Stormwater Pits: Are They Right For You And How To Install One

Australia may be famously dry, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t rain – and sometimes, it can be absolutely torrential! Managing that rainwater effectively is absolutely essential for protecting your property from water damage, erosion, and flooding. Because if your yard turns into a soggy mess every time it rains heavily, or you’ve noticed pooling water – especially near your home’s foundation – a stormwater pit could be the solution.

What is a stormwater pit?

It’s a fairly simple structure, typically installed underground, that is designed to collect and manage rainwater runoff. Basically, it serves as a mini reservoir, gathering water from surrounding areas like your driveway, roof and yard, and directing it into the stormwater drainage system.

How does a stormwater pit work?

The pit collects excess water, storing it temporarily before releasing it into the stormwater system or another outlet. A typical stormwater pit installation includes a grated inlet for water collection and a connection to underground pipes that direct the water away from your property.

Is a stormwater pit right for you?

Does it sound like residential stormwater pit installation could be right for your property? Before we get into how to install a drainage pit, consider the following:

THE PROS:

Prevents flooding by keeping water from pooling on your property during heavy rains.
Minimises the risk of structural damage to your home and property, especially your foundation.
Versatile and suitable for a variety of applications, from residential backyards to large driveways.
Once installed, it requires minimal maintenance to function extremely cost-effectively.

THE CONS:

It may require significant digging and space, depending on your property’s size.
Installation can be complex, making DIY particularly tricky if you’re unfamiliar with drainage systems.
Without regular maintenance, debris can clog the pit.

But if water is pooling regularly on your property and you have the space, it’s a good bet that a stormwater pit is the perfect solution. But wait! Could it be blocked drains are the problem rather than an inadequate stormwater drainage system? This is why arranging an inspection with a local drain plumber in Melbourne is recommended before any work commences. Fix It Right Plumbing can also send out a drainage specialist in Canberra or a Geelong drain plumber to assist.

Stormwater pits VS other drainage systems

Hopefully, you’ve seen by now that stormwater pits are extremely effective – but it’s important to note that they aren’t the only drainage solution. Here’s how they compare to your other options:

Stormwater pits: Best for managing large volumes of rainwater in one area, such as driveways or patios, drainage pit installation often means connection to the broader stormwater system for water disposal.

Direct stormwater connection: The straightforward solution where rainwater is channelled directly from your roof, driveway, or yard into council-maintained stormwater drains. While highly efficient in suburban areas with established drainage networks, additional measures can sometimes be required.

French drains: They’re trenches filled with gravel and a perforated pipe, but better suited for widespread water issues across a property.

Soakaways: Not common in residential areas, these underground pits filled with gravel – allowing water to slowly seep into the soil – are not suitable for many types of dense, clay-rich Australian soils and extreme downpours.

How a Plumber Installs a Stormwater Pit: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing a stormwater pit is a crucial task in managing excess rainwater and preventing property damage. While it may seem straightforward, professional installation ensures compliance with local regulations, correct water flow, and long-term reliability. Here’s how a qualified plumber or drainage specialist handles stormwater pit installation.

1. Assess the Site and Drainage Requirements

A professional starts by evaluating the site, identifying areas of poor drainage, and determining the best location for the stormwater pit. This involves:

Checking for existing drainage systems and council stormwater connections
Identifying the natural flow of rainwater on the property
Locating underground utilities to avoid damage during excavation
Ensuring compliance with local drainage regulations

A plumber will also calculate the appropriate size of the stormwater pit based on the expected water volume and runoff areas.

2. Selecting the Right Stormwater Pit

Depending on the property’s needs, a plumber may install a plastic, concrete, or polymer stormwater pit. The choice depends on factors like:

Load requirements: High-traffic areas may need reinforced concrete pits.
Water volume: Larger pits with multiple outlets may be necessary for areas with heavy runoff.
Soil conditions: Clay-heavy soils may require additional filtration measures.

3. Excavation and Ground Preparation

Using excavation equipment, a plumber digs a hole large enough to accommodate the pit and surrounding drainage materials. The excavation must:

Be deep enough to allow proper water flow into the stormwater system
Have a slight slope to encourage efficient drainage
Allow for additional space around the pit for gravel and bedding materials

Once the hole is ready, a layer of compacted gravel is placed at the base to provide stability and promote water filtration.

4. Installing the Stormwater Pit and Connecting Pipes

With the pit in position, a plumber connects PVC or concrete stormwater pipes to ensure proper water flow. This process involves:

Cutting and securing inlet and outlet pipes using appropriate fittings
Sealing all connections to prevent leaks
Checking gradients to maintain a consistent flow of water toward the outlet

If the stormwater pit connects to an existing drainage system or the council’s stormwater network, a licensed plumber ensures it complies with local council regulations and obtains necessary approvals.

5. Backfilling and Securing the Pit

To provide support and prevent shifting over time, the plumber carefully backfills around the stormwater pit using:

Gravel layers for proper drainage and structural support
Geo-fabric material to prevent soil from clogging the system
Compacted soil or concrete edging around the top to stabilise the pit and prevent movement

6. Installing the Grate and Testing the System

The final steps involve securing the stormwater grate and testing the entire system to ensure optimal performance. This includes:

Attaching the grate to keep out large debris
Simulating heavy rainfall by running water through the system
Checking for proper water flow and drainage efficiency
Inspecting all connections to confirm there are no leaks or blockages

Why Professional Installation Matters

While stormwater pits might seem like a straightforward installation, professional plumbers ensure:

Correct positioning and water flow to prevent pooling and ineffective drainage
Proper integration with existing stormwater systems for long-term reliability
Compliance with council regulations, avoiding costly fines or rework
Reduced risk of failure, saving homeowners from future repairs and water damage

Call us for expert stormwater solutions

Installing or maintaining a stormwater pit doesn’t have to be stressful – especially if you get the friendly guys at Fix-It Right Plumbing to do it for you! We not only specialise in residential stormwater pit installation, but also maintenance, repairs and ongoing plumbing and drainage inspections. Need some extra advice about how to install a stormwater pit, or professional assistance with your drainage system? Here at Fix-It Right Plumbing, we’re always just around the corner – so give us a shout!