How to fix old storm water pit or bubbler?

[DIWHYNot]

Hi everyone, 

I dug up a storm water bubbler/pit to find a blockage in one of our gardens. What I found was that there wasn't a blockage as such, but rather the end points (circled in pink) have an open bottom that sits flush on dense dirt and rocks causing the necks of the drains to be permanently full. I am guessing the original idea is that this would drain slowly, but the ground is too dense for this to work. The inlets circled in green run down to other storm water pipes and have no relatrionship with the outlets circled in pink (other than to catch their run-off sometimes).

The best plan I have at this stage is to drill some weaper holes down the necks of the outlets circled in pink and then fill the hole in with loose, largish rocks. Part of me is also considering trying to connect the bottom of these outlets to the inlets in green but not sure if this is wise.   

For more context, the inlets in green are about 30cm higher than the pipes that feed the bubblers in pink.

I am open to ides. Thanks everyone.

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @DIWHYNot,

It looks like these are ORGs (overflow relief gullies), which are connected to your sewer system. The ORG sits below the lowest waste outlet in your home and acts as a release valve if your sewer pipes become blocked, backs up, and overflows. They are there to prevent sewage from spilling inside your home in the event of a sewer blockage.

ORGs are supposed to have water in them to create a seal that prevents sewer gases from rising through them.

They are not part of your stormwater system, and when originally installed, they would have sat above ground level to prevent groundwater from getting into them, which can lead to blockages in your sewer system. 

I would not advise you to make any alterations to these pipes.

If you have concerns that they are not functioning as intended, please contact a licenced plumber for their assistance.

For further guidance have a look at the following pages - 

• Overflow relief gullies - Queensland Building and Construction Commission
   
• Overflow relief gullies - Urban Utilities.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[DIWHYNot]

hI @JacobZ, Thanks for this, 

I'm not so sure though. We have a septic/recycled waste system that handles excess fluids by way of a runoff conduit. And, those pipes circled in pink have an open bottom, so if it was sewerage runoff, it would end up soaking into the garden which I wouldn't think would be a safe outcome. 

On top of that, we had a utility scan of our place done and the guy mapped these pipes in as storm water that comes from the outer boundary and our gutters

If you see the image in one of your links, https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/resources/article/overflow-relief-gullies, it shows a 'U' bend onto another outlet. Ours has an open bottom, no 'U' bend. And terminates at this point.

[EricL]

Hello @DIWHYNot 

Just a friendly reminder that any plumbing work needs to be carried out by a licensed plumber for safety and compliance. 

I'm sorry, but the link you've provided is not showing me any images. If you are planning on doing any modification to your existing drain, I strongly suggest engaging the services of a plumber and get an opinion in regards to the blockage. It would also be a good opportunity to ask about the layout of the pipes. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[DIWHYNot]

Hi Eric, sorry, this one https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/resources/article/overflow-relief-gullies.