Prepare your property for atmospheric rivers in Metro Vancouver. Use this 48-hour drainage checklist: catch basin cleaning, sump checks, and emergency contacts. Call (604) 805-SUCK (7825).

Atmospheric rivers bring intense rainfall that can overwhelm even healthy drainage systems. If catch basins, trench drains, and sumps are partly blocked, that surge turns into ponding, odours, and door-threshold flooding. Here’s a simple two-day plan facilities teams use to stay ahead of the weather.

48 hours before the storm

• Walk the site: Flag any ponding spots, low areas by entries, and known “problem drains.”
• Clear grate faces: Remove leaves, cups, and litter from catch basins and trench drains.
• Check sumps: Confirm pump power, floats, and alarms. Note any unusual odours or noise.
• Call in a vac clean if needed: If basins are half full of grit or sumps are sludged, schedule a quick vacuum and flush.

24 hours before

• Move obstructions: Don’t let pallets, bins, or parked equipment block drain paths.
• Protect door thresholds: Sandbag or add temporary ramps where water historically crosses.
• Confirm contacts: Keep your 24/7 emergency number handy: (604) 805-SUCK (7825).

During heavy rain

• Spot-check entries and ramps: Keep grate faces visible. Remove leaves as they arrive.
• Watch stairwells and elevator pits: These flood fast if their drains are covered.
• Log issues: Short notes and photos help you fix root causes later.

First clear break in the weather

• Vac out loaded basins and trench channels: They fill with fines during surges.
• Flush sumps: Restore volume and check for sand build-up at inlets.
• Inspect oil interceptors: Heavy rain can push hydrocarbons toward grates; maintain to prevent odours.

FAQs

What’s the #1 failure point during big storms?
Covered or silted catch basins. They look fine from the top but are full below the grate.

Can you support low-clearance parkades?
Yes. Lo-Vac runs low-profile gear and hose extensions to service tight spaces.

Do you haul away storm slurry?
Yes. We vacuum and dispose of liquids and solids at approved facilities per municipal rules.

Need help before or during the next system?
Book a preventative clean or call for an emergency response: (604) 805-SUCK (7825).