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How to connect downpipe to stormwater drain or soakwell?

Hi community,

Recently had a 4.5mx8m patio installed in the backyard with a downpipe that’s currently discharging straight into the ground. I asked a couple of plumbers for quotes, and one of them mentioned that it might be better to install soakwells instead as the volume of water might to too much for the existing stormwater drain. Either way, the quotes were more than what I was expecting. So my question, is it better to install the soakwell (eg 2 of the Novaplas soakwells) which I feel like is straightforward enough to DIY. Or to dig a pipe to connect it to an existing drain that already has another downpipe discharging into it (and I was also told that you don’t need a plumber’s license to do this).

Any help is appreciated!

Patio downpipePotential drain to connect to?

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Comments

EricL

Hello @KimP

Thanks for sharing your question about connecting downpipes into existing storm water drain. Both solutions presented by the plumber are viable options. Personally, I prefer linking to the storm water drain than letting the water drain into the soil. It worries me that the drain is right next to the house foundation, all that water might soften the soil around that area and pretty soon you have lean in your house wall.

I recommend getting another quote for the project. I suggest double checking the rules and regulations of your local council in regards to connecting to your stormwater pipe just to be on the safe side. If I recall correctly any plumbing work or extension of plumbing fittings must be carried out by a registered plumber including the connection to your storm water pipe for safety and compliance.

Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag, @Dave-1 and @AlanM52 for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Nailbag

HI @KimP

My opinion is the same as with @EricL in that a direct connection to the stormwater system from roof downpipes is always the best solution as it removes any potential possible long term issues from soak type. This would of course need a licensed plumber which, as you have discovered don't come cheap. Against as suggested a couple more quotes will check honesty.

Nailbag

Dave-1

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/60377#Comment_60377

Good morning @KimP

The foundation is right next to the post (plus the concrete for the post itself) so you may nee dto have an kink out at the bottom of your downpipe to match any pit or preferable connect up to a stormwater pipe.

I was told by a plumber the same thing about not needing a plumber to connect the pipe to stormwater (NSW) and I have come across multiple times the question so I went and looked it up. Looks like you DO need a plumber to connect the downpipes to a stormwater pipe (In NSW). However you could get a quote from a plumber for them to do the actual connection work but you do all the labouring and running the pipe to their specification. It may be cheaper? Note, a lot of tradies dont like this as the work the non trades do is not up to spec and the tradie has to go through and "fix" all the bits that arnt right. No harm in asking tho.

As an alternative I would have the downpipe exit into a grilled drain (Exclusivly for that downpipe due to water volumn) and then have it run to somewhere you can reuse the water 🙂 Why give away something you can use is my thinking.

Dave

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