What Is Gully Cleansing?
Gullies direct water away from the roadway. They are an integral part of stormwater management systems. The term "gully cleansing" applies to the cleaning of roadway drainage systems. Gully cleansing services also take place in "drainage channels and catch-pits," according to the Stafforshire Moorlands District Council, which oversees approximately 32,700 gully cleanings a year.
-
Clearing
-
Dangerous litter like hypodermic syringes must be cleared from inner city gullies and the grates that cover them. Waste regulations mandate the proper removal of all hazardous waste materials from gullies. Such clearing counteracts public littering and keeps storm drains clear.
Vacuuming
-
Gully cleansing by way of a suction tool ensures a working drainage system. This method quickly removes all debris and sediment from the drainage system. The Surrey County Council says a crew with a suction boom and tanker can clean a gully in less than 5 minutes.
-
Scooping
-
Manual cleaning of a dirty gully requires a process called scooping. This method is effective in areas where vehicles are prohibited. Another reason a gully cleansing may require scooping is if the crew's access to the gully is restricted. Manual scooping ensures that all gullies can be maintained no matter where they are.
Flushing
-
When the gully is free of debris, an additional step reassures the drainage system crew that their efforts produce a clean gully. They fill the gully with fresh water and then flush it. If the drain system is clean, the water will flow freely. Flushing ensures that hazardous or bulky materials won't cause a flood during a storm.
Jetting
-
When a gully needs additional cleansing because of a blockage, high-pressure jetting units produce enough water pressure to flush away debris. The procedure involves a hydraulic hose and reinforced nozzles. An efficient gully cleansing requires checking the drainage system to see if jetting is necessary.
Finishing
-
All critical parts removed during the gully cleansing procedure must be put back in their proper places. Once the gully is free of silt and debris, no debris is to be left on the street. So crew members rinse the area around the gully when they are finished.
-
References
- Photo Credit stom drain image by Broken_Perfection from Fotolia.com