Overflow relief gullies

An Overflow Relief Gully (ORG) protects the interior of your home or building from sewerage overflow. It is a drain like fitting located outside the property that is an important part of the plumbing system. In the event of a sewer blockage, an ORG is designed to release any sewerage overflow away from the interior of your building and outside to a garden or external area.

How does it work?

If a sewer blockage occurs, the ORG fitting 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 properly designed 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.

Claiming insurance following a sewer spill inside a property

As it is the home owner’s responsibility to make sure their home is fitted with a properly designed and operational ORG, an insurance claim for damages resulting from a sewer spill inside a building may be reduced when a non-compliant ORG is believed to have contributed to the magnitude of the damage.

Ensure your ORG IS NOT:

• underneath the property as a result of not being moved when a house extension was built (a plumber should move the existing ORG as part of constructing a house extension)
• blocked with concrete as a result of driveway or paving construction
• covered by landscaping or garden beds
• covered by any objects
• unable to pop off because it is corroded, filled with silt or concreted in
• a model which requires manual twisting in order to pop out

Ensure your ORG has:

• a clear drainage path (so spills drain away quickly without causing damage)
• a fitting that can pop off completely
• been installed at the correct level*
• *at least 150mm lower than the lowest fitting in the house (e.g. basin, shower, toilet, etc.) and usually 75mm above the surrounding ground

What is the difference between ORG models?

As ORGs have been installed since the late 1970s, many different models exist. We strongly recommend you install an approved model that is unhindered and pops off completely in an emergency.

Are ORGs regulated?

There are plumbing regulations that apply to the installation of ORG’s (National Plumbing Code AS 3500 1998). If you already have one installed, a licensed plumber should make an assessment as it may need to be repaired or replaced. If you don’t have one, contact a licensed plumber for a quote.