Do I need drainage under the raised beds?

Hello @vineet

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's marvellous to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about drainage for your paving project.

I suggest using Everhard 3m EasyDRAIN Polymer Grate And Prejoined Channel as the drain for your paving project. If you were to use a sock-slotted drain coil it will drain into the front of your garden bed and the leading edge of your paving run. This water will soften the area and will eventually sink, I believe it is better to re-direct the water with a solid drain so that no water will soak into the soil.

Looking at the picture you posted, I suggest measuring the space you can use and the approximate height of where the paver will be once it's laid out. The drain must have a fall so that it flows away from the area and does not hold the water in place. I propose looking carefully at where you will direct the water so that it does not cause a flood and it does not flow back into the area.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: Everhard EASYDRAIN Installation

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/24083#Comment_24083

Thanks Eric, your recommendation is pretty much in line with what I was thinking. I am however struggling to connect the drain to existing stormwater pit as it is at the higher ground. beyond the fence is a low ground railway track so I think the original drainage was just to give a good slope. Now I could either transfer the water to either side of the fence which is a low ground but not sure if that could cause problems down the line. I will post some pictures later that will give a better idea, please wait for the pics.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/74694#Comment_74694

Hi @vineet,

@EricL and I will be looking forward to those additional images.

Mitchell

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/100972#Comment_100972

Hi @EricL @MitchellMc please see the pics. Like I said the stormwater pit on this side of the yard is at higher ground (first image) and the other stormwater pit is one the other side of the yard with no access to lay the pipes as it is blocked by boxed decking.

now I think I have two options

1) lay the hard drains and dig to find the stormwater pipes and connect to it. - problem is I don’t have a map of how the stormwater pipes are laid. Is there anyway I can detect where the pipes are and then how do I connect the drainage.

2) Simply outlet the drainage to outside of the fence. As outside the fence is steep slope, it should be fine.

somewhere I also read about installing a smaller stormwater pit at the low point and get the drains come to it.
please suggest.

regards

vineet

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117405#Comment_117405

Thank you for sharing those extra photos of your garden area. I can now see why draining the paved area in the other direction won't work. Before we go any further, I suggest checking the rules and regulations of your local council concerning connecting to an existing drain. Some states require that a registered plumber do the linkup. It would also be a good idea to ask if you can simply drain the rainwater outside to the sloped area past your fence.

Placing a drain pit is only ideal if there are several sources of drains coming together. The drain pit actually slows down the water flow allowing the converging water to drain away at a much slower pace. Unless you are in a place that gets a lot of torrential rain, I suggest directly linking to your local drain. As to the current location of the drain pipes, you'll need to consult your local council or have a look at the original plans of the house.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126900#Comment_126900

thanks Eric. I will gather some Intelligence and hopefully will come back to report the progress

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133210#Comment_133210

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137106#Comment_137106

Please keep us in the loop and if you run into any other issues, please don't hesitate to post your question.

Eric

TheHandySqirrel

Hi @vineet,

another option is to use permeable pavers which drain the water into the ground below. You don't need to have all pavers being permeable, maybe just one course towards the end of the fall (which will also reduce costs). That way you don't have the issue of connecting to stormwater. However, you might have to ensure that the ground below the pavers drains well (and is not e.g. clay).

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139791#Comment_139791

hi @TheHandySqirrel

Thank you for the suggestion.

I am using Brighton masonry pavers . I was also told to get paver sealant so I suppose those won't be permeable.

Ground underneath is not too bad and drains well. Also I suppose in laying the base for the pavers, then I should not mix any cement in the paving sand. Should I also not add cement when filling the sand between pavers.

Ahh.. but wait, you said just one course towards the end of the fall will be sufficient then I can keep as it is.

Any recommendations on permeable paver?

TheHandySqirrel

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/141638#Comment_141638

Maybe start with exploring the terms used for permeable pavers. When I did my research I intended to replace pavers on a side walk that can get very damp and slippery in winter. I have however found that I can reuse the concrete pavers from our old patio, so I haven't pursued this option further.

There are some impressive videos on YouTube showing how some of these pavers let gushing water pass through.

Depending on your particular situation I'd make sure that if you use this option there is sufficient depth to the roadbase underneath the pavers.

And yes, I wouldn't use any sealing materials to enable the water to drain. The surrounding elements (sleepers, other pavers) will give your draining course enough edge support to not wander off.

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143027#Comment_143027

That's an excellent recommendation coming from @TheHandySqirrel. Please keep in mind that soil testing might be required to see how permeable your soil is. It's also a good opportunity to ask how high the permeable system will be when placed against your house and raised garden.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144001#Comment_144001

Thank you for the advice. For now I have decided to put the drainage but the permeable pavers gave me a great idea for a side pathway. Going to do the job now:)