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We carry out a lot of drainage work across Sevenoaks and the surrounding area, and external rainwater gullies are something we come across regularly — particularly around older properties where the original drainage layout hasn’t kept pace with the building over time.
What the client was dealing with
The customer noticed water pooling at ground level outside their property. Instead of draining away after rainfall, it was sitting near the base of the building. Given how wet winters in Kent can be, that kind of standing water isn’t something you want to leave. The longer it sits, the greater the risk of damp working its way into the structure.
Must Read: Your Complete Guide to Drainage Gullies
The issue centred on an external rainwater gully tucked in tight against the building wall, directly beneath a downpipe. The position made access awkward. It was clear the gully had become restricted — debris had built up over time, and the flow from the downpipe had nowhere to go properly.
What we did on site
We started with a full inspection of the rainwater outlet and gully to understand exactly what we were dealing with. The restricted access meant we had to work carefully, but it was manageable.
Once we’d assessed the condition of the gully, we cleared the debris that had been reducing flow. We then checked the fall on the discharge to make sure water would run in the right direction — a small misalignment here can cause ongoing problems even after a clean.
Drainage rods and flushing were used to confirm the line was clear end to end. It’s always worth doing this before signing off. You want to know the system is actually working, not just that it looks cleaner than when you arrived.
The area was reinstated before we left so surface water could drain freely away from the property.
Testing before we left
We ran water through the downpipe to check the full system under realistic conditions. The gully accepted the flow cleanly, with no backing up and no pooling at ground level. That’s the result you’re looking for.
The client was happy with how quickly the job came together. Sometimes it doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs someone to diagnose it properly and follow the right steps.
What the outcome looked like
With the gully cleared and the fall corrected, the standing water problem was resolved. The risk of damp penetration near the base of the building was significantly reduced, and the client now has a system that’ll handle heavy rainfall without backing up.
We left the area clean and tidy. That’s standard for us, regardless of job size.
Need help with rainwater drainage in Sevenoaks?
If you’re noticing water pooling near your property after rain, it’s worth getting it looked at sooner rather than later. We work across Sevenoaks and the wider Kent area and are happy to take a look, offer honest advice, and give you a clear idea of what’s involved before any work begins.
Call us or drop us an email to get started.