Observe before choosing a fix
A wet patch after rain is different from water appearing during dry weather. Record the pattern before choosing a new drain or assuming an existing pipe is blocked.
The stormwater and wastewater guide helps identify the kind of water involved. If wastewater is suspected, keep people and pets clear and explain the concern when arranging help.
Make a simple site record
| Observation | What to record |
|---|---|
| Timing | During rain, after rain or in dry weather |
| Position | Near a downpipe, grate, building or low area |
| Movement | Where runoff arrives from and where it collects |
| Duration | How long water remains after rainfall stops |
| Changes | Recent paving, planting, building or drainage work |
Photographs from safe ground help explain the area without disturbing it.
Separate surface conditions from buried drains
Surface levels, ground conditions and the drainage system all affect what happens to water. Send photographs of the pooling and describe when it happens so we can discuss what needs investigating.
Check accessible surface openings for obvious loose debris and follow the stormwater maintenance checklist. If pooling continues, tell us what you observed and what has already been done.
Bring plans and previous findings
Share any available drainage plan, earlier camera findings or records of work in the area. We use CCTV and GPS location for drainage investigations where the buried route or condition needs checking.
If the concern is part of a larger project, our drainlaying project checklist helps combine drainage, access and surface reinstatement in one brief.
Plan a response to the cause
Before agreeing work, ask what problem it is intended to solve, where the water will go and how the work relates to existing drainage. Discuss concrete, pavers, hot mix or garden areas that may need reinstatement.
Avoid diverting runoff toward another property or into wastewater drainage as a quick fix. Send us the location, observations and photographs so the next conversation starts with your property's actual conditions.
Talk through your garden drainage
Tell us where water pools, when it appears and how long it remains.
Talk through your garden drainageCall 0800 405 632