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!

What To Do About A Leaking Hot Water System

By Richard Foster

What To Do About A Leaking Hot Water System

Few home maintenance issues are as inconvenient, worrying, and potentially expensive and even dangerous as a hot water system leaking. You’re no doubt concerned about how serious the issue might be and whether it’s going to leave you with a hefty repair bill or a cold shower – or both! Continue reading “What To Do About A Leaking Hot Water System” »

6 Simple Steps To Unblock A Sink With No Experience

By Richard Foster

6 Simple Steps To Unclog A Sink With No Experience

A blocked sink may be incredibly common, but that doesn’t make it any less of a frustrating household plumbing issue. Whether you’re rinsing off dishes or brushing your teeth, a clogged sink drain may not seem like a huge deal, but it can massively disrupt your day and even lead to unpleasant odours or water damage. Before you panic and call a plumber straight away, there are steps you can take to learn how to unblock a sink and tackle the problem yourself. With a little patience and some basic tools, no matter your skill level, you may just be able to fix the issue without spending a dime.

In our exclusive guide, we’ll walk you through how to unblock a sink drain – with practical advice for everyone from the not-so-handy to the moderately skilled. And if all else fails, don’t worry—our skilled and affordable Melbourne drain plumbers, Canberra blocked drain experts, and Geelong drain cleaning specialists at Fix-It Right Plumbing are just a call away.

Step 1: Remove standing water

Just want to unblock sink drains that are bothering you? Well, if your sink is clogged and filled with water, the first step is to clear it out.

For the not-so-handy: Use a small container or cup to manually scoop out the water into a bucket. Be patient and try to get as much as possible. If your sink is still slow to drain after this, don’t worry – this is just the beginning.

For the moderately handy: Consider using a wet/dry vacuum to suck up the water quickly and efficiently. It’s a brilliant way to unclog drain sinks, but you’ll obviously need the vac or need to borrow or rent one. But rest assured – these devices are great for removing excess water before tackling the blockage.

What a plumber would do: A plumber will assess the sink’s drainage system and use professional-grade tools to pump out water and start identifying the blockage.

Step 2: Inspect the drain for visible blockages

Many sink blockages are caused by food particles, hair, or grease that have built up over time.

For the not-so-handy: Remove the drain cover and use a torch to check for visible debris. If you can see the blockage, try pulling it out using a bent wire coat hanger or a pair of tongs.

For the moderately handy: Use a drain snake or a similar tool to probe deeper into the drain and dislodge clogs further down the pipe.

What a plumber would do: A plumber will use specialised equipment, such as a plumber’s auger or CCTV drain camera inspection, to locate and remove blockages deep in the plumbing system.

Step 3: Use boiling water

Sometimes, a clogged sink drain can be cleared with nothing more than boiling water.

For the not-so-handy: Boil a kettle of water and carefully pour it down the drain in stages. This works particularly well for blockages caused by grease or soap scum.

For the moderately handy: After pouring the boiling water, use a plunger to apply suction to the drain and help move the blockage along.

What a plumber would do: If boiling water and plunging aren’t effective, a plumber may flush the drain with high-pressure water or chemical solutions designed for tougher clogs.

Step 4: Create a DIY solution

Having trouble unclogging sink drains? Homemade remedies can sometimes work wonders for unblocking a sink.

For the not-so-handy: Mix one cup of baking soda with one cup of vinegar and then:

Pour the mixture into the drain
Let it sit for 15-30 minutes
Rinse with hot water.

This method is safe, natural, and surprisingly effective for minor clogs.

For the moderately handy: After applying the baking soda and vinegar solution, consider using a plunger to amplify the effect. The combination of the solution and suction can be very effective.

What a plumber would do: Plumbers may use professional-grade enzymatic cleaners or other advanced chemical solutions to dissolve tough clogs without damaging your pipes.

Step 5: Check the U-bend

How to unblock a sink with water in it? Sounds like the U-bend is the culprit! The U-bend or P-trap under the sink often traps debris and is a common source of clogs that fill up that sink and then overflow it.

For the not-so-handy: Don’t feel bad, because many of the not-so-handy of you out there wouldn’t and shouldn’t attempt this. For the adventurous:

Place a bucket under the sink to catch any water
Carefully unscrew the U-bend
Empty it out
Clean it thoroughly
Re-attach.

For the moderately handy: While cleaning the U-bend, use a flexible drain snake to probe deeper into the pipe and ensure the blockage is fully removed.

What a plumber would do: A plumber will dismantle and clean the U-bend with professional precision and inspect the entire pipe system for additional blockages or structural damage. Knowing how to unclog sink plumbing is never an issue for the guys in the know!

Step 6: Test the drain

Once you’ve tried a few methods, it’s important to test whether the blockage has been resolved.

For the not-so-handy: Run the tap and observe whether the water flows freely. If it drains smoothly, congratulations – you’ve successfully unblocked your sink!

For the moderately handy: Still not working? Don’t give up your journey into how to unblock the sink quite yet!

So if water still drains slowly, repeat one or more of the steps above to ensure the blockage is fully cleared.

What a plumber would do: How to unclog a sink? Calling a plumber is always the easiest and most thorough way! A licensed and experienced tradie will perform a thorough test of the entire plumbing system to confirm that all blockages are resolved and that your pipes are in good working condition.

When to call a professional

Tried everything? Hands dirty? Still unsure how to unblock a drain sink? It’s time to call in the experts. That’s because a persistent or severe blockage isn’t just annoying and potentially damaging, it may indicate a deeper and much more expensive and destructive problem – such as tree roots invading your pipes or a broken sewer line. Attempting to fix such issues yourself can lead to further damage and even bigger bills than you ever imagined.

Why choose Fix-It Right Plumbing?

Sink clogged? At Fix-It Right Plumbing, we specialise in solving all types of plumbing problems – including how to unblock a sink, how to unblock a drain, and so much more. With experienced and fully licensed Melbourne plumbers, Geelong plumbers, and Canberra plumbers, we’re always ready to help when DIY solutions fall short. We pride ourselves on fast response times, upfront pricing, and long-lasting solutions that give you peace of mind.

So don’t let a blocked sink disrupt your day, and instead give us a shout right here at Fix-It Right Plumbing. Our friendly team will have your plumbing running perfectly in no time.

What to do if you smell gas inside your home

By Richie

Open all doors and windows to ventilate the room – The first thing you should do is open and window or door you can to get some fresh air inside. Find the nearest door to you and do it straight away. This will lessen the concentration of gas in the air and make it easier to breath

Remove people and pets from the area - Getting everyone inside the house to safety is key here. Helping family members to a sheltered place outside away from the gas leak is priority. Ensure all pets have been removed and everyone in the house has been accounted for

Turn off all ignition sources – IF you have any flames in your home make sure they are turned off (Cookers, Stoves) Ensure any smokers in the house do not light up cigarettes

Isolate the gas supply to your home – You can find the gas shut off valve to your home located on the gas meter. If you know where your gas meter is and can safely access the area, then shut off your gas supply. This will stop the gas leak from getting worse.

Call for help – Call a plumbing professional who specialises in gas leaks and tell them you have an emergency. They will fully understand your position and will arrange for a qualified plumber to attend and get your leak found and fixed.