Why Toronto Properties Need Regular Catch-Basin Cleaning
Heavy rain, melting snow, and road salt all end up in the storm-water drains that protect Toronto streets, parking lots, and loading bays.
When a catch basin fills with sand, leaves, or sludge, storm water has nowhere to go—leading to ponding, pavement damage, and basement leaks. MT Drains & Plumbing has provided hydro-vac catch-basin cleaning across Toronto, Scarborough, Etobicoke, and North York since 1991, using powerful vacuum trucks and high-pressure drain-flushing equipment to keep systems clear and code-compliant.
Our Drainage Services
What Sets Our Hydro-Vac Service Apart
- 24/7 emergency response—ideal for flood-prone parking lots
- Vacuum truck & drain-flushing combo removes sediment, grit, and grease in one visit
- Licensed & insured technicians familiar with Toronto plumbing code
- Camera inspection offered on request to document basin and outlet condition
- Minimal surface disruption—no jackhammers, no long water shut-offs
Common Signs a Catch Basin Needs Cleaning
| Warning Sign | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Standing water after rain | Sediment is blocking the outlet pipe |
| Sewage or rotten-egg odour | Organic waste is decomposing in the sump |
| Mosquito activity | Stagnant water inside the basin |
| Sunken asphalt around grate | Undermined sub-base from long-term overflow |
| Gurgling storm drains indoors | Main storm line is partially obstructed |
If you notice any of these issues at your Toronto storefront, industrial yard, or condo parking garage, schedule a camera inspection before the next downpour.
Our Catch-Basin Cleaning Process
- Site assessment & safety setup – cones, flags, and traffic control if required.
- Grate removal & visual inspection – check for structural damage or root intrusion.
- Hydro-vac cleaning – a high-flow vacuum truck extracts sludge while a jet nozzle flushes the riser and outlet pipe.
- Camera confirmation – optional video verifies that the downstream storm line is clear.
- Disposal & reporting – collected material is hauled to an approved facility; you receive before/after photos and maintenance recommendations.
Looking for larger storm-water solutions? We also install French drains and provide sump-pump services for complete surface-water management.
Residential vs. Commercial Basin Cleaning
Residential
Typical properties
• Single-family homes, duplexes, small rental housesCommon issues
• Leaf build-up, road-salt sediment, small root intrusionService interval
• Every 2 – 3 years for most Toronto neighbourhoods
Commercial
Condo & apartment garages
• Sand, tire grit, motor-oil sludge → clean every 12 monthsRetail plazas & restaurants
• Grease, food waste, cigarette butts → clean every 6 – 12 monthsIndustrial yards & trucking depots
• Heavy sediment, fuel residue, steel shot → clean 2 – 4 times per year
Unsure where your issue is coming from? We use advanced inspection tools to identify the problem and recommend a long-term fix.
Benefits of Professional Hydro-Vac Cleaning
- Prevents costly asphalt & concrete repairs
- Reduces risk of basement flooding and liability claims
- Eliminates foul odours and mosquito breeding sites
- Keeps storm-water infrastructure compliant with insurance and municipal requirements
- Extends service life of downstream storm lines and manholes
Mechanic & Car Wash Drainage Specialists
Oil-soaked grit, detergents, and high-volume rinse water overwhelm ordinary drains fast. That’s why busy shops and wash tunnels across the GTA rely on MT Drains to keep floors dry and operations moving.
What we do for you
- Hydro-Vac Cleaning – We vacuum out sludge and sand during off-peak hours, so you never close a bay.
- Trench-Drain Flushing – High-pressure jetting clears soap scum and debris before it hardens.
- Oil-Water Separator Service – Scheduled pump-outs prevent fines and keep you compliant.
- Grate & Collar Repairs – We reset or replace damaged frames to handle heavy vehicle loads.
- 24/7 Flood Response – Rapid de-watering crews stop unexpected backups from turning into downtime.
With detailed service reports for insurers and municipal inspectors, drainage maintenance becomes one less thing you have to worry about.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a parking-lot catch basin be pumped?
Most Toronto lots schedule annual service; high-traffic fuel or food locations may need cleaning twice a year.
What is hydro-vac cleaning?
A combo of high-pressure water jetting and industrial suction that removes compacted sludge without damaging the basin structure.
Can you clean basins inside underground garages?
Yes—our low-clearance vacuum units fit most Toronto condo garages.
Do you offer camera inspections?
We can run a drain camera through the outlet to document condition and confirm downstream flow.
Will the service interrupt my business?
Typical cleaning takes 30–45 minutes per basin. We can work after hours to avoid customer disruption.
