Ethan Clarke
Stormwater pits are essential to preventing water damage to your property. They collect rainwater and direct it away from your home through connected drainage pipes. While a simple plastic pit may be used, professional installation is recommended to ensure the right type of pit and drainage system is installed for your climate and location. However, if you're confident in your DIY abilities, here's a brief overview of the process: choose a spot where water naturally gathers, dig a hole slightly larger than your pit, lay a bed of gravel, place the pit in the hole, attach PVC pipes, cover the area with soil or gravel, and test your stormwater pit.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a location
When choosing a location, it is recommended to select a spot that is away from your house's foundation. This will help to prevent water from pooling close to your home, reducing the risk of water damage to your property's foundations. Additionally, ensure that the chosen location allows for an easy pathway to direct the water to your property's drainage system. This may involve connecting the stormwater pit to existing drainage pipes or installing new pipes to guide the water away from your home.
Another factor to consider when choosing a location is the size and depth of the pit. Outline the size of the pit using a tape measure to get a sense of how much space you'll need for digging. Keep in mind that the pit should be installed at a low point in your yard, allowing water to flow into it through grates at the top. Dig the hole larger than the size of the pit, ensuring it is deep enough to accommodate the pit and allow for proper drainage.
It is also important to consider the stability of the chosen location. The area should be well-compacted to avoid any future subsidence or shifting of the pit. This can be achieved by creating a stable base for the pit, such as a bed of compacted sand or gravel, before lowering the pit into the hole. The pit should be level, with the top slightly below ground level, allowing for a seamless finish once covered with soil, gravel, or turf.
By carefully considering these factors when choosing a location for your plastic stormwater pit, you can ensure effective drainage, prevent water damage, and maintain the stability and aesthetics of your property.
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Digging the hole
Digging a hole for your plastic stormwater pit requires careful planning and consideration. It is important to choose an optimal location for your pit, usually a low point where water naturally accumulates or flows during rainfall. This location should be away from your house's foundation to prevent water from pooling too close to your home.
Once you have chosen the location, it is time to start digging. Outline the size of the pit with a tape measure to get an idea of how much space you will need for digging. Dig a hole larger than the size of your stormwater pit, ensuring precise measurements and factoring in the stability of your pit. The hole should be deep enough to fit the pit and allow for drainage pipes to connect.
After digging the hole, lay a bed of compacted sand or gravel at the bottom to provide stability and a level surface for your pit. It is important to ensure that the pit sits exactly level when placed in the hole. You may need to adjust the gravel base to stabilise it. The top of the pit should be slightly below ground level, allowing you to cover it with soil or gravel once the installation is complete.
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Preparing the base
Firstly, choose an appropriate location for your stormwater pit. Select an area where water naturally accumulates or flows during rainfall, preferably away from your house's foundation to prevent water pooling close to your home. Outline the size of the pit with a tape measure to ensure you have enough space for digging.
Next, start digging a hole that is larger than the size of your stormwater pit. This step requires precise measurements and an understanding of the stability of your pit. Dig the hole deep enough to accommodate the pit and allow for the connection of drainage pipes.
Once you have dug the hole, it's time to create a stable base. Lay a bed of compacted sand or gravel at the bottom of the hole to provide stability and a level surface. Ensure the base is compacted and levelled to prevent any future subsidence and to provide a solid foundation for your stormwater pit.
Now you are ready to lower the stormwater pit into the hole. Carefully position the pit, making sure it is level. Adjust the gravel or sand base if needed to stabilise it. The top of the pit should be slightly below ground level, allowing you to cover it with soil or gravel once the installation is complete.
Finally, connect the stormwater pit to the drainage system. Attach PVC pipes to the outlets of the pit, ensuring they lead towards the appropriate discharge point. This step requires an understanding of gradient and flow direction to guide water away from your home effectively.
By following these steps, you will have a stable and functional base for your plastic stormwater pit, ensuring effective drainage and preventing potential flooding or water damage.
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Lowering the pit
Lowering the stormwater pit into place is a crucial step in the installation process. Before you begin, ensure you have chosen the right type of pit for your needs, taking into account factors such as water volume, soil type, durability, load-bearing capacity, and location.
The first step in lowering the pit is to dig a hole that is larger than the size of the pit itself. This requires precise measurements, and you must also consider the stability of the pit. It is important to dig the hole deep enough to fit the pit and allow for drainage pipes to connect. Once you have dug the hole, lay a bed of compacted sand or gravel at the bottom to provide stability for the pit.
Now it's time to carefully lower the stormwater pit into the hole. Make sure it is level, and adjust the gravel or sand base if needed to stabilise it. The top of the pit should be slightly below ground level, allowing you to cover it with soil or gravel once the installation is complete. Check that any built-in filters or grates are in place, as these are essential for preventing debris from clogging the pit and drainage pipes.
With the pit in place, you can now attach the drainage pipes. PVC pipes are commonly used for this purpose due to their durability and corrosion resistance. Measure the length needed to reach the drainage point and cut the pipe accordingly. Attach the pipes to the outlets on the stormwater pit, using waterproof adhesive or PVC primer and cement to secure the connections tightly.
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Connecting the pipes
Choosing the Right Pipes
PVC pipes are commonly used for stormwater pit installations due to their durability and corrosion resistance. Ensure you have the necessary pipes and fittings, including any elbows, tees, or connectors needed to join the pipes securely.
Measuring and Cutting the Pipes
Measure the distance from the outlet on the stormwater pit to the drainage point. Cut the PVC pipe to the required length, ensuring it reaches the drainage point without any gaps or obstructions.
Attaching the Pipes
Attach the pipe to the outlet on the stormwater pit securely. You can use waterproof adhesive or a combination of PVC primer and cement to create a tight connection. Ensure that all pipes are firmly connected and sealed to prevent leaks.
Checking for Leaks
Once the pipes are installed, carefully inspect the connections for any gaps or loose areas that might allow water to escape. This step is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of your stormwater pit. If leaks are detected, adjust the pipes and reseal the connections.
Understanding Gradient and Flow Direction
When connecting the pipes, it is essential to consider the gradient and flow direction. Ensure that the pipes are installed at the correct angle to facilitate the smooth flow of water from the pit to the drainage point. This will prevent water from pooling or backing up in the pipes.
By following these steps and paying close attention to the details, you can effectively connect the pipes to your plastic stormwater pit, creating a functional drainage system that protects your property from water damage.
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Frequently asked questions
A stormwater pit is a big container, typically made of plastic, concrete, or fibreglass, that is buried underground at a low point in your yard. It collects excess rainwater, preventing water damage to your property.
It is recommended that you hire a licensed professional to install a stormwater pit. The process involves choosing a location, digging a hole, laying a gravel base, carefully lowering the pit into the hole, and connecting it to a drainage system using PVC pipes.
Stormwater pits come in various forms, from simple plastic options to reinforced concrete structures. The type of pit you need depends on factors such as water volume, property layout, durability, and load-bearing capacity.
