Homeowners must take reasonable steps to ensure their plumbing and drainage is kept in good condition and operates correctly. Some things you can do:
- Prevent stormwater from flooding your overflow relief gully (ORG). This is a grated outlet located in the ground outside your home, usually near the laundry, which acts as a release valve and helps prevent sewage from flooding your house by directing the overflow outside
- Your ORG should be installed at least 75mm above ground level to avoid collecting stormwater.
- If your ORG is low-lying or floods easily, an ORG cap can be fitted to help prevent inflows.
- Check stormwater pipes from your roof, driveway or patio are not connected to the sewerage network or your ORG. Improper connections can contribute to overflows.
- Keep reflux valves (if installed) and all other plumbing and drainage in good condition through regular maintenance by a licensed plumber.
- Look after household pipes to prevent blockages. Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet and use a sink strainer in the kitchen.
- Think before planting trees and shrubs as they damage pipes and can cause blockages, which also lead to overflows.
- Prepare for severe weather during storm season.