The best time to check your gulleys on your property is right after a rainstorm. When you inspect gulleys at this time, you can more easily identify any issues. When a gulley is faulty, water naturally seeps into a structure’s foundations.
How Does the Water Flow After a Rainstorm?
When it comes to configurations of downpipes and drains, the arrangements can vary. Therefore, when you are working with a plumber, it is important to learn the system of your drain and downpipe network. Find out where the water travels when it leaves your property. For example, does the water flow into a surface drain, soakaway, or a combination system? Usually, a gulley is located beneath a downpipe. If water from a rainstorm flows into a combination system, then it will end up in a trapped gully.
What Happens If You Do Not See Any Water?
Trapped gulleys should be designed to hold water in the bottom in much the same way that a toilet holds water in its bowl. If you do not see water in the gulley, then a crack may have formed at the base. If this is the case, the water has drained near the foundations and may have already caused some damage.
Have Your Gulleys Checked and Repaired If Necessary
So, if you call out a plumber from a company such as First Call Services, have him or her check your gulleys. If a gulley is dry, it should be examined and replaced if it is broken. You also should have the plumber make sure that the water that is flowing through the downpipe is circulating into the gulleys and is not spilling over onto the ground. If the water is not being captured by a gulley, it may be necessary to change the piping system to make sure that the water is transported rapidly and in the proper fashion.
Have the Grilles Checked as Well
The grilles should be inspected as well. If the coverings are in good shape, they should be able to prevent any debris from falling into the gulleys. Also, it is important for you to have your gulleys cleaned out on a routine basis and eliminate any silt or residue. This will ensure a continuous and streamlined water flow. As indicated, if you look at your gulleys after a heavy rain, you can more easily identify any errors in your drain network.
What Happens When A Blockage Is Suspected or Found?
If a drain is obstructed, you may find a pooling of water at the site of the gulley or the water in the gulley may empty very slowly. If an obstruction is suspected, the drains need to be rodded to check their working efficiency.
Clean Your Gulleys to Prevent Future Drain Problems
When you clean gulleys, it is important to wear heavy-duty rubber gloves. Newer gulleys feature silt traps that are designed to collect any loose debris, leaves, gravel, or silt. These traps should be inspected and emptied about three times a year, or every quarter. Make sure to check the traps too after a heavy fall of leaves. If cleanings and inspections are done regularly, it will significantly lower the risk of blockages or the need for rodding.