As a homeowner in Australia, keeping your home safe and functional means understanding the role of the key plumbing components, including the overflow relief gully (ORG), an important element in your home’s sewer system. This guide will help you protect your home from sewage issues.
What is an Overflow Relief Gully?
An overflow relief gully is vital to your home’s sewerage system that stops wastewater from backing up into your living areas. Usually located outside near bathrooms or laundry, these are made of plastic or metal and have a removable grate.
The ORG is installed at the lowest point in your sewerage system, about 150mm below the lowest connected drain in your home, such as a shower or floor waste gully. This lower installation height means any overflow caused when a sewer blockage occurs will go outside, not inside your home. High water levels in the ORG can indicate a blockage in the main sewer line, which may require prompt intervention to prevent major issues.
Importance of Overflow Relief
Overflow relief gullies are more than just a safety feature; they are essential for maintaining the integrity of your home’s plumbing system.
By providing a designated exit point for excess water, these gullies prevent wastewater overflow from causing damage inside your home. This is particularly crucial during heavy rainfall or when a sewer blockage occurs, as the relief gully ensures that the excess water is directed outside, safeguarding your living spaces.
Maintaining proper drain flow is vital for the overall health of your plumbing system. A well-functioning overflow relief gully helps to manage the pressure within your sewer lines, reducing the risk of sewer spills and costly sewer line repairs. By ensuring that your relief gully is clear of obstructions and properly installed, you can prevent potential blockages and maintain the smooth operation of your sewer network.
How an Overflow Relief Gully Works
The ORG’s job is simple yet critical. When a blockage occurs in the sewer line, the water rises in the pipes. When it reaches the ORG’s level, the grate comes off, and the sewage goes outside. This design stops potentially damaging and hazardous sewage from overflowing into your home, preventing health risks and costly repairs from a sewer spill.
Overflow Relief Gully Australian Standards and Regulations
In Australia, ORGs have been part of plumbing standards for decades. According to the plumbing code in each state and territory, homes built after the mid-1970s generally require an ORG installed.
Proper installation is critical for an ORG to work:
- At least 150mm below the lowest fixture in your home
- At least 75mm above the surrounding ground to prevent stormwater from entering
- Loose fitting grate that can come off quickly in case of overflow
- Clear the area around for quick overflow drainage.
How to Prevent Sewer Blockage
Preventing sewer blockage is crucial to maintaining the integrity of your home’s plumbing system. Here are some practical tips to help you keep your sewer lines clear and your overflow relief gully functioning properly:
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect your overflow relief gully (ORG) to ensure it’s free of debris and sediment. Check the grate for any blockages and clean it regularly to maintain proper drain flow.
- Proper Waste Disposal: Be mindful of what you pour down your drains. Avoid disposing of grease, oil, and other substances that can solidify and cause blockages in your sewer system.
- Use a Drain Screen: Install a drain screen or filter in your sinks and showers to catch hair and other debris before they go down the drain. This simple step can prevent clogs and keep your sewer lines clear.
- Avoid Connecting Stormwater: Ensure that stormwater is not connected to your sewer system. Connecting stormwater can overwhelm your sewer lines and lead to overflow and blockages.
- Tree Root Maintenance: If you have trees near your home, be aware that their roots can grow into your sewer lines and cause blockages. Regularly inspect and maintain your sewer lines to prevent root intrusion.
By following these tips, you can help prevent sewer blockage and ensure your home’s plumbing system runs smoothly. Regular maintenance and mindful waste disposal are key to avoiding costly repairs and keeping your sewer network in top condition.
How to Maintain Your Overflow Relief Gully
Regular maintenance will keep your ORG working smoothly. Try these tips:
- Check and clear the gully drain of obstructions like leaves, dirt, or vegetation regularly so it can function properly
- Make sure the grate is not stuck or corroded so it can come off easily in case of a blockage
- Ensure the overflow gully is at the correct height, especially after landscaping or renovations, at least 150mm below the lowest drain
- Don’t pour fats, oils, food scraps or chemicals down the drains, as they can cause blockages over time
- Have an annual inspection by a licensed plumber to identify potential issues early.
Troubleshooting and Repair
If you experience a sewer blockage or overflow, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent damage and health hazards. Here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting and repairing your sewer system:
- Identify the Source: Determine the source of the blockage or overflow. Check your ORG, floor waste gully, and sewer lines for any signs of blockage. Look for slow drainage, gurgling sounds, or water backing up in your fixtures.
- Turn Off Water Supply: If you suspect a blockage, turn off the water supply to your home to prevent further damage. This will help minimize the risk of a sewage overflow.
- Call a Licensed Plumber: If you’re unsure how to fix the issue or if the blockage is severe, call a licensed plumber to assist you. Professional help is crucial for diagnosing and resolving complex sewer problems.
- Clear the Blockage: If you’re comfortable doing so, use a plumbing snake or other specialized equipment to clear the blockage. For blockages caused by tree roots, you may need to use a root cutter to remove the obstruction.
- Inspect and Repair: After clearing the blockage, inspect your sewer lines and ORG for any damage or wear. Repair or replace any damaged components to prevent future blockages and ensure your sewer system operates efficiently.
Remember, prevention is key. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent sewer blockage and ensure your home’s plumbing system runs smoothly. By staying proactive and addressing issues promptly, you can avoid the inconvenience and expense of major sewer repairs.
Key Takeaways
- An ORG is vital to preventing sewage backflow into homes during blockages. Proper installation is critical; it must be below the lowest fixture and in the right workplace.
- Homeowners should maintain their ORGs regularly to prevent blockages and overflows. Homes without an ORG are at risk of sewage issues, so get a plumber to check.
- If your ORG is overflowing, act fast and call a plumber. You can avoid the unpleasantness by understanding how your ORG works and how to maintain it.
- Contact local authorities or a licensed plumber if you’re ever in doubt – it’s always worth enlisting the help of an expert.
What happens if I don’t have an ORG installed and a sewer blockage occurs?
Homes without an ORG are at risk during a sewer blockage. Wastewater will back up into your drains, messy and potentially unhealthy. For older homes especially those built before the 1970s, it’s highly recommended to have a licensed plumber inspect the plumbing to install an ORG.
Can I use my ORG for stormwater or pool water?
Using an ORG for stormwater or pool water is not recommended. Designed for sewage overflow only, allowing other sources to drain into it can cause system overload and increased overflow risk. Ensure your ORG is at least 75mm above the surrounding ground level to prevent stormwater from entering.
What should I do if my ORG is overflowing? Should I call a licensed plumber?
An overflowing ORG means there’s a blockage in your sewer system. Stop using your household drains and call a licensed plumber ASAP to diagnose and fix the blockage. Prioritise an overflow of this nature, as it’s a health risk.
