How to concrete or pave over stormwater pipe?

[approachmhn]

Hi,

I am planning to lay concrete or brick pavers between my driveway and fence in front yard to extend my driveway.

the issue is there is a storm water pipe  50-60 cm below exactly between the sandy area.

if I pave that area, will parking car or any vehicle will affect storm water pipe?

please suggest

thanks

 

[EricL]

Hello @approachmhn 

Thank you very much for sharing your question about paving your pathway. Just to be on the safe side I would not risk it, even when paved the typical weight of a standard 4 door vehicle can go from 1.5 to 2 tons or even more if you have an SUV. Even when buried half a meter deep there is still the possibility that the weight of the car will crush the storm water pipe. If you are truly keen to use that section as parking, I suggest relocating the storm water pipe away from the driveway.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @approachmhn 

The depth of your stormwater pipe is fairly deep. If you were to first have a compacted layer of road-base, followed by packing sand to lay the pavers on, I would expect the weight distribution would be more than adequate to accomodate a domestic sedan.

Nailbag

[approachmhn]

Thanks @EricL @Nailbag 

in that case, what is the better option other than pavers?

I am fine with any maintenance free landscaping. Paving is one of the option I thought of.

i don’t want any plants there.

please suggest with any references.

[Nailbag]

Hi @approachmhn 

you could go a number of options from crushed rock (road-base) type products to small stone/pebble all available in different colours.

Nailbag

[approachmhn]

Thanks Nailbag.

how about just laying some grass so mowing is the only maintenance.

does grass seeding work at this time of the year in Melbourne?

[EricL]

Hello @approachmhn 

I believe Nailbag has given you the possible options for your pathway. Will grass work on the pathway? If the soil is prepared properly then yes, the turf can work properly. But if you are driving over the grass every day and using it as a parking spot that area will turn muddy and will kill the lawn. Since we are heading towards winter, I don't recommend seeding the area. I suggest waiting for spring to plant your lawn.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[approachmhn]

Thank you @EricL .

i don’t want to risk storm water pipes. They were laid just last year replacing clay pipes due to root damage. So paving that area is now ruled out after analysing your suggestions.

we are planning to move and rent out this property. I don’t want to plant any thing there.

so better option is to do something that doesn’t allow to park vehicles.

I hope people don’t park on lawns. Not sure though.
if you can suggest any other options, that will help.

[Dave-1]

Good morning @approachmhn 

If it was for you and your place I would suggest to concrete it with your concerns about the pipe. The Stormwater pipes made today are much stronger then ones 30 years ago and 500mm -600mm is a good distance. Concrete with reo and that issue wont turn up unless you need access to the pipes 😕 

I would put in a raised garden bed  with timber sleepers for the edge as a work around while renting. Install some hardy shrubs in the garden bed and mulch deeply. That way No tennants will be able to park on it. Problem solved.

Dave

[Jason]

Hi all, just a heads-up that we have moved this discussion to its own thread so it is easier for others to follow and find in future. 

All the best,

Jason