Catch Basin Installation in Palm Beach County, Florida
Professional catch basin and area drain installation throughout Palm Beach County and surrounding South Florida areas. Thum Co. Contractors installs storm drainage catch basins, area drains, and inlet structures that collect surface water runoff from driveways, parking lots, streets, and low-lying areas, preventing flooding and managing stormwater properly.
Our catch basin installation team serves West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, and surrounding areas. We work from engineered plans or design appropriate drainage solutions, installing catch basins that protect properties from South Florida’s heavy rainfall.
Call (561) 366-2050 for a free catch basin installation estimate in Palm Beach County.
What Are Catch Basins?
Catch basins are underground drainage structures that collect surface water and direct it into storm drainage pipes. They consist of a precast concrete or polymer box with a grated top opening, a sump area below the outlet pipe that traps sediment and debris, and a connection to underground storm drainage systems.
These structures are essential throughout Palm Beach County where afternoon thunderstorms dump several inches of rain in hours. Without proper collection points, surface water pools on driveways, floods parking lots, erodes landscaping, and creates hazardous conditions.
Catch basins solve these problems by:
- Collecting surface runoff before it accumulates
- Filtering debris and sediment from stormwater
- Directing water into underground drainage systems
- Preventing erosion and flooding
- Managing runoff from impervious surfaces
Types of Catch Basins and Drains We Install
Standard Catch Basins
Precast concrete structures with internal sumps (typically 18-24 inches deep) below the outlet pipe elevation. The sump traps sediment, preventing it from entering storm pipes and clogging downstream systems.
Standard catch basins work for most applications—residential driveways, parking lot drainage, street inlets, and general stormwater collection throughout Palm Beach County.
Area Drains
Smaller drainage inlets without significant sump capacity, often using polymer or plastic boxes rather than concrete. Area drains collect water from concentrated flow areas—driveway low points, walkway depressions, or landscape collection points.
We install area drains where lighter-duty drainage is needed or where space constraints prevent full catch basin installation.
Trench Drains
Linear drainage inlets using slotted or grated channel drains that collect water along their length. Trench drains work well across driveways, garage entrances, loading docks, or anywhere sheet flow needs collection along a line rather than at a point.
We install trench drain systems throughout Palm Beach County for both residential and commercial applications requiring linear water collection.
Curb Inlets
Catch basins integrated into curbs, collecting street and parking lot runoff. Curb inlets include openings in the curb face allowing water entry at street level.
Commercial parking lots and street drainage throughout South Florida use curb inlets extensively for stormwater management.
Yard Drains and Pop-Up Emitters
Drainage inlets in landscape areas that collect surface water from yards and green spaces. These range from simple grated drains to pop-up emitters that sit flush when not draining but rise under water pressure.
We install yard drainage throughout Palm Beach County residential properties to eliminate standing water and manage landscape runoff.
Catch Basin Components
Grate or Cover: The visible surface component—typically cast iron, ductile iron, or polymer grating that allows water entry while preventing large debris and providing safe surface coverage.
Riser Sections: Concrete rings or polymer extensions that bring the catch basin to finish grade elevation. Risers adjust basin depth to match surface elevations.
Basin Body: The main concrete or polymer structure providing the collection chamber. Standard residential basins are typically 18-24 inches in diameter; commercial basins can be much larger.
Sump: The bottom portion of the basin below the outlet pipe that allows sediment settling. Sumps trap debris preventing storm pipe clogging.
Outlet Connection: Pipe connection(s) that direct collected water to storm drainage systems, exfiltration trenches, or other discharge methods.
Optional Filter Inserts: Removable filter baskets or inserts that trap additional sediment, oils, and pollutants, improving stormwater quality.
Catch Basin Installation Process
1. Location Planning We determine optimal catch basin locations based on drainage patterns, low points, water flow direction, and connection to drainage systems. Proper placement is critical for effective drainage throughout Palm Beach County properties.
2. Excavation Using excavators or hand digging, we excavate holes sized for the catch basin plus pipe connections. Excavation depth accounts for basin dimensions, sump depth, pipe connections, and finish grade requirements.
3. Base Preparation We prepare stable bases for catch basins—compacted stone or concrete bases depending on soil conditions and load requirements. Proper base prevents settling and maintains basin alignment.
4. Basin Installation We set precast basins or assemble polymer units, ensuring proper elevation and level placement. Basins must sit level for effective drainage and proper grate seating.
5. Pipe Connections Storm pipes connect to basin outlets using proper watertight connections. We ensure appropriate slope for drainage and secure connections preventing leaks or separation.
6. Backfill and Compaction We backfill around basins with suitable material, compacting in lifts to prevent settling. Proper backfill supports basins and maintains long-term stability.
7. Final Grading and Grate Installation We grade surrounding surfaces to direct water toward catch basins, install grates at proper elevations, and ensure finished surfaces drain correctly.
Applications for Catch Basins
Residential Driveway Drainage
Catch basins at driveway low points prevent water accumulation that damages pavement and creates hazards. We install drains that collect runoff and direct it to appropriate discharge points throughout Palm Beach County residential properties.
Parking Lot Drainage
Commercial parking lots require catch basins at strategic locations to prevent ponding that damages asphalt and creates liability issues. We design and install comprehensive parking lot drainage systems.
Yard and Landscape Drainage
Low areas in yards that flood after rain need drainage collection points. Catch basins or area drains collect this water, connecting to French drains, exfiltration systems, or other drainage infrastructure.
Pool Deck and Patio Drainage
Water accumulating on pool decks, patios, and hardscaped areas needs collection to prevent standing water and drainage toward structures. We install drains that manage runoff from these areas.
Garage and Building Entry Drainage
Trench drains or catch basins at garage entrances and building entries prevent water from flowing into structures during heavy rainfall.
Connecting Catch Basins to Drainage Systems
Catch basins are collection points—they must connect to systems that handle collected water:
Storm Drain Pipe Systems: Underground pipes carry water to discharge points, exfiltration systems, retention areas, or connections to municipal storm systems.
Exfiltration Trenches: In areas without storm system access, catch basins connect to exfiltration trenches that infiltrate water on-site.
French Drains: Smaller residential applications sometimes connect catch basins to French drain systems for dispersed drainage.
Retention/Detention: Larger commercial sites may connect catch basins to retention ponds or detention systems managing stormwater per regulatory requirements.
We design complete systems—not just isolated catch basins—ensuring collected water has proper discharge throughout Palm Beach County.
Maintenance Requirements
Catch basins require periodic maintenance for long-term function:
Sump Cleaning: Sediment accumulates in sumps over time. Regular cleaning (annually or as needed) maintains capacity and prevents outlet clogging.
Grate Clearing: Leaves, debris, and trash can block grates reducing drainage capacity. Clearing grates maintains proper water entry.
Filter Insert Replacement: If using filter inserts, periodic replacement maintains water quality improvement and prevents flow restriction.
Pipe Inspection: Checking outlet pipes ensures proper drainage and identifies any blockages or damage requiring attention.
Properly installed catch basins with regular maintenance function effectively for decades throughout South Florida.
Sizing and Design Considerations
Drainage Area: The area contributing runoff determines catch basin size and capacity needed.
Rainfall Intensity: South Florida’s intense rainfall requires adequate catch basin capacity and grate opening area to handle peak flows.
Pipe Sizing: Outlet pipes must be sized appropriately to convey collected water without backing up into basins.
Grate Selection: Grate type and size affect water entry capacity. We select grates appropriate for location and expected flow.
For residential projects, we design appropriate drainage solutions. Larger commercial applications typically require civil engineering design.
Permits and Regulations
Small residential catch basin installations often don’t require permits. Commercial applications, work in rights-of-way, or projects involving connections to existing storm systems typically need approval from Palm Beach County or local municipalities.
We advise on permit requirements and handle applications when necessary for projects throughout South Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does catch basin installation cost? Residential catch basin installation typically ranges $800-$2,500 per basin including excavation, basin, pipe connection, and restoration. Costs vary based on basin size, depth, pipe work required, and site conditions. Contact us at (561) 366-2050 for a specific quote.
How deep are catch basins installed? Depth depends on drainage system requirements. Residential installations typically range 24-48 inches deep. Commercial applications may be deeper based on pipe elevations and capacity requirements.
Can catch basins solve my yard flooding? Catch basins are part of drainage solutions. They collect water but must connect to systems that discharge it properly—storm pipes, exfiltration trenches, or other drainage infrastructure. We design complete solutions for yard flooding throughout Palm Beach County.
How often do catch basins need cleaning? Frequency depends on debris accumulation. Residential basins typically need cleaning every 1-3 years. Commercial parking lot basins may need annual or more frequent cleaning based on sediment loads.
What size catch basin do I need? Size depends on drainage area, expected flow, and downstream pipe capacity. Residential applications typically use 18-24 inch diameter basins. Commercial applications may need larger structures based on engineering requirements.
Can you install catch basins in existing driveways? Yes, we cut and remove pavement sections, install catch basins, and restore surfaces around installations. This retrofits drainage into existing driveways throughout Palm Beach County.
Do catch basins prevent street flooding? Properly sized and placed catch basins significantly reduce street and driveway flooding by collecting runoff before it accumulates. Capacity must match rainfall intensity and drainage area.
Where does water from catch basins go? Water flows through connected storm pipes to discharge points—swales, retention areas, exfiltration systems, or connections to existing storm infrastructure. We ensure proper discharge throughout Palm Beach County installations.
Related Services
Catch basin installation often involves additional work:
- Storm Drain Installation – Complete stormwater systems
- Exfiltration Trench Installation – Underground infiltration
- Excavation & Site Work – Site grading
Get Your Catch Basin Installation Estimate
Ready to install catch basins in Palm Beach County? Contact Thum Co. Contractors for professional drainage solutions.
Call (561) 366-2050 for catch basin installation.
Thum Co. Contractors 468 Tall Pines Rd. West Palm Beach, FL 33415
Licensed building contractors providing catch basin installation throughout Palm Beach County and surrounding South Florida areas since 2017.