Moderate to Low. This project requires specialized equipment for excavation, precise grading, and a thorough understanding of plumbing and storm drainage codes, including local frost depth requirements. Professional installation is highly recommended to ensure proper function, longevity, and code compliance.
Requires careful planning for site drainage, significant excavation, adherence to strict frost depth requirements (42 inches), proper connection to the storm sewer system, and precise grading and soil compaction for long-term performance.
Project Guidelines & Rules
General Requirements & Permitting
4 Rules
Obtain all necessary permits from your local municipality prior to commencing any excavation or construction.
Illinois Plumbing Code (890.110); 2024 IRC R105.1; Local Building Department Ordinances
Verify the precise location of all underground utilities by contacting JULIE (811) at least 48 hours prior to any excavation.
Illinois Underground Utility Facilities Damage Prevention Act (220 ILCS 50); 2024 IRC R105.1
Submit a detailed site plan demonstrating the proposed catch basin location, connection to the storm sewer system, and final grading contours.
2024 IRC R106.1; Local Building Department Requirements
Implement adequate erosion and sediment control measures on site before any earth disturbance.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Guidelines; Local Stormwater Ordinances
Site Preparation & Excavation
4 Rules
Excavation depth must sufficiently accommodate the catch basin, all drainage piping, and ensure the invert of the outlet pipe is below the prescribed frost depth.
2024 IRC P3302.1; Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1100(c); DuPage County Frost Depth (42 inches minimum cover)
All excavations exceeding 5 feet in depth or in unstable soil conditions must be properly shored, sloped, or otherwise protected in accordance with OSHA standards.
OSHA 29 CFR 1926, Subpart P; 2024 IRC R301.1
The base of the excavation for the catch basin must be stable, level, and thoroughly compacted. A minimum 6-inch granular base (e.g., compacted crushed stone) is required.
2024 IRC P3302.1; Industry Best Practice; Local Engineering Standards
Protect all existing structures, landscaping, and adjacent utilities throughout the excavation process.
2024 IRC R105.1; Good Engineering Practice
Catch Basin Specifications
4 Rules
Catch basins shall be constructed of approved, durable, and corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., precast concrete, HDPE, fiberglass) suitable for long-term underground use.
2024 IRC P3301.2; Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1100(b)
All pipe connections to and from the catch basin must be sealed watertight to prevent infiltration and exfiltration.
2024 IRC P3301.2; Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1100(e)
Basin grates must be designed for the anticipated traffic load (e.g., pedestrian, light vehicle, heavy vehicle) and sized to effectively capture stormwater while minimizing debris entry.
2024 IRC P3301.2; Local Stormwater Ordinances; Industry Standard
The basin sump (area below the invert of the outlet pipe) shall be of adequate depth to collect sediment, typically a minimum of 12 inches for residential applications.
Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1100(b); Local Engineering Standards
Piping & Drainage
5 Rules
All storm drainage piping connected to or from the catch basin must maintain a minimum slope of 1/8 inch per foot (1%) for sizes 3 to 6 inches, or as otherwise specified by engineering design for larger diameters.
Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1100(c); 2024 IRC P3303.1
Drainage piping material must be approved for underground storm drainage applications (e.g., PVC SDR-35, Schedule 40 PVC, corrugated HDPE with smooth interior).
2024 IRC P3304.1; Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1100(d)
All storm drainage piping must be installed with its invert below the DuPage County frost depth of 42 inches.
2024 IRC P2603.6; Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1100(c); DuPage County Frost Depth (42 inches)
Connections to municipal storm sewers require prior approval from the local public works department and strict adherence to their specific connection standards and specifications.
Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1100(a); Local Municipal Standards
Properly sized and located cleanouts shall be installed as required to allow for maintenance and clearing of the drainage lines.
Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1100(j)
Installation & Backfill
4 Rules
The catch basin must be installed level and plumb on its prepared and compacted granular base.
2024 IRC P3302.1; Manufacturer's Installation Instructions
Backfill material around the catch basin and piping shall be clean, granular fill, free of large rocks, organic matter, or construction debris.
2024 IRC P2603.5; Industry Best Practice
Backfill must be placed in compacted lifts, not exceeding 12 inches, to prevent future settlement and ensure proper support for the basin and drainage lines.
2024 IRC R404.1.7 (principles apply); Industry Best Practice
Final grading around the catch basin must ensure positive drainage away from any structures and effectively direct surface water into the basin, preventing ponding.
2024 IRC R401.3; Local Stormwater Ordinances
Frost Protection (DuPage County Specific)
2 Rules
All storm drainage pipes and the bottom of the catch basin must be installed at a depth that ensures the invert of the pipe is below the DuPage County 42-inch frost line.
2024 IRC P2603.6 (Protection against freezing); Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1100(c); DuPage County Regional Standard (42 inches)
Any portion of the catch basin or connected piping that could be subject to frost heave must be specifically protected or designed to accommodate potential ground movement.
2024 IRC R403.1.4 (principles apply); Engineering Judgment
Inspections
3 Rules
A rough-in inspection is required for excavated trenches, installed piping, and the catch basin prior to any backfilling.
2024 IRC R109.1.4; Illinois Plumbing Code
A final inspection must be requested after all backfill, final grading, and site restoration work is complete.
2024 IRC R109.1.5; Local Building Department Requirements
Pressure or flow tests for storm drainage systems may be required as determined by the local building department or plumbing inspector.
Illinois Plumbing Code 890.1910
Electrical Considerations
2 Rules
A standard, passive catch basin installation typically has no direct electrical requirements.
2023 NEC - Not Applicable
Should any electrical components (e.g., pumps, sensors, heat trace for grates) be integrated into the catch basin system, all wiring and equipment installation must conform to the 2023 NEC.
2023 NEC Articles 300 (Wiring Methods), 430 (Motors), and other relevant articles based on equipment type.
