Sewer jetting to start in Eden

Eden residents are being asked to take some simple steps in preparation for sewer jetting starting in the area next 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.

Council’s Water and Sewerage Services Manager, Chris Best said the Eden jetting program will keep more than 18km of local sewerage infrastructure in good shape.

“Sewerage systems obviously benefit from regular cleaning. Without maintenance they can block and overflow into the environment,” Mr Best said.

“Jetting is one of the processes we use to reduce blockages caused by roots, debris and things that have no place in a sewer.

“It’s an opportunity for us 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.

“We are also advising people in the Eden area to take some simple steps in preparation for the jetting program.

“Most importantly, we’re asking people to seek out and inspect their sewer overflow relief gully, or gully trap as it’s also known.

“This vent is designed to pop off if pressure builds during the jetting process. Plumbers put them in to deal with issues like blowback so any backwash ends up in the garden instead of the bathroom floor.

“Wanting to avoid a situation like this, we’re asking customers to check their gully trap is not overgrown with grass, blocked or covered by something heavy like a pot plant or paving slab.

“Gully traps are small and round, protruding from the ground and usually covered with a plastic grille. Keeping this unobstructed and your toilet lid closed as the jetting program moves through your area will go a long way to keeping everything where it should be.

“Residents in the affected areas are being contacted directly with details of how to prepare for the jetting program.”

Jetting will commence in the Eden area on Tuesday 15 June, with works continuing for approximately three weeks. Jetting will take place weekdays only between 9am and 5pm.

If you have any questions about the jetting process, please contact Council’s Water and Sewerage Services team on 6499 2222. If you cannot find your gully trap, or suspect that it is blocked, please contact your local plumber for advice and service.