Catch basins play a quiet but crucial role in protecting your property from flooding and water damage. Tucked under grates on streets, driveways, and parking lots, these stormwater traps help control runoff by capturing debris before it flows into the city’s drainage system.
But here’s the catch: when a catch basin is clogged, the problems don’t stay underground. Water backs up. Pavement cracks. Bad smells bubble up. And if you’re in Toronto, where snowmelt and heavy rains hit hard, you can’t afford to ignore the warning signs.
In this blog, we’re walking through the top signs your catch basin is clogged and needs cleaning, what causes these issues, and why acting early saves money, protects your property, and avoids fines.
1. Standing Water Around Grates or Pavement
If you notice water pooling near the catch basin after rainfall—or worse, sticking around long after the storm’s passed—it’s usually the first red flag. A working catch basin should allow water to flow freely.
Problem: Sediment, garbage, and leaves block the inlet grate and trap water at the surface.
Risk: Pooling water increases the chance of slips, concrete damage, mosquito breeding, and ice patches in winter.
Solution: Book a catch basin vacuum cleaning in Toronto to fully remove debris and restore flow fast.
2. Foul Odours Near the Catch Basin
A healthy catch basin should be odourless. If it starts to smell like sewage or rot, it likely means organic material is trapped and rotting inside the basin.
Problem: Accumulated sludge, garbage, and stagnant water breed bacteria and attract pests.
Risk: Unpleasant for residents and dangerous for businesses where customer perception matters.
Solution: A deep catch basin pumping and proper sediment disposal clear the source of the smell and restore cleanliness.
3. Overflowing or Gurgling During Rainfall
During heavy rain, is your catch basin overflowing instead of draining? Or is it making gurgling noises? That’s the basin telling you it’s overwhelmed or blocked deeper down.
Problem: Internal blockage or backed-up piping downstream prevents normal flow.
Risk: Can cause basement flooding, water ingress into underground garages, and even sewer backup.
Solution: Schedule a catch basin inspection and maintenance service to assess and clean the entire system, not just the surface level.
4. Visible Debris or Trash at the Surface
If you can visibly see dirt, leaves, wrappers, or cigarette butts stuck in the grate or floating in the water, the catch basin has already lost efficiency.
Problem: Debris acts as a plug and reduces flow.
Risk: Over time, this clogs the entire drainage network and increases sediment load.
Solution: Storm drain cleaning helps tackle surface and subsurface clogging, especially ahead of seasonal changes in Toronto.
5. Water Damage on Nearby Walls or Pavement
Noticing water stains, cracks, or moss growth near the catch basin? That’s often caused by slow drainage and prolonged moisture exposure.
Problem: Excess water weakens structures and penetrates foundation cracks.
Risk: Accelerated surface deterioration, freeze-thaw cycle damage, and costly repairs down the road.
Solution: Combine basin cleaning with a full underground garage cleaning or area drain cleaning for best protection.
What Causes a Catch Basin to Clog?
Catch basins trap sediment, trash, and other pollutants. But they fill up fast during seasonal rains, snowmelt, and urban runoff—especially in high-traffic or tree-covered areas.
Common causes include:
- Construction dust and grit
- Leaves and branches from nearby trees
- Oil, grease, or food waste runoff (especially near restaurants—read how grease affects drains)
- Sand, rock salt, and snow debris in winter
- Garbage or litter from parking lots and sidewalks
This makes routine maintenance a must, not an option.
For more info, check our post on how often you should clean your catch basin.
Why Cleaning Your Catch Basin Isn’t a DIY Job
You can’t fix what you can’t reach. Catch basins need vacuum trucks, hydro jets, and experienced techs to do the job right.
Aqua Team uses:
- Hydro Vac trucks to vacuum out debris quickly
- High-pressure jetting tools for tough clogs
- Compact units for tight underground spaces
- Certified crew trained in municipal compliance and safety
If you’re in Toronto or the GTA, we’ll come to you, fast. Book your catch basin cleaning today.
Who Needs Catch Basin Cleaning in Toronto?
If you own or manage any of the following, you’re likely responsible for keeping catch basins clear:
- Commercial plazas & retail properties
- Condominium and apartment buildings
- Underground parking lots
- Municipal and school properties
- Residential driveways in older areas
Keeping these systems flowing helps avoid backups, costly repairs, and even city penalties.
Related Aqua Team Services You Might Need
Because one drain problem often leads to another, here are services we offer that pair well with catch basin cleaning:
- Kitchen Stack Cleaning
- Area Drain Cleaning
- Drain Pipe Replacement
- Winter Drain Damage Prevention
- Garage Power Washing
Final Thoughts
Your catch basin isn’t just a hole in the ground. It’s your first line of defence against Toronto’s wet weather and urban runoff. If you’ve spotted any of the signs above, don’t wait for the next downpour to find out the hard way.
Call Aqua Team today at 647-831-3538 or visit our Contact Page to schedule a full inspection and cleaning.
Our experienced, reliable team will ensure that your drainage system is running like clockwork, no matter the season.
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