A gully in plumbing is an important part of the drainage system that helps to prevent flooding.
It acts as a catchment area for water runoff and is generally placed at ground level outside buildings, near doors and paths. Gullies collect rainwater from downpipes, surface water from pavements and other sources. The collected water then runs into a drain or soakaway, away from the building. Generally speaking, a gully consists of an upper chamber that collects the water, and a lower chamber where it flows out into the drain or other outlet. Depending on its purpose, gullies can also be fitted with gratings to protect them against leaves, debris and even animals. In some cases, they can also be used for draining away wastewater from sinks and other plumbing fixtures. Gullies are an essential part of any drainage system, helping to keep buildings safe from flooding.
An overflow relief gully (ORG) is a critical element should you suffer a sewage overload. For more information on how an overflow relief gully works, take a look at the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.In some cases, gullies may also be fitted with additional features such as a sump pump or a non-return valve to help control the water flow. This prevents backflow into the building and helps ensure that the water is running in the right direction at all times. Without these important components in place, there is an increased risk of flooding which can cause significant damage to properties.
Gullies are generally much larger than traps, with some being up to four feet long and two feet wide, depending on their purpose. Gullies also have grates fitted on them to protect against leaves, debris and animals. Traps are usually much smaller, measuring just a few inches across. They also do not have grates fitted as they are designed to fit inside the waste pipe and prevent sewer gases from entering the building.
The exact location of your gully trap will depend on the type of property you have and its age. In older buildings, the gully trap may be found outside near the walls or pathways. It is usually located at ground level and can easily be identified by its grate cover. In more modern buildings, the gully trap is often found within internal plumbing systems and can be quite hard to locate. If you are unable to find it, then it is advisable to contact a qualified plumber who will be able to identify and access it.
An overflow relief gully is a type of sewer gully that is specially designed to protect the drainage system from flooding in times of heavy rainfall. Unlike standard sewer gullies, these are designed with an internal baffle plate which allows excess water to escape through an additional outlet when the main drain becomes full. This releases the pressure that builds up in the system and prevents it from overflowing and causing flooding. Overflow relief gullies can be installed on both domestic and commercial properties as part of their overall drainage system. They are particularly important for areas at risk of flash floods due to the high amount of rainwater they can collect quickly during heavy downpours.
Installing a gully is not an easy task and should only be attempted by someone with experience in this type of plumbing work. It's important to make sure that the hole you are digging is deep enough so that the gully can sit below ground level, and that the surrounding area is properly compacted to provide good support for the structure. There are several steps involved in installing a gully including measuring the size of the hole, connecting it to the drainage system, sealing around it, and filling it with gravel or other materials.
The water from a gully will typically drain into underground pipes before making its way to a larger drainage system or to local streams/rivers. The exact route it takes depends on the layout of the surrounding area and any regulations in place for surface water removal. It's important to make sure that the installation is done properly so that the water can be drained away without causing flooding or other problems.