Road gullies (private roads) – cleaning schedules that prevent flooding
If you manage or live on a private road, you've probably seen what happens when the gullies fill up — water pooling across the surface, potholes forming, and sometimes flooding right up to driveways.
Most of the time, it's not bad luck.
It's just a simple maintenance gap — the gullies haven't been emptied often enough.
At ASL Limited, we maintain hundreds of private-road drainage systems across Surrey, Hampshire, and Sussex. Our tankers and jetting teams are equipped to clean gullies safely and efficiently, keeping the road surface clear and compliant with local standards.
What road gullies actually do
Road gullies (sometimes called "road drains") are small chambers set into the edge of a road or car park. They collect rainwater and debris, then feed into the private or public surface water drainage system.
Each gully has a pot or trap beneath the grid. This traps silt, leaves, and grit — preventing them from entering the main pipe system.
If these traps aren't emptied, the gully blocks and the system floods. When gullies are left to fill up, silt gets into the pipes and it's much harder to remove. It doesn't get removed during the gully emptying unless it's requested or advised. To prevent this, we empty the road gullies on time.
Why private roads need a schedule
Unlike public highways, private roads are the owner's responsibility.
That might mean a management company, a residents' association, or an individual owner.
The problem is that many private roads go years without cleaning — until something floods or a resident complains.
By then, the cost is higher because multiple gullies or pipes are blocked.
A simple schedule prevents that.
Recommended cleaning intervals
| Site type | Description | Cleaning frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Light use (residential) | Private cul-de-sacs, small drives | Every 24 months |
| Medium use (shared roads) | Small estates or private lanes | Every 12 months |
| Heavy use (commercial / industrial) | Car parks, service yards | Every 6 months |
| High-risk areas | Tree-lined or flood-prone | Every 3–6 months |
What you get when you order a plan from ASL
Every ASL drainage plan includes:
- On-site CCTV mapping survey by qualified engineers
- Measured drawings of all visible and underground drainage
- Flow direction arrows and system labels
- Photos and video footage (on request)
- Digital and printed copies for your records or builder
- Professional interpretation and recommendations
Why a CCTV mapping survey matters
We don't guess where your drains are – we prove it.
Our mapping surveys use high-resolution cameras and electronic sonde tracing to pinpoint the exact route and depth of every pipe.
This means your plan isn't just a drawing – it's evidence.
That's especially useful for homebuyers, architects, or builders needing to show accurate drainage information to local authorities or water companies.
Linked services
To learn more about how ASL can help you understand and protect your property's drainage:
- CCTV drain mapping & surveys
- Homebuyer drainage surveys
- Surface water drainage — what it is & how to check your home
Call to action
Whether you're buying, building, or simply unsure what's under your garden –
Call ASL Limited on 0800 181 684
Book a CCTV mapping survey or drainage plan today.
We'll show you exactly what's underground – so you can plan above it with confidence.
