Catch Pit and Interceptor Cleaning in West Sussex
Keep your drainage systems working efficiently and protect the environment with professional interceptor and catch pit cleaning from Steel Drains. We provide reliable cleaning services across West Sussex and surrounding areas, removing built-up silt, oil, and debris to prevent blockages, flooding, and pollution.
Protect Your Drains and the Environment
With Professional Catch Pit and Interceptor Cleaning Services
Catch pits and interceptors are essential for managing surface water and preventing harmful substances from entering the drainage network. Without regular maintenance, these systems can become blocked or fail, leading to costly damage and potential environmental harm.
Steel Drains offers a complete cleaning service to ensure your containment systems remain effective and compliant. Whether for a commercial site, industrial yard, or residential development, we help keep your drainage clear, safe, and operating as it should.
Free no obligation quote!
No job too big or small, simply fill in the form below and we’ll give you a call to discuss your requirements.
What Are Catch Pits and Interceptors?
Purpose and Function
Catch pits and interceptors are designed to trap and separate contaminants from surface or wastewater before it enters the main drainage system. Catch pits typically collect silt, leaves, and solid debris, while interceptors (such as oil or petrol separators) are used to capture hydrocarbons, grease, and other pollutants.
These systems are commonly found on forecourts, car parks, commercial yards, wash bays, and road networks, anywhere where runoff may contain oil, fuel, or waste.
Why Cleaning Is Essential
Over time, catch pits and interceptors accumulate a significant amount of waste. If left unchecked, this build-up can lead to:
- Reduced capacity
- Flow restrictions and flooding
- Overflow of pollutants into the environment
- Non-compliance with environmental regulations
Regular cleaning ensures your system continues to operate as designed, protecting both your infrastructure and the environment.
Why Choose Steel Drains?
Professional, reliable, and fully compliant emergency Pollution and Flood Response services
Experienced Interceptor Cleaning Team
Our engineers are trained in all aspects of interceptor and catch pit cleaning, including confined space work, hydrocarbon removal, and safe waste handling. We have experience working on forecourts, commercial yards, industrial estates, and public highways.
Fully Compliant with UK Regulations
Steel Drains is a licensed waste carrier, operating in line with Environment Agency guidance, Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPG3), and the Environmental Permitting Regulations. We ensure every aspect of your waste disposal and documentation is handled correctly.
Serving All Sectors
We work with a wide range of clients, including local authorities, petrol stations, haulage depots, retail parks, agricultural sites, and private landowners. Whether you need one-off cleaning or regular maintenance, we’re ready to help.
Our Catch Pit and Interceptor Cleaning Service
Jet Vac and Confined Space Access
We use high-powered jet vac tankers to remove waste from catch pits and interceptors quickly and efficiently. Whether located in a yard, car park, or industrial site, our equipment allows us to clear silt, oil, fuel residue, and debris, even in hard-to-reach or confined spaces.
Our trained operatives follow safe working procedures, including confined space entry protocols where required.
Licensed Waste Removal
Steel Drains is a registered waste carrier with the Environment Agency. All waste collected from your interceptors or catch pits is transported to authorised treatment facilities. We ensure every job is carried out responsibly, legally, and with full traceability.
Full Reporting and Service Records
Following each visit, we provide waste transfer documentation, volume data, and service records. This ensures you stay compliant with UK environmental regulations and can demonstrate your Duty of Care under waste legislation and ISO standards.
How Often Should You Clean a Catch Pit or Interceptor?
The recommended frequency for cleaning depends on the size of the system, the type of site, and the volume of waste it receives. However, for most commercial and industrial settings, a cleaning schedule of every six months is considered best practice.
Sites with high vehicle traffic, oil handling, or exposure to heavy rainfall may require more frequent servicing.
We can help you establish a suitable maintenance plan based on your site’s usage, ensuring ongoing compliance with environmental regulations and avoiding unexpected blockages or overflows.
Free no obligation quote!
No job too big or small, simply fill in the form below and we’ll give you a call to discuss your requirements.
Book Catch Pit or Interceptor Cleaning Today
Keep your drainage systems clear, compliant, and functioning as they should. Whether you are managing a commercial site, industrial facility, or private property, Steel Drains offers reliable catch pit and interceptor cleaning across West Sussex and surrounding areas.
We respond quickly, work safely, and provide full documentation for your records. Contact us today to arrange a one-off clean or discuss a tailored maintenance schedule.
- 01903 259 487
- 07946 061 074
- office@steeldrains.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a catch pit and an interceptor?
A catch pit collects silt, debris, and solid waste from surface water before it enters the drainage system. An interceptor (also called a separator) traps oils, fuels, and hydrocarbons to prevent pollution.
How often should catch pits and interceptors be cleaned?
Most sites benefit from cleaning every six months. However, high-risk or high-traffic areas may need more frequent servicing depending on the volume and type of waste collected.
What happens if I don’t clean my interceptor or catch pit?
Lack of maintenance can lead to blockages, system failure, flooding, or environmental contamination — potentially resulting in costly repairs or fines for non-compliance.
Do you provide waste documentation?
Yes. We issue waste transfer notes and service reports for every job, supporting your Duty of Care obligations and compliance with UK environmental laws.
Are you licensed to carry and dispose of waste?
Yes. Steel Drains is a registered waste carrier with the Environment Agency. All waste is transported and processed at authorised facilities.
Can you clean petrol forecourts and commercial wash bays?
Absolutely. We work with forecourts, workshops, and other sites with oil or fuel contaminants. Our team is trained to manage hydrocarbon waste safely and responsibly.
Can you clean large industrial separators?
Yes. We have the equipment and expertise to service large or complex interceptor systems, including those in industrial and manufacturing settings.
Is cleaning disruptive to business operations?
We aim to minimise disruption and can schedule works during off-peak hours or quieter periods to suit your operations.
Do you cover all of West Sussex?
We serve all of West Sussex and surrounding regions, including towns, rural areas, and commercial estates.
What equipment do you use?
We use high-powered jet vac tankers capable of removing solids, oils, and liquid waste, along with confined space access tools when needed.