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

Monday, 10 September, 2018 | Gerry Rowe

A photo of rainfall - Heavy rain can produce huge amounts of surface water. — Heavy rain can produce huge amounts of surface water.

When it rains, all that water has to go somewhere.

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 also find its way indirectly into the sewage system through unsealed lids.

60-second self-check: how to spot problems.

An image of ASL Limited installing a soak away on a private drive in Surrey

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.
Walk your drive or garden. Look for pooling water or erosion near paving or manhole covers.

✅ 5. 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?

An image of one of the ASL Limited team checking the guttering of a domestic property in Guildford, Surrey

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

Directing or redirecting surface water to where it needs to go (or where you want it to go) can prevent bigger problems down the line.

Regular cleaning and inspection prevent these from turning into expensive repairs.

When to call a professional.

An image of one of the ASL Limited team jetting the gutter of a private home with a pole jet.

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

ASL Limited 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.

Related services.

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

Need help with surface water drainage?

If you've noticed standing water or overflowing gullies after rain:

📞 Call ASL Limited on 01483 422 331

We'll assess it, clean it, and confirm your system's condition, so the next rainfall flows away just as it should.

We cover Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, West Sussex and South West London.