Check your Overflow Relief Gully (ORG)
An Overflow Relief Gully (ORG) is a drain-like fitting located outside the home, that allows sewage to overflow away from the interior of your home and outside to the garden if there is a sewer blockage.
How does it work?
If a sewer blockage occurs, the ORG grate should pop off to release the pressure and direct sewage away from your home. It is the home owner’s responsibility to make sure their home is fitted with a compliant and operational ORG. When an ORG is not functioning correctly the property damage and health risks associated with sewage spilling inside or under a property are greatly increased.
| It should | It should not |
|---|---|
| Have a clear drainage path (so spills drain away quickly without causing damage). | Be located underneath any building extensions (a plumber should move the existing ORG as part of constructing a house extension). |
| Have a fitting that can pop off completely. | Be blocked with concrete as a result of driveway or paving construction. |
| Be installed at the correct level. | Be covered by landscaping, garden beds or other objects. |
| Have a spill a minimum of 150mm lower than the lowest fitting in the house (e.g. grated drain, shower, floor waste etc) and usually 75mm above the surrounding ground. | Have a grate unable to pop off because it is corroded, filled with silt or concreted in. |