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A Chelmsford property owner reached out to us dealing with a severely dropped gully and foul water backing up near their home. We accessed the connected manhole, used a combination of plunging and high-pressure water jetting to remove the deep-rooted blockage, and verified the fix with a CCTV drain survey. The drainage system was restored to full working order, giving the client total peace of mind.
Introduction
At Any Drains Direct, we spend a lot of our time out on the road helping property owners across Chelmsford and the surrounding areas. We know firsthand how stressful a drainage emergency can be, especially when foul water starts threatening your home. We handle everything from routine cleaning to complex blockages, always arriving fully equipped to diagnose and fix the issue on the spot.
The Problem
Recently, a local Chelmsford resident called us out because their exterior gully had dropped and was severely backing up. It wasn’t just a slow drain; foul water was pooling near the property, causing an unpleasant smell and raising serious concerns about potential flooding.
When we arrived, it became clear that the blockage wasn’t isolated to the gully itself. The issue stemmed further down the line in the connected manhole, which was preventing all wastewater from draining away correctly. The client was understandably stressed about the risk of recurring blockages and wanted to be absolutely sure the entire system was clear.
The Solution
We quickly set to work, knowing we had to get the main line flowing again before addressing anything else. We started by accessing the main manhole and used traditional plunging equipment to agitate and loosen the primary restriction.
Once the blockage was loosened, we brought in the high-pressure water jetting equipment. This allowed us to blast away the stubborn debris and clear the pipe walls completely. To make sure we hadn’t missed anything, we sent our CCTV drain camera down the line. This step is crucial—it allows us to physically see the inside of the pipes, ensuring there are no hidden structural issues or remaining debris that could cause another backup next week.
Result
The results were exactly what we aim for: a 100% cleared system. We ran water through the gully and the surrounding drainage to test the flow, confirming everything was operating perfectly. Best of all, we were able to sit down with the client and show them the CCTV footage. Seeing the clear pipes on screen provided the exact reassurance they needed that the foul water problem was gone for good.
Conclusion
Drainage issues rarely fix themselves, and what looks like a simple blocked gully is often a sign of a deeper issue in the main line. By combining high-pressure jetting with CCTV technology, we ensure every job is done right the first time.
If you are dealing with slow drains, strange smells, or a completely blocked toilet in the Chelmsford area, don’t wait for it to get worse. Our team is out locally every day and available 24/7 for emergencies. Book an engineer online or call us directly—we’re ready to help.