Hydrovac Catch Basin and Storm Drain Cleaning
7-step process guide with equipment, safety, and cost information.
Catch basin cleaning using hydrovac equipment combines high-pressure water jetting with powerful vacuum to remove accumulated sediment, debris, and standing water from storm drainage structures. While dedicated combination sewer cleaning trucks are the primary equipment for this work, hydrovac trucks with sufficient vacuum power can efficiently perform catch basin cleaning as a secondary application.
Municipal public works departments, private property managers, and environmental compliance teams use catch basin cleaning to maintain stormwater system capacity and prevent pollutant discharge into waterways. Regular cleaning prevents flooding from clogged drains and helps meet NPDES stormwater permit requirements.
Hydrovac catch basin cleaning is especially useful when the cleaning operation is combined with other excavation work in the same area, allowing one piece of equipment to serve multiple purposes. The sealed debris tank provides contained disposal of materials that may contain pollutants regulated under stormwater permits.
Step-by-Step Process
Inspection
Remove catch basin grates and visually inspect the structure condition, sediment depth, and any structural damage that needs repair before cleaning.
Water Removal
Vacuum standing water from the catch basin. This reveals the sediment level and allows more efficient cleaning of the bottom material.
Sediment Removal
Use the vacuum to remove accumulated sediment, sand, gravel, leaves, and debris from the basin floor and sump area.
Wall Cleaning
Direct the water jet at the basin walls and shelves to dislodge adhered material. Vacuum the loosened material from the structure.
Pipe Flushing
Flush inlet and outlet pipes to clear any obstructions and restore full flow capacity through the drainage system.
Final Inspection
Inspect the cleaned structure for cracks, joint separation, or other damage. Document the condition and note any repairs needed.
Disposal
Transport collected material to an approved disposal facility. Catch basin cleanings may require special handling if contaminant testing indicates regulated material.
Equipment Recommendations
- Hydrovac truck with high-flow vacuum capability
- Flat-tip nozzle for scrubbing basin walls and floors
- Manhole hooks and grate lifting tools
- Traffic control equipment for work in roadways
- Confined space ventilation equipment if worker entry is required
Safety Considerations
- ⚠Treat all catch basins as confined spaces — never enter without proper procedures
- ⚠Use traffic control when working in roadways and parking areas
- ⚠Wear appropriate PPE for contact with stormwater debris
- ⚠Be aware of hydrogen sulfide and other hazardous atmospheres
- ⚠Follow proper disposal procedures for potentially contaminated sediment
Cost Factors
- ●Number of catch basins per mobilization
- ●Depth of sediment accumulation
- ●Basin size and configuration
- ●Disposal requirements for collected material
- ●Traffic control requirements for basin locations
- ●Frequency of cleaning (annual, semi-annual, or as-needed)
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