EcoBloc
Maintenance & Inspection
Protect the long-term performance of your stormwater system. GRAF EcoBloc Inspect SMART is designed with built-in channels for CCTV inspection and high-pressure cleaning through planned access points.
Illustrative product diagram. Refer to GRAF drawings for exact geometry.
EcoBloc Inspect SMARTProtect your underground stormwater investment
Runoff can carry silt, leaves and debris into a drainage network. A practical maintenance program helps identify buildup early and keeps the complete system working as designed.
Preserve storage capacity
Detect accumulated sediment and debris that may reduce usable volume or restrict flow through the reservoir.
Keep water moving
Check upstream pretreatment, inlets, outlets and flow-control structures for obstruction or reduced performance.
Plan long-term care
Record inspection findings, address developing issues and schedule cleaning based on actual site conditions.
Conceptual illustration. Actual access and reservoir layouts vary by project.
Built for inspection. Ready for maintenance.
EcoBloc Inspect SMART combines efficient underground storage with integrated inspection corridors. Specify suitable shafts and pretreatment at the design stage to make future inspection and cleaning practical.
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Internal inspection channelsDesigned for compatible camera equipment to assess internal conditions.
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High-pressure cleaning accessSuitable cleaning equipment can reach designated channels when sediment removal is needed.
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Modular stormwater storageAdapt the underground reservoir to approved detention or infiltration designs.
Five steps for routine inspection and care
Maintenance should follow your approved site plan and GRAF's current instructions. The sequence below is a practical overview for the complete underground stormwater system.
Check pretreatment
Inspect catch basins, filters and sedimentation chambers. Remove collected debris before it reaches the reservoir.
Inspect access points
Check accessible shafts, inlet and outlet pipes and flow-control components for blockage, sediment or damage.
Use a CCTV camera
Inspect the designated EcoBloc channels with compatible equipment. Record buildup and any visible changes.
Clean when needed
Have qualified contractors use manufacturer-compatible high-pressure jetting where the inspection identifies a need.
Document the results
Keep dates, inspection footage and cleaning records. Update the maintenance plan based on site conditions.
Inspection and cleaning should be performed by trained contractors using suitable equipment. Apply confined-space assessment and safety controls wherever required. Do not enter underground structures without authorization and appropriate procedures.
How often should an EcoBloc system be maintained?
The inspection interval depends on upstream pretreatment and sediment loading. The table below summarizes GRAF's recommended intervals for attenuation / detention systems. Use the site-specific engineering plan for infiltration systems and local requirements.
| Upstream treatment | Reservoir inspection | Reservoir cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| No upstream filtration or sedimentation | Every year | About every 24 months, adjusted for sediment loading |
| Upstream sedimentation | Every year | As needed, based on inspection findings |
| Functioning upstream filtration and sedimentation | Every 5 years under GRAF's baseline guidance | Not normally needed if both pretreatment stages work and are maintained correctly |
Source: GRAF EcoBloc Inspect SMART maintenance manual, Table 2 (PDF). These are manufacturer recommendations for attenuation systems, not universal municipal inspection requirements. Maintain pretreatment separately to its own schedule.
Inspect sooner when conditions warrant. Major storm events, unexpected standing water, backflow, visible sediment or changes in discharge may justify an additional inspection. Confirm all intervals against the approved operations and maintenance plan.
What should your maintenance contractor check?
Use these points to prepare an inspection scope and document the condition of your stormwater installation.
Resources for planning and maintenance
Use manufacturer guidance alongside your project's approved drawings and municipal requirements.
Official maintenance manual
GRAF's inspection, cleaning and recommended maintenance intervals for EcoBloc Inspect SMART.
Open manufacturer PDF ↗EcoBloc Inspect SMART
Explore the GRAF model 402500 module, performance features and product specifications.
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Get help with system planning, access components and product-related questions.
Explore support →EcoBloc maintenance FAQ
Answers to common inspection, cleaning and long-term system care questions.
Can EcoBloc Inspect SMART be cleaned without excavation?
Yes, its integrated inspection channels support high-pressure cleaning through suitable access shafts when the system has been designed and installed for maintenance access. Cleaning reach depends on the approved layout and equipment.
Can I inspect an EcoBloc system using a CCTV camera?
EcoBloc Inspect SMART includes internal inspection channels designed for compatible camera equipment. A qualified contractor should select the appropriate camera and access route for your installed system.
Does the entire underground reservoir need regular cleaning?
Not necessarily. Frequency depends on sediment loading, pretreatment and the inspection results. Properly maintained upstream filtration and sedimentation can substantially reduce the need to clean the reservoir itself.
What are the signs that an EcoBloc system needs attention?
Unexpected ponding, slow drainage, backflow, visible sediment in access shafts or blocked inlet and outlet structures should trigger investigation. The cause may be upstream equipment rather than the modules themselves.
Is maintenance different for infiltration and detention systems?
Yes. Detention systems rely on available storage and controlled discharge, while infiltration systems also depend on soil permeability and the condition of their infiltration interfaces. Follow the approved operations and maintenance plan for your exact application.
Does BARR Plastics perform onsite inspections or cleaning?
BARR Plastics supplies EcoBloc Inspect SMART and provides product-related technical guidance. Physical CCTV inspection and high-pressure cleaning should be arranged with a qualified drainage maintenance contractor.
Need an inspectable stormwater solution for your project?
Specify GRAF EcoBloc Inspect SMART. Tell BARR Plastics about your site, storage requirements and planned access so our team can help you explore a suitable system.