Overflowing gully in the yard: what to do

Sewage coming out of the yard gully means the sewer is blocked. What to do straight away, what not to touch, and how we fix it when you call.

A plumber answers 24/7.

Key takeaways

An overflowing gully is doing its job. Its grate is designed to pop off so sewage spills into the garden instead of coming up inside the house.
Stop using water straight away: no flushing, showers, washing machine or dishwasher until the sewer is cleared. Keep children and pets well away.
Check whether the neighbours have the same problem or sewage is flowing beyond your boundary. If so, the blockage may be in Sydney Water's pipes. Either way, call us on 0468 207 504: we find where it is, clear it if it is yours and report it for you if it is Sydney Water's.
Never cover, weigh down or pave over the gully, and never run a downpipe into it. It is part of the sewer and has to be able to overflow.