Merimbula, Pambula and Tura Beach residents are being asked to take some simple steps in preparation for sewer maintenance works starting in parts of Merimbula next 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.
Though rare, the use of high-pressure water to clean sewer mains can sometimes result in an unpleasant situation called blowback.
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.
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.
Notices are being delivered to all affected customers with instructions on how to prepare for the scheduled works.
A regular sewerage network maintenance program is needed to keep the network operating and to prevent the build-up of blockages which can lead to environmentally damaging sewer spills.
Customers are encouraged to assist by not flushing items like nappies, wet wipes and oils down the toilet. Flushing never makes them go away—instead they cause blockages that lead to expensive problems.
Works start in parts of Merimbula on Monday 27 March 2023 before moving onto Pambula and Tura Beach. High-pressure water jetting will take place between 7am and 5pm (weekdays) and 8:30am and 4:30pm (Saturdays).
More details of jetting dates in specific areas will be provided in letters delivered to customers.
