Guide
Signs Your Catch Basin Needs Immediate Cleaning
Catch basins sit quietly under your parking lot grates until the first heavy rain — then you find out whether they have been maintained. A clogged catch basin means standing water, pavement damage, and liability from slip hazards. Here is how to spot the warning signs before the next storm.
Standing water after light rain
If water pools in your lot after a light shower, the catch basin is not draining. Sediment, leaves, and debris have filled the basin and restricted flow.
This is the most obvious sign and the easiest to fix — but only if you act before the next major storm.
Odours and visible debris
Foul smells from parking lot drains and visible trash or sediment at the grate opening mean the basin needs attention. Grease from parked vehicles and restaurant runoff accelerates buildup.
Regular vacuum cleaning removes sediment before it hardens and becomes harder to clear.
When to call for service
Schedule catch basin cleaning at least twice a year — before spring runoff and before winter freeze. Properties with heavy tree cover or high traffic may need quarterly service.
Grease Guard Pros cleans commercial catch basins and connected storm drains across Canada. Call us before the next storm, not after.
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs a catch basin needs cleaning?
Standing water in your parking lot after light rain, slow drainage during storms, visible debris at the grate, and foul odours from drains are all warning signs.
How often should catch basins be cleaned?
Commercial properties should clean catch basins at least twice a year — before spring runoff and before winter. High-traffic lots may need quarterly service.
Can a clogged catch basin damage my parking lot?
Yes. Standing water accelerates pavement deterioration, creates slip hazards, and can cause foundation moisture problems in adjacent buildings.