Stop pooling, odours, and slip hazards in parkades and lots with a simple drainage plan: catch basin cleaning, sump flushing, and scheduled inspections. Call (604) 805-SUCK (7825).

Atmospheric rivers, king tides, and steady coastal rain put constant pressure on drainage systems. When catch basins, trench drains, and sumps load up with grit and organics, water has nowhere to go. Pooling starts, odours creep in, and concrete takes a beating.

Key insights

• Clean drainage is the cheapest insurance against slab damage and tenant complaints.
• Catch basins and sumps need routine vacuum cleaning to perform.
• Small cracks and ponding become bigger costs if you wait for “next season.”
• A quarterly inspection catches issues before they interrupt operations.

Common symptoms property managers flag

• Ponding near stall lines or door thresholds
• Slow drains and gurgling after rainfall
• Musty odours and residue lines on walls or columns
• Oil sheen and debris at grates
• Repeated slip complaints in the same area

What to maintain (and when)

Catch basins:
Vacuum out sediment, leaves, and trash. Check grate integrity and outlet pipes.
Frequency: Semi-annual minimum; quarterly in heavy-use or treed sites.

Sumps & pits:
Flush and vacuum to restore volume. Inspect pumps, floats, and check valves.
Frequency: Semi-annual; increase before/after storm season.

Trench drains:
Remove captured fines, pressure-wash channels, reset loose grates.
Frequency: Semi-annual; quarterly in high-traffic entries.

Oil interceptors:
Vacuum and dispose per regs. Skim and inspect baffles.
Frequency: As required by loading; quarterly to semi-annual is common.

A simple prevention checklist

• Clear leaves weekly in the fall.
• Schedule vac-clean for basins, trenches, and sumps at least twice a year.
• Add a pre-storm inspection each October.
• Repair low spots that trap meltwater by entries and ramps.
• Post a spill response plan; interceptors only work if maintained.

FAQs

Why does the same spot always pond?
Usually a low area from settlement plus a nearby clogged basin. Clean, then regrade if needed.

Can you work in low-clearance parkades?
Yes. Lo-Vac runs low-profile equipment and hose extensions for tight access.

Do you take the waste off-site?
Yes. Sediment and liquids are hauled and disposed of at approved facilities.

Let’s keep your parkade dry and safe.
Book a maintenance clean or a quick inspection: (604) 805-SUCK (7825).