What it is
A catch basin (also called a yard drain or area drain) is a grated box or round inlet set at the lowest point where surface water collects. Solid pipe carries the water from the basin to an outlet such as a pop-up emitter, ditch, sump or curb outlet where allowed.
Catch basins handle water that runs across the surface. Many basins have a sump below the outlet pipe that traps debris so it can be cleaned out instead of clogging the line.
When it is a good fit
- A low spot where water ponds after every rain
- Water collecting in a side yard, patio corner or at the base of a slope
- Areas where downspout water or neighbor runoff collects on the surface
- Lawns where regrading alone cannot create enough fall
When something else may work better
- Soil that stays soggy with no surface water (a French drain may fit better)
- Low spots with no way to pipe water lower than the inlet, unless a sump pump is added
How it is usually installed
- Find the true low point and confirm a legal outlet lower than the basin
- Excavate for the basin and the pipe trench, keeping a steady slope
- Set the basin level and at the right height for the surrounding grade
- Connect solid pipe and fittings to the outlet
- Backfill, compact and restore the surface so water flows into the grate
- Test with water
Every property is different. A drainage professional confirms the design onsite. Call 811 before any digging.
What a drainage professional checks first
- The size of the area draining to the basin
- Pipe size and slope to the outlet
- Whether the grate must handle foot traffic or vehicles
- Debris sources such as trees, mulch and soil
- Outlet rules from the city, HOA or drainage district
Maintenance
- Clear leaves and grass clippings from the grate
- Remove debris from the basin sump
- Check the outlet after heavy storms
What affects the cost
Pricing pending verification
Drainage.net does not publish prices until they have been checked against sourced data. See what drives the cost of catch basins and yard drains, or request an onsite evaluation for a real quote.
Problems this can help with
Example drainage photos
Photos show drainage work in progress and are included for illustration only. They are general examples, not customer reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my catch basin overflow?
The outlet pipe may be clogged, crushed, undersized or too flat, or the basin may be collecting more water than it was designed for. See catch basin overflowing.
Where can a catch basin drain to?
It depends on the property and local rules. Common outlets are a pop-up emitter in a lower part of the yard, a ditch, a sump, or a curb outlet where the city allows it. Always confirm before tying into a street or storm system.
This page is educational and does not replace an onsite evaluation. Conditions, codes and HOA rules vary by property.