West Seattle replace broken catch basin

Homeowner’s Issue

West Seattle yards are a different animal. We get long, soggy winters (Nov–Mar) and short, dry summers — that cycle punches old catch basins hard. Many properties here sit on dense glacial till and compacted silty loam, so water doesn’t soak in quickly; it either backs up at the surface or overloads failing drains. Add steep driveways near Admiral and Fauntleroy, shaded north-facing corners around The Junction, and sea spray at Alki, and you’ve got a recipe for cracks, displaced grates, and clogged sumps.

Common signs local homeowners see: slow-draining puddles after a half-inch rain, sinkage near driveway edges, roots breaking plastic chambers, and moss or algae standing where water pools. HOAs and neighbors around Lincoln Park expect tidy curbs and functioning drains — a broken basin looks bad and risks more costly sidewalk or foundation work. We approach each job with Seattle’s seasons and regulations in mind: no herbicides, organic methods for weed control, and attention to street runoff rules so stormwater heads to the right place without carrying sediment to the Duwamish or Puget Sound.

Our Quality Service

We diagnose the basin issue, choose sustainable materials, and replace the unit so it lasts through West Seattle winters. Typical steps: site assessment, careful excavation (hand work near utilities), new basin installation, connection to existing piping, and compaction with clean backfill. We use drainage fabric, crushed rock, and protected inlets to reduce future clogging.

Tools and methods: mini-excavator when access allows, vibrating plate compactor, hand tools for root work, and sediment control measures for street-safe runoff. Timeline: most single-basin jobs finish in a half-day; complex runs with rerouting or steep slopes may take a full day. We schedule around rainy windows when possible and avoid work that would create muddy hazards. All work uses sustainable practices — no herbicides — and we offer organic weed control and native plant options for restored areas.

Benefits: safer walks and driveways, improved curb appeal, reduced mosquito/mold risk, and a low‑maintenance outcome that meets local stormwater expectations.

What’s Included

• Full inspection and photographic assessment.
• Excavation and safe removal of the old basin.
• Installation of a new catch basin sized to match existing flow.
• Connection to existing drainage piping or new tie-in where required.
• Backfill with compacted structural fill and top dressing to match site.
• Site cleanup and haul-away of debris.

Options / upgrades:

• Drainage fabric underlay and gravel sump (recommended).
• Organic weed control and hand-pulling of ivy and invasive roots.
• Rain garden conversion or native groundcover planting with species like sword fern and Oregon grape.
• Haul-away to transfer station vs. sorting for Seattle Green Bin where applicable.
• Heavy-duty grate or ADA-compliant inlet replacements.

Before & After / Expectations

Expect noise and a small excavation area for the day. We try to keep disruption minimal, but you’ll see displaced soil, disturbed mulch, and some equipment on site. Access: we need clear vehicle access near the work zone for materials and debris removal; tight alleys or steep driveways may require extra time or handwork.

Aftercare tips for West Seattle:

• Summer: water new backfill lightly for the first 2 weeks only if we install plantings; otherwise, autumn rains usually settle soil.
• Watch spring and fall for renewed weed pressure; treat with hand removal and organic mulch.
• In shaded lawns, expect moss to reappear where drainage stays poor — improving flow cuts moss pressure.
• English ivy and vinca are rampant on slopes — removal is manual and best done before regrading.
• Check grates twice yearly (early winter, late spring) and remove leaf buildup.

FAQs

• How long until my yard is usable?
  Most jobs reopen to foot traffic the same evening; vehicles after compaction and 24–48 hours depending on conditions.

• Do you use chemicals to control weeds around drains?
  No. We use mechanical removal, organic options, and mulches only — no herbicides.

• What about permits?
  Minor replacements usually don’t need permits; if we alter curb connections or regrade storm lines, we’ll advise on Seattle Public Utilities rules and help specify permit needs.

• Can you avoid disturbing mature trees?
  Yes. We hand-excavate near root zones and recommend root pruning only when necessary, following best practices.

• What if the basin connects to a clogged city line?
  We can inspect and determine responsibility. If it’s a city issue, we document and advise next steps; we’ll repair private-side connections as part of the job.

Call to Action

If you’re in West Seattle and tired of standing water, get a straightforward estimate. We book quickly, work sustainably, and leave your property ready for rain. Email neatandtidyseattle@gmail.com or call/text 206-538-9344 for a free quote and scheduling. Free onsite estimates, photos welcomed for faster answers. Licensed and local — we know West Seattle drainage.