View our step by step guide

How to clear blocked gullies

If you've noticed that your gullies are draining slowly or overflowing, it's probably because they're blocked. And if they're not dealt with, they could cause damage to your home, or even flooding. Luckily, clearing blocked gullies is a job that you can easily do yourself. Just follow these simple steps.

1. Bring the right tools

Before you get started, make sure you've got:

  • protective glasses and rubber gloves
  • a drain rod
  • a brush
  • a screwdriver
  • a trowel

2. Find the blockage

If it looks like the blockage is where water enters the gully, pull away any leaves, twigs or other debris that might be sitting on top – you'll be glad you wore your rubber gloves.

3. Remove the cover

If your blocked gully has a cover or grate on it, use the screwdriver to carefully prise it off. You might find even more leaves and debris beneath the grate, so use the trowel to dig out what you can.

4. Try the drain rod

If you still can't see an obvious blockage, use your drain rod to dig around and see if you can feel it. The rod might also help to loosen any other bits of debris in the gully.

5. Don't be shy

You might need to apply some pressure to clear the blocked gully. But don't overdo it – if you're too forceful, you might end up doing some damage.

6. Rinse through with the hose

Once you've dislodged the debris with the drain rod and cleared out the loose pieces with the trowel, wash the gully thoroughly with water from the hosepipe. This should help to wash away any remaining loose bits so that the pipe is fully clear.

7. Add hot water

If your blocked gully leads from a kitchen, follow up the cold rinse with a little hot water from the kettle. This should help to remove any fats, oils or grease that might have built up. You can now clear up any excess leaves or debris that might be left over, and your gully should now drain freely.

Dyno news



Overworked and underappreciated – no, we’re not talking about Santa’s elves. We’re talking about your plumbing and drains.

Mistletoe, wine and goose fat will all inevitably end up washed down the drain this festive season. Due to both extra guests in the home and over-eating, plumbing and drains can be left under an unfair amount of pressure.

We’re expecting to see a 20% increase in emergency call-outs, a 12% increase in blocked toilets, and a 34% increase in call-outs to repair sewage overflows in the home.
Yes, the hairiest month of the year might be drawing to a fuzzy finish, but your work isn’t done just yet. Oh no. When it comes to saying goodbye to your 'tashe, take a second to get some help from the drain experts before sending it down the sink.
be sure to pass it on to the moustashed men in your life