Eden, Tura Beach and Tathra residents are being asked to take some simple steps in preparation for sewer maintenance works starting in parts of Eden this week.
The scheduled maintenance program will involve repairs and rehabilitation works and the use of high-pressure water to clear sewerage infrastructure of blockages and debris.
Acting Water and Sewerage Services Manager, Steve Marshall said customers are encouraged to take some simple steps to prepare for the works.
“It’s fairly rare, but the use of high-pressure water to clean sewer mains can sometimes result in an unpleasant situation called blowback,” Mr Marshall said.
“This is when a blockage in the main is encountered and the water backs up to the nearest outlet, which can be a customer’s toilet.
“There are two key actions residents can take to prevent this happening: one is to seek out and inspect their overflow relief gullies, or gully traps as they are often called.
“Gully traps are found in the yard. They are small and round, protruding from the ground and usually covered with a plastic grille that is designed to pop off if there is a problem in the sewer system.
“Plumbers install gully traps to deal with issues like blowback, so any backwash ends up in the garden instead of the bathroom floor.
“It’s vital that gully traps are not overgrown with grass, or obstructed by something heavy, like a pot plant or paving slab.”
Mr Marshall said the second thing people can do is to place a small weight on the closed toilet lid.
“While jetting works are happening in your area it’s advisable to keep toilet lids closed and to place a small weight on top, like a couple of books,” Mr Marshall said.
“We’re delivering notices to all affected customers with instructions on how to prepare for the scheduled works.
