Understanding Catch Basins
Catch basins — also known as storm drain inlets or curb drain inlets — play a vital role in preventing debris from entering the drainage system. They collect surface water from parking lots, driveways, and roadways, filtering out sediment, leaves, trash, and other material before it reaches the underground storm sewer network. Without functioning catch basins, water pools on the surface, flooding becomes frequent, and pollutants flow directly into local waterways.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Regular catch basin cleaning is essential to maintain sewer system functionality and prevent pollutants from entering waterways. Over time, catch basins accumulate sediment, gravel, leaves, oil residue, and other debris. When a basin reaches capacity, water can no longer drain effectively — leading to surface flooding, property damage, and environmental contamination. Ontario municipalities require property owners to maintain functional drainage infrastructure, and failure to do so can result in fines and liability issues.
Our Cleaning Process
Catch basin cleaning involves the removal of accumulated debris using specialized equipment. Our trained technicians use vacuum trucks (vactor trucks) equipped with powerful suction and high-pressure water jetting to completely clear each basin. The process is thorough, efficient, and designed to minimize disruption to your property operations.
Power Flushing
Power flushing combines heating systems with water and vigorous cleansing agents delivered at high velocity but low pressure. This technique prevents damage to aging infrastructure while effectively breaking up compacted debris, grease buildup, and sediment that has solidified over time. It is especially effective for basins that have not been serviced in years.
Vactor Flushing
Our vactor trucks are equipped with powerful vacuum lines that pump out water, sludge, and debris from catch basins and storm drains. This prevents flooding, erosion, and property damage by restoring full drainage capacity. Vactor flushing is the industry standard for commercial and municipal catch basin maintenance, capable of handling even the most severely clogged systems.
Vacuum Extraction
Vacuum extraction uses advanced suction technology to remove all loosened material from the basin and connected piping. This ensures proper channeling of rainwater into the storm sewer system and away from your property. Combined with hydro jetting, vacuum extraction delivers a complete clean that restores basins to full operational capacity.
Vehicle Facility Drainage Solutions
Operating a facility where vehicles move, idle, or get washed means your catch basins face far harsher conditions than a typical commercial property. Oil, grease, fuel runoff, road salt, brake dust, and heavy grit all accelerate buildup and create blockages that standard maintenance schedules cannot keep up with.
Problems We Solve for Mechanics & Car Washes
- Heavy sludge and grit accumulation causing recurring backups
- Oil, grease, and fuel runoff requiring proper containment and disposal
- Traffic load damage including cracked frames and shifted grates
- Rapid water surges during storms overwhelming under-maintained drains
- Compliance issues with municipal environmental regulations
How MT Catch Basin Protects Your Operation
- Scheduled hydro vac cleaning tailored to your facility's usage
- On-site inspections with detailed reporting for your records
- Structural repairs including frame re-setting and grate replacement
- Oil-water separator servicing to maintain compliance
- 24/7 emergency flood response when storms hit
One of our clients — a trucking repair shop in Vaughan — was experiencing monthly shutdowns due to flooded service bays. After implementing a scheduled maintenance plan with MT Catch Basin, their facility has remained dry through multiple storm seasons, saving them hours of lost labour and thousands in emergency repairs.
