Let’s talk about something you might not think about every day, but that plays a crucial role in keeping your home or business running smoothly. Gully Suckers. Now, the name alone might make you giggle, but these handy machines are absolute heroes when it comes to keeping our drains and streets clean. Two Gully Suckers have recently joined the RJC fleet and are being hired out regularly around Yorkshire.
What is a Gully Sucker? 
Have you ever noticed when you’re walking down the street after heavy rain, and you see water swirling around those little grates on the side of the road. Those are gullies, and their job is to catch and drain away rainwater, leaves, and all sorts of debris to prevent flooding. An unsung hero of urban infrastructure.
But just like any hardworking system, they need a little TLC to keep functioning properly. That’s where the gully sucker comes in! It’s essentially a large vacuum truck, designed to suck out all the gunk that accumulates in these gullies—think leaves, silt, litter, and sometimes even the odd lost tennis ball.
How Do They Work?
The process is straightforward but effective. The RJC gully suckers are equipped with large tanks and a powerful vacuum hose. When one arrives at a blocked or filled-up gully, our operator lowers the hose into the drain. With a flip of a switch, the vacuum starts up, sucking out all the debris and water into the tank. Once the gully is clear its washed leaving the gully fresh and ready to go.
These trucks can also be used for more than just gullies—they’re great for emptying septic tanks, cleaning out road drains, and even dealing with spills or floods. Basically, if there’s a mess of liquid and solids that needs sorting, a gully sucker can handle it.
Why hire a Gully Sucker?
- Prevention of Flooding: Blocked gullies are one of the main causes of urban flooding. By regularly cleaning them out, gully suckers help keep our streets flood-free, even after the heaviest downpours.
- Improved Hygiene: Stagnant water mixed with decaying leaves and other debris is a breeding ground for bacteria and pests. Regular gully cleaning keeps these nasties at bay, ensuring a cleaner environment for everyone.
- Cost-Effective Maintenance: Regularly using a gully sucker is like the equivalent of getting a dental cleaning: there’s a cost upfront, but it’s much cheaper than dealing with a massive problem later, like an overflowing gully or a collapsed drain.
- Environmental Protection: Proper drainage prevents polluted water from sitting on the surface and seeping into the ground or flowing into natural water sources. By keeping gullies clean, we’re also helping protect our environment.
- Versatility: Gully suckers aren’t just a one-trick pony. They’re incredibly versatile machines that can be used in various situations, making them invaluable for both city councils and private contractors alike.
When Should You Call in a Gully Sucker?
If you’re a homeowner, you might not need to call one in regularly, but if you notice water pooling around your street’s drains, it’s a good idea to let your local council know. They’ll likely have a schedule for regular cleaning, but sometimes drains can get clogged up quicker than expected—especially after a storm.
For Yorkshire businesses, especially those in areas prone to flooding or with large car parks, it’s wise to have a gully sucker visit periodically as part of your maintenance routine.
For a competitive quote on your Gully Sucker hire, please get in touch with the RJC Team sales@rjcplantservices.com or call 07563 244913 to book.
Gully sucker hire is one of a list of services we provide, including Grab Hire, Aggregates, Road Sweeper Hire and Flood Clear Up.