Illustrative image of the relevant drainage feature or investigation.
Need a local drainage specialist?
If investigation or repairs are needed, you can use MyJobQuote to request contact from local drainage tradespeople.
Get quotes from local drainage specialists ↗What to look for first
Debris in a trapped gully or restriction in the connecting pipe can cause water to back up. Check whether the overflow coincides with rainwater or appliance discharge.
Before arranging disruptive work, separate what has been observed from what is only suspected. Ask whether one outlet is involved or whether several drain to the same point.
What else might cause it?
Do not assume the nearest underground pipe is collapsed. Drainage faults can overlap with surface-water problems, poor plumbing connections or unusual weather, so timing and location deserve attention.
Getting the right work done
A contractor can check the gully and connecting drain in sequence. Ask for a clear explanation of the problem, the proposed method and what evidence will show that the work was successful.
Before you agree to major work
Get the proposed work and its limits in writing. For costly repairs, ask for photographs or survey evidence locating the defect and consider a second quotation. Where the affected run may be shared or adopted, check ownership before arranging privately funded work.