Storm Drain & Catch Basin Cleaning in Alexandria, VA

Private property owners in Alexandria are responsible for maintaining and cleaning catch basins and stormwater laterals on their own lots. The City maintains public storm sewer structures, but private drainage is the owner's obligation.

Standing water that drains slowly after rain, foul odors near the inlet, or visible sediment and debris at the grate are clear signs your catch basin needs cleaning. A full sump or blocked outlet pipe will prevent the basin from doing its job during the next storm.

Yes, a clean catch basin captures and moves surface runoff away from your structure before it pools near the foundation. In Alexandria, where intense storms regularly overwhelm drainage systems, keeping your private inlets clear reduces the volume of water that can work toward your basement.

We remove accumulated sediment, leaf and organic debris, oil residue, and other material from the basin sump and inlet throat. We also check the outlet pipe and basin walls for visible damage during the cleaning visit.

Yes, a blocked or overflowing catch basin allows runoff carrying oil, pet waste, fertilizer, and other pollutants to bypass the drainage system and reach local waterways. Alexandria's storm drains flow untreated to streams like Cameron Run and ultimately the Potomac River.

Commercial properties with large paved surfaces, parking lots, or high vehicle traffic typically accumulate sediment and oil faster than residential lots. More impervious surface means more runoff volume and more debris entering the basin with each rain event.