Understanding Road Gullies and Why Regular Cleaning Matters

Friday, 30 August, 2024 | Gerry Rowe

At ASL Limited, we specialise in keeping road gullies clean and functioning properly, especially on industrial and private estates. If you live in a private estate, it's essential to know that maintaining these gullies is not just a good idea—it's a legal responsibility shared among residents. Regular gully cleaning prevents blockages, protects your property from flooding, and keeps the entire drainage system working efficiently.

Regular gully cleaning benefits you and the environment and can save costly damage to drains and surrounding land.

What exactly is gully sucking?

Gully sucking, also known as vacuum gully cleaning, is a vital process for maintaining drainage systems on roads, whether public or private. Using powerful vacuum technology, we remove debris, silt, and other waste accumulating in the gully over time. This method ensures that the gullies do their job effectively—trapping debris before it can enter the drainage pipes and cause blockages.

The process involves a specialised tanker equipped with vacuum suction that collects the trapped material and safely transports it for disposal. By cleaning these gullies regularly, we prevent the more extensive—and often costly—damage that can occur when left unattended.

When should you schedule gully cleaning?

The best approach to gully maintenance is proactive. Don’t wait until water is ponding around the gully or worse, overflowing. Regular cleaning should be part of your estate’s routine maintenance plan, especially in the autumn when fallen leaves can quickly lead to blockages. If there are trees or heavy vegetation nearby, you might need to clean the gullies more frequently to avoid issues.

Ignoring gully maintenance can lead to slow drainage, unpleasant odours, and even flooding. To avoid these problems, we recommend scheduling gully cleaning at least once a year or more often if your estate is particularly prone to debris buildup.

Choosing the right equipment

The equipment we use for gully cleaning varies depending on the job. Larger commercial areas might require our bigger vehicles, while residential estates benefit from smaller, more manoeuvrable units. No matter the size of the job, our priority is efficiency. Our high-pressure jetters, combined with vacuum suction, ensure that we clean out every last bit of debris without letting any of it wash into the drainage pipes.

All sorts of debris can build up in your gullies and ultimately it's you that will pay the price to rectify any damage caused by flooding.

Signs your gully needs cleaning

It’s essential to stay vigilant. If you notice slow drainage, standing water, or a bad smell near your gullies, it’s time to call in the professionals. Even if you’ve recently had the gullies cleaned, factors like unexpected leaf fall or nearby construction can cause them to fill up again quickly. Regular checks and prompt action are key to keeping your drainage system in top condition.

Is gully sucking environmentally friendly?

Absolutely. Gully sucking is an eco-friendly method because it relies on mechanical suction rather than harsh chemicals. This reduces the environmental impact and ensures that the collected debris is disposed of responsibly. Plus, by preventing blockages and backups, we help protect the surrounding environment from potential flooding and water damage.

Need gully cleaning services? We’re here to help

At ASL Limited, we pride ourselves on offering reliable, efficient gully cleaning services tailored to the needs of your estate. Whether it’s a one-off clean or part of a regular maintenance schedule, our team is ready to help.

Don’t wait until there’s a problem—get in touch with us today to schedule your gully cleaning and keep your drainage system running smoothly. Call 0800 181 684 today!