It is easy to think of gutters as a roof issue and drains as a ground issue, but the two are directly connected. Rainwater collected by the roof runs down the downpipe and into a gully or surface water drain, so a blockage anywhere along that route affects the rest.
How the system fits together
Water runs from the roof into the gutter, along to the downpipe and then down to a gully or underground pipe at ground level. From there it goes to a soakaway, a surface water sewer or, in some older properties, a combined drain that also carries foul waste.
What goes wrong
- Blocked gutters. Leaves, moss and debris cause water to overflow down walls, which can lead to damp and staining.
- Blocked downpipes. Debris lodged in the pipe stops water draining, which can cause backing up and overflow at joints.
- A blocked gully at the base. Silt, leaves and grit collect in the gully and stop water leaving, so it spills across the ground.
- A blockage in the underground pipe. If water cannot clear from the gully, it may be a problem further along the pipe.
Where the drain comes in
If you have cleared the gutters and gully and water still pools around the base of a downpipe, the cause is probably in the pipework below. Our guide to gully drains and maintenance explains how gullies work and why they clog.
A note on safety
Clearing gutters at height carries a real risk of falls, so use proper access equipment or a professional gutter cleaner rather than a makeshift ladder arrangement. Underground, a CCTV drain survey will show whether the surface water pipe is blocked, cracked or silted up.
If water keeps pooling at the base of a downpipe after the gully is cleared, the underground pipe needs checking. Call us on 0333 200 1623 or use our contact page and we will help.