Surface water drainage - what it is and how to check your home

When it rains, all that water has to go somewhere - and that's where surface water drainage comes in.

It's the system that collects rainwater from roofs, driveways, and roads, carrying it safely away to soakaways, gullies, or public drains.

But when it's not working properly, you might notice pooling water, damp patches, or flooding after rain - all signs that something needs attention.

At ASL Limited, we specialise in diagnosing and repairing surface water drainage issues for homeowners, private roads, and commercial sites.

What is surface water drainage?

Surface water drainage is a network of pipes, gullies, and channels that deal only with rainwater - not wastewater from toilets, baths, or sinks.

It includes:

• Roof gutters and downpipes
• Yard or driveway gullies that collect runoff
• Underground pipes leading to soakaways or mains drains
• Inspection chambers used to check and maintain flow

If any part of this system is blocked, cracked, or misconnected, rainwater can escape - which leads to flooding, damp, or pollution. Surface water can find its way indirectly into the sewage system through unsealed lids.

60-second self-check: how to spot problems

You don't need to lift lids or get your hands dirty - just a quick visual check is often enough to tell if things are flowing as they should.

1. Look at your roof downpipes
   Does water discharge freely into a gully, or does it spill out onto the patio or the garden?
2. Check gullies and grids
   Are they clear of leaves, silt, or moss? If they're overflowing during rain, they may need cleaning or jetting.
3. Inspect inspection chamber lids
   Are they cracked or open? Sealed lids stop smells, debris and rodents.
4. After heavy rain
5. Walk your drive or garden - look for pooling water or erosion near paving or manhole covers.
6. Ask yourself
   When was the last time this system was checked or jetted? If the answer's "never," it's worth booking a CCTV inspection.

What causes problems in surface water drains

• Blocked gullies filled with leaves or driveway debris
• Collapsed or root-damaged pipes
• Incorrect connections (e.g. gutters feeding into foul drains)
• Silt build-up in soakaways over time
• Road runoff overwhelming private drainage during storms

Regular cleaning and inspection prevent these from turning into expensive repairs. We can help direct or redirect surface water to where you want it to go.

When to call a professional

If you notice standing water, damp in walls, or smells after rain, it's best to have the system inspected.

ASL engineers can:

• Use CCTV cameras to trace the surface system
• Produce drainage plans and diagrams
• Carry out high-pressure jetting or repairs
• Advise if it's a Highways or Water Authority issue or private responsibility

We handle the process from survey to solution - including permissions if your system connects to public drainage.

Linked services

If you'd like to learn more or book a related service, explore:

• Road gullies (private roads) - cleaning schedules that prevent flooding
• CCTV drain survey
• Drainage plans for my house

Get in touch

If you've noticed standing water or overflowing gullies after rain, we'll assess it, clean it, and confirm your system's condition - so the next rainfall flows away just as it should.

Call ASL Limited: 0800 181 6840

Or book a drainage inspection online.