A Guide To Stormwater Pit Installations Gold Coast
Every year on the Gold Coast alone, the region is battered by up to 1138 millimetres or more of average rainfall - and that's an awful lot of water! Without somewhere to go, it simply goes where gravity takes it - including into your precious foundations, your lovely garden, the street or even your neighbours' yard. Are you looking to install a stormwater pit drain?
How does a stormwater pit even work?
You could divert that water into a rainwater tank, an attractive French drain, or even a rain garden. But the simplest and most commonly-used alternative - by far - is a stormwater pit in your backyard. Luckily, they're easy to install, don't need much maintenance, and they're simply great at collecting and controlling all those thousands of millimetres of stormwater.
How does a backyard stormwater pit work? Well, it's a simple below-ground structure made of concrete or plastic featuring a grated or open top that is fed by your network of stormwater pipes. The water flows in, the debris is caught, and the temporarily stored water has time to efficiently flow onto its next destination. But why not just live without a stormwater pit? Answer: when the Gold Coast skies are absolutely tipping it down, the pit gives all that extra water somewhere to temporarily flow so that the drains are not immediately overwhelmed with the task.
How is a stormwater pit installed?
Does it sound like you require a residential stormwater pit installation? Don't forget, almost all plumbing in Queensland needs to be carried out by a licensed professional - although stormwater is a slightly different story as you're only really required to abide by local council stormwater regulations. Attempting a DIY stormwater pit installation risks regulatory hurdles, voided warranties and insurance - and, of course, improper installation and an even bigger drainage nightmare than the one you're trying to solve!
Want to know how it's done? This is some of the steps professionals take to install a stormwater pit in Queensland.
1. Research
Check local regulations allow you to proceed with a stormwater pit installation. Also, look into whether a permit may be required for the work at your place. Start with the council and also consider getting in touch with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) and the Master Plumbers' Association of Queensland (MPAQ).
2. Assess the site
Where's that stormwater pit going to go? The answer will depend on the soil conditions but especially the water flow patterns based on your property's topography.
3. Select your pit
The correct pit size, construction and material (ie. concrete or polymer) depend on the anticipated water flow and required capacity, but you'll also need to ensure it meets Australian Standards and the appropriate load rating. For help, get in touch with a reputable supplier.
4. Start excavating
It's time to dig! But first, give Dial Before You Dig (BDYD) a shout because you'll need to know if you're about to dig into your critical underground utilities. Once you're sure, follow your chosen pit's specifications for the hole, ensuring proper depth and dimensions.
5. Connect & secure
It's time to hook up your new pit to the existing drainage system, remembering to ensure proper sloping and alignment so the water flows just as you need it to. That will require careful measurement and adjustment of the pit's positioning to ensure a gradual downward slope to the drainage system. Finish off this step by making sure the pit is securely placed and levelled.
6. Complete & test
The time has come to backfill the area around the pit, compacting the soil in layers as you go to prevent settling. Once you're done, check for leaks and improper connections by pouring in plenty of water.
Your Pro stormwater pit is just around the corner
Does it all sound a little tricky and risky? Luckily, it could hardly be easier for the best and most affordable licensed plumbers on the Gold Coast and beyond, who will ensure it's done without error and with no risk to your safety or your property's critical drainage capabilities. So if you're in need of a stormwater pit installation, or any stormwater drainage solutions and installation at all, at least give In Deep Plumbing a call today to find out just how cheaply we can get it done with a 100% lifetime workmanship guarantee. We can't wait to hear from you!
