Check your ORG
An ORG is an Overflow Relief Gully. The ORG looks like a grate and can be found on the ground outside your home, within your boundary.
It is a critical part of your property’s plumbing because it is designed to prevent your house flooding with sewage.
In the event of a sewer blockage, the cover of the ORG should either pop off or pop upwards to release excess pressure and direct sewage away from your home.
If there is heavy rain and sewage is starting to overflow inside your house, then please check your Overflow Relief Gully to make sure that the grate is loose and not blocked.
To find out how to keep your ORG healthy see our handy checklist below.
Watch the video to find out more:
Do:
- check your ORG is raised at least 75mm above ground level so storm water doesn't enter it (see the diagram below).
- check your ORG sits at least 150mm lower than your lowest household drain. This is so overflows occur at the ORG, rather than inside your home.
- check the ORG grate is loose and not blocked.
- clear the ORG of any obstructions including pot plants or garden beds.
- call a licensed plumber to carry out any works to your ORG or plumbing if required.
- check with you local council that all plumbing is compliant.
- before planting any trees or shrubs, be sure to think before you plant.
- be sure to follow these simple steps before you start any building or landscaping.
Don't:
- build over your ORG
- plant trees and shrubs over or close to your ORG
- connect stormwater pipes and direct water into you ORG
Watch the video below to find out more:
If we find an illegal or inappropriate stormwater-to-sewer connection on your property’s drainage system, you will be issued with a notice to call a licensed plumber/drainer to correct the defect within 28 days.
Think before you plant
Certain trees and shrubs can cause blockages and cracked pipes if they are planted too close to sewer pipes.
