Merimbula Fishpen residents are being asked to take some simple steps in preparation for sewer jetting starting in the area this week.
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 is a good way to prepare for sewer jetting.
Residents in parts of the Merimbula Fishpen area are being contacted directly with details of how to prepare for the jetting program.
Works will start on Monday 21 November and wrap up on Monday 29 November. Jetting will take place Monday to Saturday, between 7am and 5pm (weekdays) and 8:30am and 4:30pm (Saturdays).
For enquiries about the jetting process, please contact Council’s Water and Sewerage Services team on (02) 6499 2222.
If you cannot find your gully trap, or suspect that it is blocked, please contact your local plumber for advice and service.
Image: Bega Valley Shire Council
