Road gullies perform a vital function. Whether private or public roads, road gullies help prevent flooding, standing water, or damage to a property. It is for this reason that it is important to keep gullies clean and clear to ensure they can remove unwanted surface water.
Due to their positioning in relation to the road, road gullies are prone to the same deterioration the road may be vulnerable to. This means that any branches, debris, mud, silt, leaves or pollutants that plague the road’s surface can also cause a problem for a road gully.
What Are Road Gullies?
Road gullies are the grids or grates you see at the side of a road. They are responsible for collecting surface water from the highway and private roadways then passing it into the wider drainage system so that it can drain away safely. Unfortunately, due to their nature, blockages in road gullies are common due to a build-up of leaves, debris, silt and water freezing during the winter months.
When talking about road gullies, there is often the question as to ownership and who has to take responsibility for a gully when it is blocked. Gully ownership is not always clear. However, as a guide, gullies on public roads will generally be the responsibility of local Highways or council authorities. If, on the other hand, the gully is on private land then it is the property owner’s responsibility to keep it clear and free from blockages.
Why Do Road Gullies Need Cleaning?
Over time it is possible for road gullies to gather residual dirt and pollutants from water coming off the roads. For example, oily residue originating from traffic movement and spills. These substances can clog up the gully, forming a solid crust over the surface, making it incredibly difficult for water to drain away. Any form of build-up within the road gully can limit its effectiveness, causing the gullies to drain water away with less efficiency than they would when fully cleaned. This can result in the build-up of surface water in the road, putting drivers at risk and causing a whole number of problems associated with standing water.
Road gully cleaning helps prevent a build-up of debris arising and can unblock gullies when they become clogged. Regular cleaning of the gullies can help prevent any inefficiency due to the build-up of residual matter. Through regular gully cleaning it is possible to keep residual build up at bay and ensure that your gullies are free and clear to do what they do best.
In addition, rodding plugs within the road gully are often missing and maintenance is required to identify the defects. The function of a rodding plug, also known as a rodding eye, is to trap any oils within the gully and prevent foul smells from venting to the surface. Maintenance is required to identify defects with the rodding plug.
How Are Road Gullies Cleaned?
Here at Metro Rod, we are experts in cleaning roadside gullies to ensure they can safely and efficiently remove water from the street, driveway, or place they are positioned. Our engineers use specialist tankers to remove any residual build-up and flush the system, helping to thoroughly remove residue and restore the gully back to its optimal performance.
In some cases, drain jetting can be required as a part of the gully cleaning process. This is because drain gullies can often be accompanied by substances such as; debris, loose leaves or, in winter months, freezing water which requires a stronger force to shift.
Once all of the residue has been collected, our engineers will dispose of it responsibly, ensuring they adhere to environmental policies. You can relax knowing that our team of engineers will have your gully clean and maintained in no time, causing minimal disruption to your day in a safe and eco-friendly way.
Contact Your Local Drain Expert
If water is not draining from the surface of the road in an efficient way, then it’s possible something may be blocking the road gully. Not only are blockages inconvenient but standing water comes with its own set of downsides. Blocked gullies can cause flooding and unpleasant odours.
When drain gullies are not working efficiently, it can lead to all sorts of unwanted issues and possibly result in larger damage and unwanted costs.
Alternatively, if you want to have preventative maintenance to help safeguard your gullies in future and keep your drain gullies clean then you can contact us today. At Metro Rod, we are on hand 24/7/365 to clean road gullies in both domestic and commercial settings. No matter what you need from your gullies, you can contact Metro Rod today and find out more. Contact your local depot or call us on 0800 66 88 00 today.
