A gully is a drainage system often found at the side of a road or pavement, designed to collect and channel surface water into the sewer system. Over time, leaves, debris and other materials can accumulate in the gully causing it to become blocked and ineffective. It’s essential for this to be cleared quickly and luckily it’s relatively easy to carry out yourself.
Step by step guide of clearing out your gully:
Ensure you’re wearing protective gloves, boots and glasses to prevent any injuries.
If you have a number of gullies surrounding your property it’s not always obvious which one is blocked. You’ll need to access which one has the most debris in and around it, or the most pooled water that won’t drain away. If there are numerous blocked gullies, you’ll need to repeat this process on each. You may want to remove any debris that has accumulated in the grids before you attempt to open it.
The grid should be easily prised open with a screwdriver, depending on the age. If it has become rusty or stiff due to age and lack of maintenance then you may need to use a more forceful method.
Once the grid is out of the way you should have access to the inside of the gully. Remove any debris that has accumulated inside, including leaves, twigs and any other waste. You can use a shovel or a scoop for this.
If the blockage has still not cleared, the issue will be further down the pipeline so you may need to use a drain rod. Insert it into the drain and feed it down, turn it clockwise until you feel resistance, and continue turning it to push the blockage through the pipe. Once the blockage has been cleared, remove the rod, clean it, and store it in a dry place. It's important to wear gloves and protective clothing and to consult a professional plumber if you're unsure about how to use a drain rod safely.
Use a hose or pressure washer if you have one, to rinse out the gully and dislodge any stubborn dirt and debris that may be stuck.
Once you’ve cleared the gully it’s essential to check the flow and ensure it’s running freely. You can do this by running your taps or pouring a bucket of water down the gully and monitoring it.
To prevent future blockages, it's essential to maintain the gully regularly. This includes removing any debris that may have accumulated and ensuring the gully is clear of any leaves or twigs. You can also install a gully grate to prevent large objects from entering the drainage system.
Tips for maintaining your gully:
- Flush your gully with hot water at least once a month
- Avoid flushing too much paper down the toilet
- Avoid pouring fats and grease down your sink
 Don't dispose of the following items down your drains:
- Cat litter
- Disposable nappies
- Sanitary products
- Paper towels
- Facial tissues
- Coffee grounds
- Cigarette ends
In order to keep your drains in tip-top condition we would recommend regular jetting and pre-planned maintenance for your drains. This can protect pipes and remove excess residue, preventing build-up and future blockages when you least want it. Our sister company Cotterill Environmental offers this service, if you want more information get in touch today on 0121 461 4861 and we’ll be more than happy to help.