Ensure your gully trap is not obstructed or overgrown.
12 August 2024
Residents in parts of Merimbula and Fishpen have been asked to take some simple steps in preparation for sewer jetting, starting on Tuesday 13 August.
The scheduled maintenance program will use high pressure water to clear sewerage infrastructure of blockages and debris, which on rare occasions can result in an unpleasant situation called blowback.
Jetting is one of the processes Council uses to reduce blockages caused by roots, debris and things that have no place in a sewer.
It’s also an opportunity for Council to monitor inappropriate use of the sewerage system, with blockages commonly arising from items like nappies, wet wipes and oils that have found their way into the network.
Prevention of blockages plays a big part in protecting local environments from spills and it’s important to understand that flushing inappropriate items down the toilet will not make them go away.
Residents are being advised 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.
Keeping gully traps unobstructed, and toilet lids closed with a heavy book on the lid is a good way to prepare for sewer jetting.
Residents in the areas affected have been contacted directly with details of how to prepare for the program.
Jetting in parts of Merimbula around the boardwalk area, Beach Street, Market Street, Park Street, as well as along the lakeside of Fishpen will run from 13 August until and 21 August. Works will take place between 7am and 5pm (weekdays) and 8am and 4pm (Saturdays).
These works are necessary to extend the life of our underground sewer assets.
