Living in Sydney means living through storm season each year. For homeowners, the best defence against flooding issues is good backyard drainage – and that includes a well-maintained overflow relief gully.
Unfortunately, problems with your drainage system don’t always become apparent until the rain comes down in buckets. And when it does, the potential for sewage overflow increases – as do calls to emergency plumbers in Sydney.
Don’t wait until the worst happens! Storm season is upon us, and there’s no better time for a crash course on how to maintain your overflow relief gully.
What kinds of drains overflow during storm season?
The drainage system of your home is really important in ensuring that water is directed safely away from your property. Overflowing drains can happen for many reasons – a blocked stormwater drain is a common culprit. Additionally, significant rainfall events – like the storms that we’ve seen in Sydney in recent years – can cause stormwater drains on your property to overflow, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Overflowing drains can also happen because of improper stormwater-to-sewer connections.
Stormwater and sewerage networks are separate systems that should never connect. However, improper drainage systems on private property can direct rainwater into sewer pipes. In the event of a storm, this can lead to sewage overflow inside your home. Eeek!
That’s where your overflow relief gully comes in. If you’re not sure what that is or if your property even has one, keep reading. It might just be what’s standing between you and a crapload of stress – literally!
What is an overflow relief gully?
An overflow relief gully (ORG) is a round, grated drain located outside your house, usually near the bathroom or laundry. Connected to your sewer system, the ORG acts as a release valve in the event that your sewer pipes overflow.
Sewer pipes can overflow because of a blockage or when inundated with rainwater. When this happens, the grate covering your overflow relief gully pops off, directing sewage into your yard instead of inside your house.
The ORG is an essential part of your property’s drainage system. It’s important you know where it is and how to properly maintain it.
Is your overflow relief gully properly installed?
Unless you have an exemption, every Sydney property should have at least one overflow relief gully. In addition, proper installation is vital to ensure the ORG can function as intended.
Your ORG must be placed:
- at least 100mm lower than the lowest waste outlet in your home (e.g. basin, shower, or toilet).
- at least 150mm above the surrounding ground to prevent stormwater from flowing into it.
Other things that ensure your ORG functions properly include:
- the area surrounding your ORG should slope away from the house. This directs sewage flowing from the ORG away from your home and helps prevent stormwater from entering it.
- if the ORG is surrounded by grass, it must be 75mm above ground level. If the ORG is raised too high, it may be above floor level.
- if the ORG cannot be raised to its correct height, an inflow prevention device may need to be fitted.
If you suspect your overflow relief gully has been improperly fitted or you can’t find one on your property, a licensed plumber can help.
Call on the plumbing services Sydney homeowners have trusted for twenty years. Get in touch today.
How to maintain your overflow relief gully
When it comes to blocked drains, Sydney homes have seen their fair share. As a homeowner, you are required to maintain and repair sewer connections and fittings around your home up to the sewer connection point.
A well-maintained overflow relief gully can save you from a very unpleasant situation during storm season. Before storm season kicks off, make the time to locate your ORG and check that nothing is preventing it from doing its job.
Your ORG should be:
- completely unobstructed by landscaping, garden beds, potted plants and doormats
- able to pop open easily – a damaged or corroded grate may impact proper functioning, as can a build-up of silt
- installed away from roof downpipes
- far enough away from the pool to prevent backwash entering.
When to call in the experts
Is your backyard drainage ready for a Sydney storm event? Don’t find out the hard way. If you’ve had an outdoor drain flooding or have noticed problems with your overflow relief gully or downpipes, just call Joe! Our plumbing team can assist with drainage assessment, installation, maintenance and repairs to ensure your property is adequately protected.
Some councils are rolling out an investigation program targeting priority areas where wet weather sewage overflows occur most often. If you’re concerned your property may fail their test, get in touch to get compliant.
