How Do I Clean Out And Rod A Bottle Gully? (Video)
If you've noticed your bottle gully is blocked or draining slowly, it likely needs a good clean-out. Bottle gullies have an internal baffle that traps water, helping prevent foul odours from coming back up the drain. Over time, debris can build up within the gully and cause nasty blockages.
Cleaning out a bottle gully is a straightforward DIY task if you have the right gear. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to getting your drains flowing freely again.
What You'll Need
Before getting started, make sure you have the following handy:
- Rubber gloves
- Protective glasses
- Flathead screwdriver
- Small trowel or spade
- Drain rods
- Hosepipe
- Hot water
Step 1: Safety First
Before tackling your bottle gully, prioritise safety by equipping yourself with gloves and eye protection. These simple measures shield your hands and eyes from potential debris and harmful substances lurking within the drain.
Step 2: Locate the Blocked Gully
Walk around your property and look for gullies with pooled water or piles of leaves/twigs caught on the grid. This likely indicates a blocked drainage gully needing attention.
Step 3: Remove the Gully Cover
Locate the gully cover, which is typically made of metal or plastic. It may be secured by screws or simply feature a push-fit design.
For screw-on covers, use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the cover in place. For push-fit covers, carefully lift the cover with your hands. If it's stubborn, you can gently pry it loose using a flathead screwdriver, inserting it at the designated levering points to avoid damaging the cover or surrounding area.
Important: Never force the cover if it seems stuck. It might be attached differently than expected, and using excessive force could cause damage. If you come into difficulty, consult a professional for assistance.
Step 4: Check Inside the Gully and Clear Out Debris
Identify and remove debris: Wear gloves and use a trowel or your hands to remove any visible leaves, twigs, or other debris from the gully. Additionally, scoop out any silt that may have built up at the bottom to prevent future blockages.
Removing the central chamber (optional): In cases of persistent blockages or heavy sediment build-up, you may need to remove the central chamber for deeper cleaning.
Locate the gap at the chamber's bottom, where water flows through and forms the trap seal. Carefully grasp the chamber wall beneath this gap and pull upward firmly. This will detach the chamber, allowing you to access and clean the main body of the gully. You can also use this access point to push a drain rod through the outlet connection for further downstream clearing, if necessary.
Caution: Always exercise caution when removing the central chamber and ensure it's securely reattached after cleaning, to maintain the trap seal's functionality.
Step 5: Use a Drain Rod (Optional)
Carefully feed the drain rod down the gully, adding sections as needed until you feel resistance. Gently twist and push the rod to try and break up the blockage. Avoid forceful poking or pushing, as this could force the blockage further down the drain. Once the blockage seems dislodged, slowly remove the drain rod while flushing the gully with hot water to clear any remaining debris.
Remember: It's crucial to use caution and avoid forceful actions when using a drain rod. If you're uncomfortable or unsure about the process, consulting a professional plumber is always recommended.
Step 6: Flush with Water
Flush the drain with clean water for several minutes using a hosepipe. This will help to remove any remaining debris loosened during cleaning.
Step 7: Test the Gully and Replace the Grid
Once you've finished rodding and rinsing the gully, run water through it to observe the flow. If the water drains slowly, repeat the rodding and rinsing process until the flow is clear and unimpeded.
With the gully clean, carefully reposition the central baffle back into the gully body and securely push the grid back into place. Ensure the grid sits flush and level to prevent debris from entering the drain.
Regular Maintenance
While adding gully rodding and rinsing to your routine can be helpful, it's important to note that regular maintenance for bottle gullies primarily involves removing debris from the grate and trap. This can be done by lifting the grate and clearing any leaves, twigs, or other blockages.
Gully rodding should only be used if you suspect a deeper blockage that cannot be cleared by hand. Attempting to rod a clear drain can potentially damage the system. Also, rinsing the gully is not always necessary and can even be counterproductive in some cases, as it can flush debris further down the drainage system.
For more information on all types of gullies please watch our short video below.
