Blocked drains

If rainwater is not draining from the road as it should, the gulley (sometimes called a stank) may be blocked. Please report problems as soon as you see them, especially during heavy rain. This helps us prevent flooding and keep roads safe.

When to report a blocked gulley

Gullies need to stay clear so water can drain quickly. If you notice:

• a large puddle forming around a gulley
• water building up during or after heavy rain
• water flowing across the road instead of into the drain

you can report it using our Roads faults reporting form.

Our roadworkers check known problem areas before severe weather, but we still rely on residents to tell us when an issue appears.

Sewage around manhole covers

If you see sewage coming up through a manhole cover, this is a different problem. Manhole covers are the large metal lids usually found in the middle of the road.

Scottish Water is responsible for dealing with sewage leaks. You should contact them directly so they can investigate and repair the issue.

What happens next

Once you report a blocked gulley, we will assess the fault and decide what action is needed. Urgent issues, especially those causing flooding or safety risks, are dealt with as quickly as possible.

If you are unsure whether the problem is a gulley blockage or a sewage leak, report it anyway. We will make sure it goes to the right team.

Check our page on Flooding advice and support for more information.