Gully & ACO Channel Problems – Common Issues
Surface water drainage issues are often simple to spot but costly if ignored.
Got pooling water? Ask DrainageGPT to triage your symptoms and suggest fixes.
Common problems
- Leaves and silt blocking gratings
- Dried-out traps causing smells
- Cracked frost-damaged channels
- Collapsed outlet pipes causing pooling
- Missing or damaged grates creating safety hazards
Gully-specific issues
- Smells: dried trap or debris accumulation
- Slow drainage: blocked trap or outlet pipe
- Overflow: downstream blockage or undersized gully
- Structural damage: cracked pot or settlement
ACO channel issues
- Pooling water: silt build-up or poor falls
- Broken channels: frost damage or vehicle overrun
- Grate problems: wrong loading class or corrosion
- Outlet blockage: check connection to soakaway or drain
Maintenance tips
- Lift grates and clear silt regularly (especially autumn/spring)
- Keep traps topped with water to prevent smells
- Inspect after frosts and heavy rain
- Check outlet pipes with CCTV if repeated blockages occur
- Replace damaged grates promptly to prevent accidents
When to call a professional
- Persistent smells despite cleaning
- Structural cracks or settlement
- Outlet pipe collapse or repeated blockages
- Safety hazards from missing/damaged grates
Related:
Drainage