A catch basin is a grated surface inlet that collects standing water or runoff and routes it through underground pipe to a discharge point. They work well in low spots where water consistently pools at the surface — often in combination with french drains for a complete drainage system.

Sherman is home to Austin College, one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Texas, founded in 1849, and the tree-lined streets around the historic campus carry some of the city's oldest housing stock, on infrastructure that predates even the area's early-1900s rail and manufacturing boom. Sherman sits near the Texoma region's namesake Lake Texoma, though the lake itself sits far enough north along the Red River that its influence on in-town Sherman drainage is more indirect than the lake-adjacent DFW suburbs closer to Dallas. Loy Lake, a smaller reservoir just outside town, has a more direct localized effect on nearby neighborhoods' groundwater. Grayson County's Blackland clay here is real but slightly less severe than the deep black gumbo found in Collin and Dallas counties to the south.

Catch Basins vs. French Drains

A french drain intercepts subsurface water as it moves through the soil. A catch basin captures water that has already surfaced and pooled. Many drainage systems in Grayson County use both: french drains to intercept groundwater flow, and catch basins at surface low points where water concentrates. Together, they handle both the subsurface and surface components of the drainage problem.

Installation and Maintenance

The basin gets set at grade level, connected to underground PVC pipe with proper slope, and routed to a suitable outlet. Catch basins require periodic cleaning as leaves, silt, and debris accumulate over time — your contractor will walk you through the maintenance routine after installation.

Have Questions?

We're happy to walk through your situation before you commit. Call us and we'll tell you honestly whether a french drain is the right solution for what you're dealing with.

Call (254) 269-7540

This content is reviewed by the Texas French Drains editorial team and informed by licensed-contractor sourcing, manufacturer documentation, and established industry standards for Drainage. Read our editorial standards.