Serving Chicagoland Since 1993

Catch Basin Cleaning and Repair in Northbrook, IL

When a catch basin fills with leaves and silt, storm water stops draining and starts pooling against the house. We clean, repair and camera catch basins for Northbrook homeowners from our headquarters on Techny Road.

Cast iron catch basin grate at the edge of an asphalt driveway, partly covered with fallen leaves next to a landscaped garden bed
Diagram of a catch basin showing the inlet grate, water line, sediment settling in the sump and the outlet pipe carrying water away
The Basics

What Does a Catch Basin Do?

A catch basin is a box buried at a low spot in the yard or driveway, with a grate on top and a pipe leading out. Rain and runoff flow in, sand and debris settle to the bottom, and the water leaves through the outlet pipe. When the bottom fills up, debris reaches the outlet and water stops leaving. We clean the basin, clear the outlet and repair basins that have cracked or shifted.

Know the Signs

Signs Your Catch Basin Needs Service

In Northbrook, catch basin trouble usually shows up during the first big storm of the season:

Puddles That Last Into the Next Day

Standing water around the grate long after the rain stops means the outlet is blocked.

Water Running Toward the House

A full basin sends driveway and yard water the wrong way, toward the foundation.

A Grate Full of Leaves and Seeds

Fall leaves and spring seeds pile up on the grate and wash in with every storm.

A Sinking or Tilted Grate

Ground settling around the basin points to a cracked or collapsing structure.

Local Knowledge

Catch Basins on Northbrook Properties

Northbrook has had its share of standing water. On May 21, 2018, heavy rain left high water at the Willow and Shermer underpass and on stretches of Waukegan and Dundee roads. That September, the Middle Fork of the Chicago River rose over its banks and closed Lake Cook Road at Northbrook Court.

Big Lots, Lots of Runoff

Wide lots with long driveways collect a lot of water. A catch basin at the bottom of the driveway or a low spot in the yard is often the only thing moving it away from the garage and house.

Mature Trees, Fuller Basins

Postwar blocks have some of the biggest trees in town. Their leaves and seeds fill catch basins faster than you'd expect, so basins under big trees may need cleaning every year.

Protecting the Basement

A blocked basin pushes surface water toward the foundation, and from there into the basement. If water is already getting in, see basement flooding.

The J. Blanton Difference

What Happens When You Call J. Blanton

We find out why the water isn't draining before we recommend anything.

1. Inspect the Basin and Outlet

We check the basin, the grate and the outlet pipe. If the pipe is the problem, we put a camera in it.

2. Clean or Repair, Honestly

Most basins just need cleaning. If the structure is cracked or collapsing, we'll show you and explain the repair.

3. A Flat Price First

You get a flat-rate price before any work begins.

773-724-9272
J. Blanton plumber in shoe covers on a home's front steps with a sewer camera
Customer Stories

Customer Reviews

4.7 stars from 5,669+ Google reviews across all J. Blanton locations.

"J Blanton came in in short notice to complete a job that needed to be done right away. The technician was thorough, answered all of my questions, and recommended some preventative steps we could take going forward. Job well done!"

cubsfan
Verified Customer

"Unbelievable service and knowledge! Took the time to break down the issue and explain in a way where I felt comfortable moving forward. The work was done with no issues and they even filled me in on some work that would be needed in the future. All of this, and I only called to schedule two days before!"

Justin Jackson
Verified Customer
Got Questions?

Catch Basin Questions From Northbrook Homeowners

Once a year under big trees, less often in open yards. Clean it before spring storms.

Basins under mature trees often need cleaning every year, ideally after the leaves drop in fall or before spring storms. Basins in open yards can go longer. If water stands around the grate after rain, it's time.

Yes. A blocked basin can send water toward the foundation.

It can. When the basin can't drain, water pools in the yard or along the foundation and finds its way into the basement. Keeping it clear is one of the simplest ways to move storm water away from the house.

They can, if the basin and outlet are sized for it. They should never drain into the sanitary sewer.

They can, if the basin and its outlet pipe are big enough to take the roof runoff. What they should never do is drain into the sanitary sewer, since that adds storm water to the line that carries your wastewater. We'll check how yours are connected.

It depends on cleaning versus repair. You get a flat price before any work begins.

It depends on whether the basin needs a cleaning, an outlet pipe cleared or structural repair, and how easy it is to reach. We give you a flat-rate price before any work begins.

Annual Protection Plan

Join the No Drip Club

Most plumbing problems start small. The No Drip Club brings a J. Blanton plumber to your home for regular maintenance, so small issues get caught before they turn into big repairs.

  • Two Free Professional Maintenance Visits per Year
  • 10% Discount on All General Plumbing & Sewer Services
  • 5-Year Parts and Labor Warranty on Approved Projects
  • VIP Priority Scheduling Status (Skip the Queue)
Learn More About the No Drip Club
No Drip Club mascot: an illustrated J. Blanton plumber holding a red pipe wrench
What We Fix

Plumbing Services in Northbrook

J. Blanton plumbers working a sewer lining machine connected to the cleanout at a residential sewer repair

Sewer Repair

Tree roots, cracked clay pipe and repeat backups in the line from your house to the street.

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J. Blanton plumber checking the controls at the base of a basement water heater

Water Heaters

Repair and replacement for tank and tankless water heaters that leak, make noise or run out of hot water too fast.

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Plumber feeding a drain cleaning cable into an outdoor drain pit to clear a clogged line

Drain Cleaning

Slow or clogged kitchen, bathroom and basement drains, cleared and checked.

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J. Blanton plumber in branded red leather gloves installing a new chrome faucet on a white bathroom sink with an adjustable wrench

Faucets & Fixtures

Leaky faucets, worn-out shut-off valves and new kitchen and bathroom fixture installs.

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J. Blanton plumber working on the wiring of a basement sump pump pit

Sump Pumps

Sump pump repair, replacement and battery backups for heavy rain and spring snowmelt.

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Gas fireplace log set with the gas valve and burner line visible under the grate

Gas Lines & Fireplaces

Gas line repair, leak detection and gas fireplace service.

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Local Office, 24/7 Phone

Water Pooling in the Yard? Let's Get It Draining.

Our Northbrook office is at 1945 Techny Road, Suite 11, and our phone line is open 24/7.

We also serve Glenview, Northfield, Deerfield, Wheeling, Prospect Heights, Lincolnshire, Winnetka and more.

Call Now: 773-724-9272
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