Over the past couple years we have posted several articles discussing catch basins and catch basin installation. More specifically, we have found ourselves focusing on the broad selection of catch basin products for yard and downspoutdrainage manufactured by National Diversified Sales (NDS).
This article is devoted to one of my favorite NDS catch basin products called the Next Generation Basin, or 1200 NGB. The 1200 NGB is a unique 12” x 12” catch basin that allows you to adjust the invert elevations of the catch basin without changing elevation at grade (at the grating). No other residential grade catch basin has this feature!
Take a look at the 1200 NGB catch basin kit (above), which contains two open adjustable wall panels. The round openings in the basin’s wall panels are specifically designed to accept one of NDS’s universal outlets. So, not only are the inverts for the 1200 NGB adjustable, but it can fit a variety of piping options, too. In the photo below, a 1243 pipe adapter is shown alongside a panel wall.
If only one outlet is needed for the catch basin, the 1266 plug adapter can be inserted to seal up the wall. NDS also offers a solid wall panel (or plug side) can be inserted to close the open side (see photo below). Still, the plug side does offer a knock-out for a pipe adapter if you later change your mind about having an outlet at that location.
The 1200 NGB system was developed to make catch basin installation easier and more convenient. You can see in the photo below that it has three snap off side-outlet options, each changing the slope of drainage slightly. The lowest setting eliminates most sitting water from the basin, leaving less room for a sump to catch debris but draining the quickest. The center setting is the standard and connects with the middle of the catch basin. The highest setting gives the catch basin more elevation for drainage that needs to travel a longer distance. Depending on the situation, each of these outlets can be just what is needed to complete the job.
The 1200 NGB basin also gives you options in bottom discharging. In the bottom of every basin is an adapter knock-out (similar to the plug side knock-out), which can attach to solid a PVC pipe that feeds off your drainage system. By attaching the bottom outlet to a perforated pipe, you can create a leaching system uses storm water to recharge the ground water. Small “weep hole” knock-outs are also located in the bottom corners of the catch basin for those who are just trying to rid the basin of standing water.
The fourth option offered by the Next Generation Catch Basin is a total bottom cut-out, which allows the maximum amount of storm water to be put back into the ground. As the ground becomes saturated, excess water reaches the pipe elevation and is taken away in the drainage system. Though this option maximizes the water that remains on site – a popular choice among those interested in water sustainability – it is not the best option next to home foundations.
One of the best things about the 1200 NGB system, though, is the amount of grating options available for it. Standard plastic grating comes in 4 colors: black, sand, green and gray. Also, there are bronze, brass, galvanized steel and cast iron options. Below are examples of the standard slotted cast iron grating (left) and the black plastic grating (right).
Other ornamental cast iron grating options are manufactured by Iron Age Designs are also available for this catch basin. Below are four gorgeous patterns that are popular in patio and downspout catch basins. Clockwise from the upper left, the pattern names are Interlaken, Locust, Sun and Oblio.
These grates fit perfectly with the 1200 NGB. What makes the designs so fantastic is how each one incorporates a different image of nature into what would otherwise be a simple work of cast iron. The Interlaken Grate on the top left has a beautiful yet strict design; it must be a representation of the solid form of earth. On the top right, the Locust Grate provides a breezier feel; the leaf patterns soften the harshness of the material until it seems to flow. With the grate pictured on the bottom left, the Oblio Grate, you can get a sense of water in the concentric circles; the grate is reflecting the distorted surface of water during a rain. At the bottom right, the Sun Grate exudes warmth and intensity; the sun seems to pop out of the plain background of circles. Consider painting this grate in bright colors prior to installation.
Thanks for stopping by our blog to learn about the Next Generation Basin, the catch basin that does what no other residential basin can do!
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