What Is Gully Cleaning and Why Is It Necessary?

Gully cleaning is the process by which blockages are removed from the drainage channels that take rain and other wastewater away from a property and into the main sewer network. If not dealt with promptly, such blockages can not only stop the water from flowing away, they can also attract vermin and cause a buildup of unpleasant smells. 

In this article, we’re going to explore the importance of gully cleaning in depth – but let’s start at the beginning.

What is a gully?

A gully is a means of preventing debris in wastewater from entering and clogging up the main sewer network. It usually consists of:

• A grate on the surface that allows water to pass but stops large debris
• A trap to catch smaller bits of debris and sediment
• An outlet pipe connecting the gully to the mains

A gully serving a building is usually found at the bottom of a downpipe, through which water is fed either in the form of rainwater from the roof or wastewater from sinks and showers. Gullies that deal with stormwater can often be found near roads and car parks. 

Why is gully cleaning necessary?

To work effectively, the debris that would otherwise get washed into the sewer mains needs to be filtered out. However, it’s still going to accumulate somewhere – at the entrance to the gully in the case of large matter and in the sediment trap in the case of the smaller debris.

If allowed to accumulate too much, this material can cause a blockage and prevent the wastewater from entering the sewers. This in turn could potentially lead to flooding. 

Signs of a gully blockage

The main sign of a gully blockage is an accumulation of surface water that can no longer enter the sewer network. This is going to particularly cause a problem should there be sudden heavy rain, such as we are experiencing more and more often these days.

Other common signs of a gully blockage include the sort of unpleasant smells that often accompany sitting water and rotting leaves and other organic matter. And as water and debris gather over time, you also run the risk of attracting pests and vermin, including rats.

The gully cleaning process

Large bits of debris that have accumulated at the entrance to the gully can be removed by hand. However, blockages located below ground need specialist equipment to remove them and allow the water to pass through – these can include high-powered water jets and rods. If the location and nature of the blockage are unclear, we use CCTV cameras to investigate before deciding on the appropriate solution.

What is the difference between a gully and a drain?

While a gully has been designed as a barrier to prevent debris from entering the sewer network, a drain is simply a large pipe that allows wastewater to pass through. Because they need regular cleaning, gullies also need to be more accessible.

For all types of drainage issues, including professional gully cleaning, Need a Tanker provides a reliable and expert service for commercial and residential customers nationwide.

Get in touch with us today to find out more or to book an appointment with one of our experienced drainage engineers.