Professional Storm Drain & Catch Basin Cleaning Services
A catch basin is a type of storm drain built to capture stormwater runoff from parking lots, street curbs, and roadways to prevent flooding. These drainage systems also trap sediment, debris, and organic material that would otherwise wash into local waterways.
Our technicians have handled catch basin cleaning services across the greater Boston area since 1976.
Our goal? To be at your door within 2 hours of your call.
Rules and Regulations for Catch Basin Maintenance
The rules for cleaning catch basins vary by city, and depending on where your property sits, you may be required to inspect or clean your basin on a set schedule. Our team will work with you to build a maintenance plan for your stormwater system that meets local standards and keeps your site in good standing.
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 steep fines.
How We Clean Catch Basins & Storm Drains
We clean catch basins with specialized equipment, using either a clamshell truck or a vactor truck depending on the job and local requirements.
Clamshell Truck Cleaning
A clamshell truck gets its name from the large claw on the front that scoops dirt out of the catch basin. This method may not remove 100% of the debris, but many property owners choose it for routine catch basin cleaning. It is cost-effective for regular maintenance and still provides solid results, though your city may require a vactor truck for certain jobs.
Vactor Truck Cleaning
Our vactor truck delivers thorough cleaning of your storm drain system. Its high-powered vacuum and high-pressure water fully remove dirt, debris, and sediment from the basin and outflow pipe. This method supports proper drainage and is often required by cities for storm drain cleaning at industrial sites or under strict stormwater pollution rules.
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 guidelines and the needs of your property, we build a regular catch basin cleaning schedule for your site. We track your maintenance requirements so you do not have to worry about when to clean your storm drains. This proactive approach helps prevent debris buildup, protects local water quality, and reduces the need for costly emergency service calls. Every maintenance plan is shaped around the stormwater infrastructure on your property.
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 the material on your property in garbage bags for you to handle.
- Clean Outflow Pipes - We do not just clean the basin. We can also check the outflow pipe to confirm proper water flow through your entire drainage system.
- Regulatory Compliance - We know local requirements and help you keep your stormwater system compliant with environmental regulations.
- Scheduled Maintenance - We track your cleaning schedule so you can focus on running your commercial property.
- Flooding Prevention - Regular catch basin maintenance prevents water damage to your parking lot and property.
- Additional Services - Our team offers full stormwater system maintenance, including sewer line inspection and cleaning as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most commercial properties benefit from an annual cleaning at minimum, though sites with heavy debris loads, high-traffic parking lots, or nearby construction may need more frequent visits. Your local municipality may also set the cleaning cadence for you.
A storm drain is the broader stormwater system that carries runoff away from streets and properties. A catch basin is a specific type of storm drain with a sump area at the bottom that traps sediment and debris before water flows into the storm sewer.
Yes. Catch basins can look fine from the surface while sediment quietly builds up in the sump. Routine catch basin cleaning prevents backups during heavy rain events, protects your underground piping, and keeps you in line with local stormwater pollution rules.
Skipping regular catch basin cleaning can lead to clogs, standing water, property damage, and stormwater pollution. Debris buildup also forces water to back up into parking lots and buildings during heavy rain events, which creates safety hazards and costly repairs for the property owner.
Yes. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and a live person is always ready to take your call. We aim to be at your property within 2 hours to clear the basin and get your drainage system moving again.
Reach Out to John's Sewer
At John’s Sewer & Drain Cleaning, we are proud to serve business owners and property managers with our stormwater management and drain cleaning and sewer services. If you’re interested in catch basin cleaning services, get in touch with the John’s Sewer team to discuss your options.
