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Dealing with problems with drains

Find out what you can do if gullies, drains or sewers in your area are blocked. This page will give details on how to report these problems.

Gully Emptying

Gully emptying and clearing of drainage systems includes grips, ditches, gullies and other systems.

The quick and effective drainage of surface water from the carriageway contributes significantly to the safety of the road. In order to prevent as far as possible the occurrence of standing water or flooding of the road, the grips and highway ditches are cleaned of vegetation and dug out when required.

Gullies in urban and rural areas are cleaned on a programmed basis by Roads Service, generally twice per year in urban situations and once per year in rural areas, plus emergencies as they occur.

Who should you report blocked gullies, drains or sewers to?

To report blocked gullies, gratings or drains contact Roads Service.

To report an overflowing public sewer or water from a burst main, you should contact Northern Ireland Water.

If private drains or sewers are overflowing, you will need a drainage contractor to deal with any blockage. NI Water may be able to do the repair work and charge you the cost of any work. NI Water is responsible for the supply of water and the pipes up to and including the water stopcock on the boundary of your property. A stopcock is a valve which is used to switch off the flow of water to your property.

Reporting flooding

In the event of flooding, you should call 0300 2000 100. This single telephone number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You don't have to decide which organisation you need to ring and you don't have to contact the Rivers Agency, Roads Service or NI Water - this will be done for you. When you ring, a member of staff will take all your details and contact the appropriate agency on your behalf. This is a non emergency number so if you are in danger call the emergency services on 999.

If there is a flood in your home you should initially contact a plumber.

Internal pipework and the water service pipe are the responsibility of the homeowner or landlord. A water service pipe takes water from the stopcock on the boundary of your property into your house.

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