Why Sinking Catch Basins Put Your Parking Lot at Risk
Sinking catch basins are the most common trip hazard in Kenosha parking lots. If the steel frame and grate dip below the surrounding pavement, customers trip, carts tip, and water pools. That creates safety risks, ADA compliance issues, and liability exposure. The good news is that professional catch basin repair restores safety fast and protects your asphalt investment. Asphalt Contractors provides catch basin repair in Kenosha to stop sinking basins, the number one parking lot trip hazard. Protect customers, prevent liability, and restore safety. Book a free inspection today.
Asphalt Contractors Inc., based in Union Grove and serving Southeast Wisconsin, has repaired and rebuilt thousands of catch basins since 1979. We combine certified crews, in-house asphalt manufacturing, and proven repair methods to fix the problem at its source and extend pavement life. Whether you manage a retail plaza, medical campus, industrial yard, or HOA, our team makes your drainage system safe and reliable again.
What Is a Catch Basin and Why Do They Sink?
A catch basin, sometimes called a storm drain or inlet, collects runoff from your parking lot and directs it into the storm sewer. It is usually made of concrete blocks or a precast concrete box, topped with a steel frame and grate. When the structure shifts or the frame drops, the surrounding asphalt cracks and settles. That leads to a sunken ring around the grate and a clear trip edge.
Common Reasons Catch Basins Sink in Kenosha
- Repeated freeze and thaw cycles that loosen surrounding soils and base
- Heavy traffic loads from delivery trucks, buses, and plows near the inlet
- Insufficient base material or poor compaction during original construction
- Deteriorated mortar or crumbling brick inside the basin walls
- Broken concrete collars or shifted adjusting rings beneath the frame
- Improper drainage that causes soil washout and voids
- Snowplow strikes and salt exposure that weaken edges
- Utility trench settlement near the basin that undermines support
These issues rarely fix themselves. Without catch basin repair, the depression grows, the grate tilts, and the pavement edge breaks down further with each storm and winter season.
The Risks of Ignoring a Sinking Catch Basin
A small dip today becomes a major safety and drainage problem tomorrow. Here is what property managers in Kenosha see when they put off catch basin repair:
- Trip and fall incidents that threaten customer safety and increase liability
- ADA noncompliance due to abrupt level changes and ponding near accessible routes
- Accelerated asphalt failure around the inlet from water infiltration
- Ponding and ice buildup that block walkways, stalls, and loading areas
- Flooded entries and drive lanes during heavy rain that disrupt operations
- Structural collapse inside the basin that leads to costly emergency work
- Clogging and debris backups that reduce system capacity
Fast, professional catch basin repair eliminates the trip hazard and restores proper drainage. It also protects your recent paving investments by keeping water out of the subbase.
Signs Your Catch Basin Needs Repair
Walk your lot after a rain or snowmelt and look for these warning signs. If you spot one or more, schedule an inspection with Asphalt Contractors.
- A visibly sunken ring or dip around the grate
- Cracks, alligator patterns, or missing asphalt around the inlet
- A tilted frame or a loose, rattling grate
- Standing water that remains hours after rain ends
- Gaps between the steel frame and the surrounding pavement
- Voids or soft spots that cave in near the basin
- Broken mortar or shifting brick visible inside the basin walls
- Metal frame movement when a vehicle passes
How Professional Catch Basin Repair Works in Kenosha
Every property is different, but the process follows best practices that solve the root cause. Asphalt Contractors evaluates the structure, the base, and the surrounding pavement before recommending the right approach. Our team works around your hours to limit disruption, uses in-house asphalt mixes for a seamless tie-in, and follows local standards for long-lasting results.
Step-by-Step Catch Basin Repair
- Inspection and evaluation of the basin, frame, subbase, and surrounding asphalt
- Utility locating and traffic control setup for a safe work zone
- Precision saw cutting of the asphalt around the basin to create a clean edge
- Excavation of failed asphalt and unstable base materials
- Removal of the frame, grate, rings, and loose masonry as needed
- Structural rebuild or stabilization of the basin walls with new block, mortar, or a precast insert
- Installation of new adjusting rings or risers to set the frame at proper grade
- Placement of a reinforced concrete collar to lock the frame in place and prevent future settlement
- Compaction of graded base materials to support the repair area
- Asphalt patching or mill and overlay to blend the repair with existing pavement
- Sealing of joints to keep water out of the base and subgrade
- Cleanup, flow testing, and final safety check before reopening to traffic
This approach prevents the common failure where only the surface is patched while the frame and walls remain loose. By rebuilding and locking the structure with a proper collar, the repair lasts under real traffic and Wisconsin weather.
Repair Options We Use
- Frame and grate reset with a new concrete collar when structure is sound
- Adjusting ring replacement and grade correction for minor settlement
- Partial wall rebuild for cracked or missing masonry inside the basin
- Full reconstruction with a precast concrete structure for severe failures
- Frame casting replacement when the steel is damaged or warped
- Asphalt patch or mill and overlay around the basin for a smooth tie-in
- Riser installation to align the grate with a new overlay thickness
Timeline and Cost Factors
Most single basin repairs take one day or less, with traffic open the same day or the next morning depending on cure times. Multiple basins can be phased to keep your site operational. The final cost depends on:
- The extent of structural damage and needed rebuild
- The depth to the storm pipe and overall basin size
- Whether the frame, casting, or grate must be replaced
- Traffic control needs and after-hours scheduling
- Surface restoration type, from a patch to a larger overlay
- The number of basins repaired during one mobilization
Asphalt Contractors provides clear, written scopes so you know exactly what is included. Our in-house asphalt manufacturing in Union Grove helps keep material quality high and costs competitive.
Why Choose Asphalt Contractors for Catch Basin Repair
Asphalt Contractors Inc. has served Southeast Wisconsin since 1979. We are a full-service paving contractor with the people, equipment, and materials to do the job right the first time. Here is what sets our team apart in Kenosha:
- Decades of local experience with freeze-thaw and heavy traffic conditions
- Certified crews that specialize in drainage structures and ADA-sensitive repairs
- In-house asphalt manufacturing for consistent quality and fast turnaround
- Top-tier equipment including saws, compactors, pavers, and traffic control setups
- Ability to handle asphalt and concrete scopes under one roof
- Compliance with local and state specifications for long-term performance
- Proactive scheduling to minimize downtime for retail and industrial sites
- Service coverage across Kenosha, Racine, Walworth, Waukesha, and Milwaukee counties
Beyond catch basin repair, Asphalt Contractors offers asphalt paving, maintenance, milling and pulverizing, concrete construction, site preparation, specialty services, and crushing. Our team can tie your repair into a broader maintenance plan that includes crack sealing, sealcoating, and overlays, so your lot looks uniform and lasts longer.
Seasonal and Soil Considerations in Southeast Wisconsin
Kenosha properties face repeated freeze-thaw cycles that push and pull at pavement edges. Clay-rich soils hold water, which expands in winter and weakens the base. Deicing salts also accelerate corrosion at the frame and degrade mortar. Asphalt Contractors designs each catch basin repair with these factors in mind. We use proper base thickness, install reinforced concrete collars, compact in thin lifts, and seal joints to keep water out. When a lot needs additional drainage work, we can adjust slopes, add inlets, or mill and overlay to correct birdbaths that feed back toward the basin.
Preventive Maintenance to Keep Basins from Sinking Again
After a quality repair, a little upkeep goes a long way. Include these steps in your parking lot maintenance plan to prevent repeat settlement:
- Clean debris from catch basins and grates at least twice per year and after major storms
- Seal cracks near inlets to block water from reaching the base
- Sealcoat on a regular cycle to protect the surface from water and salt
- Train snowplow crews to avoid striking frames and to stack snow away from inlets
- Keep heavy dumpsters and delivery staging off weak edges near basins
- Repaint striping and ADA routes so pedestrians avoid ponding zones
- Schedule annual inspections with Asphalt Contractors to spot small issues early
- Consider a mill and overlay if widespread settlement or birdbaths exist
Frequently Asked Questions About Catch Basin Repair
Can you complete catch basin repair in winter?
Yes, with the right methods. We can perform emergency stabilization, concrete collar work with cold-weather controls, and asphalt patching using winter mixes when temperatures and specs allow. For best long-term results, many full repairs are scheduled in spring through fall. Asphalt Contractors will advise the best timing during your free inspection.
How long does a quality repair last?
When the structure is rebuilt as needed, the frame is locked with a reinforced concrete collar, and the base is well compacted, a catch basin repair can last 15 to 25 years or longer. Ongoing maintenance and proper drainage design help achieve the longest life.
Will my parking lot need to close?
Usually no. We isolate a compact work area and keep most stalls and lanes open. For busy retail or healthcare sites, Asphalt Contractors offers off-hours and phased scheduling. We can also provide temporary steel plates or alternate routes when needed.
Do you handle permits and utility locates?
Yes. Our team coordinates utility locates, obtains any required permits, and follows municipal and county standards. Safety and compliance are built into every project.
Do you repair concrete catch basins and replace frames?
Yes. We repair block and precast concrete basins, reset or replace frames and grates, and install new collars and adjusting rings. If the frame is damaged or the casting is outdated, we source the correct replacement so the grate sits flush with the finished grade.
What if water still ponds after the repair?
Sometimes grades around the basin are part of the problem. Asphalt Contractors can mill high spots and overlay to correct slope, add inlets in low areas, and fine-tune drainage. Our goal is to keep water moving off the surface and into a stable, long-lasting storm system.
A Proven Process for Safer Kenosha Parking Lots
Catching a sinking basin early saves money and prevents injuries. If you see a dip, hear a clunk when vehicles pass the grate, or notice standing water long after rain, call Asphalt Contractors for a quick assessment. Our team will identify the cause, recommend the right catch basin repair, and complete the work with minimal disruption. Because we manufacture our own asphalt and operate full-service paving and concrete crews, you get consistent quality from start to finish.
About Asphalt Contractors Inc.
Asphalt Contractors Inc., established in 1979, is a full-service paving contractor based in Union Grove, Wisconsin. We deliver high-quality asphalt and concrete solutions for residential and commercial clients. Our services include asphalt paving, maintenance, milling and pulverizing, concrete construction, site preparation, asphalt manufacturing, specialty services, and crushing. By producing our own asphalt, we control quality and pass savings to our customers. We serve Southeast Wisconsin, including Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Waukesha, and Milwaukee counties. Asphalt Contractors is dedicated to paving the way with innovation, reliability, and top-notch equipment that helps us finish jobs efficiently and to the highest standards.
Make Your Catch Basins Safe and Level Again
Do not let a sunken grate turn into an injury claim or a flooded entrance. Choose a contractor that understands local conditions and stands behind the work. Asphalt Contractors delivers durable catch basin repair, smooth asphalt tie-ins, and clean, safe work zones for Kenosha properties. Book a free inspection and get a clear plan to eliminate your number one parking lot trip hazard. Your customers will notice the difference, and your pavement will last longer.
