the
drain so that its top is flush with the surface, has two openings. One is for
entrance and one for exit, so that the filtered material (either water or air)
can pass through on into the drain while solid materials remain in the catch
basin. The top of the basin is typically slatted or barred while the other
opening protrudes from the side and is slatted with much smaller holes, so
that only the desired materials can pass. Catch basins are important in preventing
lake, river and water table pollution by stopping solid materials from clogging
the drain or dissolving there and creating organic silt which is hazardous
to the environment.
Catch basins can be designed to filter general solid waste or the smaller silts
and sediments which collect in stormwater. Other types of catch basins can
be found in gutters near lakes and ponds as well as in some home outside water
faucets, gutter systems, shower drains and heating vents, preventing solid
materials from blocking the drain or vent.
Basin manufacturing materials depend largely on the product's application,
but a few common catch basin materials are polymer concrete composite, concrete,
metal and high-density plastic. Construction, sewer and maintenance industries
depend on catch basins to prevent flooding and water contamination, and plastic
catch basins are among the most durable and easily maintained.