What drainage requirements on side of house?

Hi there,

I want to transform the side of my house (see first pic) into a blue stone paver area with dichondra ground cover (see second pic for info).

Currently, my plan was to put top soil down and place the pavers as normal.

1. Water never pools there, but is there anything I need to do to make sure it's safe for plants? When I dig a hole into the dirt there is the slab foundation that seems to slope outwards from the slab towards the fence. I'm guessing this is on purpose to assist with drainage away from the house?

2. I'm not sure about soil against the bricks? It seems in the second picture they have done soil directly against the render of the house? So is it OK?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

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Comments

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @wearingshoesinv. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating a side path.

The soil in this area may not be ideal for planting, so it's important to make a few adjustments to ensure proper drainage and avoid any moisture issues near the house. First, I recommend removing about 100mm of topsoil to lower the level of soil beneath the bricks. This will prevent water from pooling against the bricks, which could lead to moisture-related issues like dampness or damage to the wall.

For the paver area, you should compact the ground where the pavers will be laid and set them on a mortar base to ensure they stay stable and even. After placing the pavers, you can backfill the gaps around them with quality soil, providing a good base for your dichondra ground cover. This setup will ensure the soil doesn’t sit directly against the bricks, reducing the risk of moisture wicking into the house, which could cause problems over time.

Regarding the existing soil against the render in the second picture, it's generally not recommended to have soil directly in contact with the wall, as it can lead to moisture accumulation on the walls. Lowering the soil level and ensuring proper drainage will mitigate these risks and help maintain a healthy environment for your plants while keeping your home safe from water-related issues.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

wearingshoesinv

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/45635#Comment_45635

Thanks Mitchell really appreicate your in-depth response.

I will do as you say and lower the whole soil level by 100mm and backfill with top soil to no higher than the house foundation.

Regarding drainage, do I need to dig a trench for AGI pipe or is this not necessary? As I said the area does not seem to have pooling issues currently.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/84923#Comment_84923

The soil is quite compact, and if there are no pooling issues, then it likely indicates that no additional drainage is required in the area @wearingshoesinv. However, if there is a downpipe nearby then this might be a good opportunity to install a drainage line now rather than having to possibly do it in the future.

Mitchell

wearingshoesinv

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/107563#Comment_107563

Thanks Mitchell.

I think now is a good opportunity to add it. See photo below. There is a rainwater overflow that I'm assuming must run into the storm water system. Can I can connext my agi pipe to this paying close attention to the slope it's run at?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/121039#Comment_121039

Yes, that would be a good location for a connection, @wearingshoesinv. However, you'll need a plumber to make the final connection to the stormwater pipe.

Mitchell

wearingshoesinv

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/129413#Comment_129413

Hi Mitchell

I've just started digging some holes to get an idea of things.

I've tried to dig below the lowest brickwork and have hit concrete?

Basically what you see in the picture is very rough concrete

Is this typical? I fear this will ruin my plans!

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134717#Comment_134717

Hi @wearingshoesinv,

Just wanted to give you the heads-up that Mitch is now on leave for a few weeks. One of our other resident Bunnings D.I.Y. experts will be more than happy to assist ASAP. Let me also tag helpful members like @JDE and @Dave-1 for their thoughts.

Jason

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138166#Comment_138166

Afternoon @wearingshoesinv

That "rough concrete" is the foundation of the house 🙂 It generally extends out by at leats 20cm from the wall if not 30cm depending. So many time I have hit tha but putting something too close to the wall 🙂

You could always remove the soil to that level and use that as your basline level?

Dave

wearingshoesinv

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138166#Comment_138166

Thanks Jason.

Ok will do. If I'm using a shovel am I at risk of compromising the foundation ?

wearingshoesinv

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140473#Comment_140473

Thanks Dave for jumping in on this.

So soil on top of this foundation is ok? It seems to be slanted towards the fence line so water would not pool.

Also, is using a shovel to dig it ok?

No chance of compromising it?

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140474#Comment_140474

Afternoon @wearingshoesinv

Ahhhhh I have had a fair go with a sledgie at foundations over the yeras..... Yeah I always loose and the foundation is solid as 🙂 So no issues with a shovel 🙂

Dave

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140474#Comment_140474

Hi @wearingshoesinv

It's perfectly ok to use a shovel on your foundation, it's solid concrete and the only way to damage it is to use a jack hammer.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

wearingshoesinv

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142169#Comment_142169

Thanks all you have been tremendously helpful.

As the foundation seems quite low, I will need my soil to sit slightly above it against the brick. Is this ok? I don't see any other option

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143372#Comment_143372

Afternoon @wearingshoesinv

A little soil shouldnt be a problem, tho I wouldnt make it deeper then a bricks height.

Dave

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143372#Comment_143372

Hi @wearingshoesinv

That's an excellent suggestion from @Dave-1. I suggest using a builder's line to give yourself a guide, so you know exactly where to stop.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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