Drainage and grids

Grid cleaning - about this service

We are responsible for routine emptying and emergency clearance of grids and drainage when flooding of roads or pavements happens.

You are responsible for protecting your own property from flooding.  You can find advice on how to do this on the Environment Agency website.

The grids are cleaned on average once a year.  However, after a reported blocked grid has been inspected, additional cleaning can be arranged if there is a possible risk of damage to property.

Public and private sewers 

To report flooding from public sewers (dirty water):

• You'll need to contact Severn Trent Water - 0800 783 4444 to report flooding from private sewers or drains and also any leaks.  
• If your private drains or sewers are overflowing, you'll need a drainage contractor to deal with any blockage. See "Yellow Pages" under "Drain and Pipe Cleaning".
• If you're uncertain if any blockage is in a public or private sewer, Severn Trent Water should be able to determine this, once on site.
• You'll be recharged for the cost of any work carried out on a private sewer.

To report a blocked grid you'll need the following information:

• The exact location of the problem grid
• Your name, address, telephone number and email address (if you have one)
• A brief description of the problem

Please contact Stoke-on-Call or visit your nearest Local Centre to report any problems with blocked grids or gullies.

Useful web sites

• Environment Agency - www.environment-agency.gov.uk
• DEFRA -  www.defra.gov.uk