Professional Catch Basin & Storm Drain Cleaning Services
Protect your property from stormwater runoff and standing water
A catch basin is a type of storm drain designed to capture water runoff from parking lots, street curbs, and roadways to prevent flooding. These drains not only collect water, but also debris, organic material, and pollutants. This helps maintain water quality in local waterways.
Each catch basin has a sump area where dirt and debris settle. The dirt accumulates over time and needs to be removed so the catch basin can continue working properly. Without regular cleaning, these drainage structures can become clogged, leading to standing water, property damage, and stormwater pollution.
Rules and regulations for catch basin maintenance
The rules and regulations for cleaning catch basins vary by city. Depending on where your property is located, you may be required to inspect and/or clean your catch basins on a regular basis. We will work with you to ensure that the maintenance plan for your stormwater system meets the standards and guidelines for your area.
Compliance Note: Many municipalities now require regular catch basin cleaning to prevent pollutants from entering storm sewers and the sanitary sewer system. Some locations may require hazardous waste determination of removed sediment. Non-compliance can result in significant fines.
How we clean catch basins & storm drains
We clean catch basins using specialized equipment, including clamshell trucks or vactor trucks:
Clamshell Truck Cleaning
A clamshell truck gets its name from the large claw on the front that scoops out dirt from the catch basin. While these trucks may not remove 100% of the dirt and debris, many of our property owners choose this method. It’s cost-effective for regular maintenance while still providing sufficient cleaning. However, your city or area may require that a vactor truck be used.
Vactor Truck Cleaning
Our vactor truck provides thorough cleaning of your storm drain system. Its powerful vacuum and specialized equipment allow for the complete removal of dirt, debris, and sediment from the basin and outflow pipe. This method ensures optimal water flow and is often required by municipalities for storm drain cleaning in areas with strict stormwater pollution regulations.
Compliance Note: Vactor trucks cost more to run than clamshell trucks and take longer to complete a job. However, some cities require that a vactor truck be used to achieve a more thorough cleaning.
Our Regular Maintenance Programs
Based on your local area’s guidelines and your specific needs, we’ll develop a regular catch basin cleaning schedule for your property. We track your maintenance requirements so you don’t have to worry about when to clean your storm drains. This preventive approach helps avoid costly emergency services.
Why choose John's for catch basin cleaning?
- Complete Debris Removal - When we clean a catch basin, we take all sediment and debris with us for proper disposal. Many competitors leave this on your property in garbage bags for you to handle.
- Clean Outflow Pipes - We don't just clean the basin—we can also check the outflow pipe to ensure proper water flow through your entire drainage system.
- Regulatory Compliance - We understand local requirements and help ensure your stormwater system stays compliant with environmental regulations.
- Scheduled Maintenance - We track your cleaning schedule so you don't have to worry about it.
- Flooding Prevention - Regular catch basin maintenance prevents water damage to your parking lot and property.
- Additional Services - We offer complete stormwater system maintenance, including sewer line inspection and cleaning as needed.
