How you can help

While we are responsible for maintaining gullies and sweeping leaves off the road, there may be times when a quick sweep can help unblock a gully. Sometimes leaves can get washed over the gully grate and forms a plug over the drain.

If you spot a gully with leaves covering the grate, if it is safe to do so, you can sweep them away to help the water flow through and drain off the road.

Gullies can become full of leaves and detritus, or become blocked with silt, which can mean that water will not run into them correctly. 

If you see gullies which are blocked like these examples, you can report these online using our ‘Report It’ system.

Example of a gully full of leaves

Example of a gully blocked with silt

Example of a gully draining slowly following heavy rainfall

During heavy rain fall, gullies and United Utilities sewers can become overwhelmed which gives the impression that they are blocked, much like the example. This can particularly be the case when gullies drain directly into brooks or streams. 

Where you can, wait for two hours after the rain has stopped to see if the water level drops.

If the water is still not draining or the water level does not drop after two hours, you can report it online.

Report a blocked gully

Report a blocked highway drain

If you are at risk of flooding, or have suffered flooding, from a blocked highway drain / gully call 0333 003 5865 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm). 

Outside of these hours, call 0161 912 2020.