Sewer System Services

GFL offers a range of services to manage sewer systems to prevent backups and ensure proper functioning. From flushing and pumping to sewer repair and catch basin cleaning, your sewer system needs can be managed all through a single service provider.  

Flushing and Pumping (Wet and Dry) 

GFL’s highly trained operators safely flush and pump hazardous and non-hazardous materials for our industrial, commercial, institutional and municipal customers. 

Flushing

Our high-pressure water-flushing process is ideal for removing stones, grease, sludge and other debris from wastewater collection systems, storm and sanitary sewer systems, lift stations, manholes and catch basins. GFL’s highly-trained operators have decades of experience providing this service for industrial customers, such as steel mills, as part of their plant-maintenance shutdowns. Our expert teams work around the clock to minimize your downtime. 

Wet and Dry Pumping

GFL pumps wet and dry materials from pits, troughs, silos and large areas. We use a process that washes the affected area and vacuums the resulting liquid, so no waste enters the sewer system.  

GFL also has a low profile vacuum truck ideal for pumping parking garages and other confined, harder-to-access areas. We use the following equipment to get the job done quickly, safely, and efficiently:  

Wet/dry Power Vacuum Units

The wet/dry power vacuum units are capable of pumping substances varying from light powders to heavy sludges. Depending on site conditions and the materials to be removed, our units are able to vacuum up to a distance of 600 feet, with a vertical lift of 80 feet. These units are also equipped with transfer pumps, enabling us to simultaneously transfer material to a containment or processing area designated by the customer. When dealing with powders, our units are equipped with two-stage filtration to prevent any releases. 

VAC2SAC Vacuuming and Bagging

GFL uses its innovative VAC2SAC unit to clean process areas and equipment, and to transfer dry materials from spills for recycling. The VAC2SAC enables easy transfer of the product from railcar to railcar, and to roll-off containers. GFL’s VAC2SAC units are mobile, equipped with HEPA-filtration, versatile and ideal for heavy or light duty industrial cleaning. 

Hazardous Waste Roll-off Containers

GFL uses hazardous waste roll-off containers of all sizes to store and transport waste before we safely dispose of it. Gasket seals on doors, dual liners inside the containers and a tarp help keep materials contained and away from the surrounding area. 

Onsite Frac Tanks

In scenarios where high volumes of water need to be contained onsite, GFL pumps the water for temporary storage into mobile frac tanks, which range from 40,000 to 80,000 liters, where the water is also analyzed. By removing water immediately into a frac tank we help minimize environmental damage. 

Once we have analyzed the water and our disposal plan is in place, GFL’s vac trucks draw loads from the frac tank for transport, processing and disposal. The frac tank’s internal steam coils reduce the likelihood that liquids will freeze during storage. 

Private Sewer and Lateral Launch

In addition to televising sewers from manhole to manhole, GFL’s CCTV inspection service includes private sewer lateral launch for utilities, residential, industrial, commercial, institutional and municipal customers. 

We deploy a robotic camera up to 100 feet into a private sewer lateral from the main sewer on the street to verify the condition of the lateral to the home. This method also confirms that there are no utility cross-connections, which could cause sewer back-ups and other hazards. 

Water Main, Catch Basin, and Sewer Repair

As water mains, catch basins and sewer systems age, signs of failure begin to show. 

Water Main Repair

Water main issues show up as a lack of water entering your building or an abundance of water accumulating around your building or its foundations. GFL excavates, repairs and reinstates areas affected by failing water mains, on both residential and city properties. 

GFL will provide a solution, either through mechanical means or hydrovac excavation, that best suits the work environment and is most cost effective. 

Catch Basin and Sewer Repair

Catch basins are engineered drainage structures that collect rainwater and snowmelt from city streets. Sewers direct sewage from toilets and sinks to the city sewer. 

The upper ring of concrete in a catch basin or manhole will deteriorate and crumble over time, and lids can crack and need to be replaced. GFL has years of experience repairing catch basins, sanitary sewers, and replacing lids on city streets and on residential and commercial properties. 

Sewer, Culvert and Catch Basin Cleaning 

Like any essential infrastructure, sewers, culverts and catch basins need regular maintenance cleaning to prevent blockages, flooding and property damage. GFL provides a wide range of cleaning services, including flushing, pumping and disposal of sand and debris, from the following: 

• Manhole to manhole 
• Risers 
• Cleanouts in houses, apartment buildings and malls 
• Culverts 
• Catch basins 

GFL performs cleaning on main sewers and lateral connections, removing calcite build-up, grease accumulation, sediment build-up and tree roots. To achieve this, we can use low- or high-pressure water jet equipment or hydraulic cutters to clear the sewer pipe. We provide these services for residential, commercial, institutional, municipal and industrial customers. 

Back Flow Installation and Testing 

GFL’s back flow installation and testing service helps our commercial customers meet their municipal obligations. GFL will test your water system annually, as required, and produce a report for you to send to the city and your insurance company. We can provide an annual service contract to ensure you meet compliance requirements.