I can't get fall to the street. Absorption pit or pump?
Water only runs downhill. If your backyard is lower than the street, or the pipe to the kerb would have to run uphill, stormwater from the back of the property can't drain away by gravity. The two usual answers are an absorption system, which soaks the water into the ground, or a stormwater pump, which lifts it to the street. Which is right depends on your soil, your site and council requirements. Here's how they compare.
The two options
Absorption pit or trench
Stormwater is piped into an underground trench or pit filled with gravel or modular cells, and soaks into the surrounding soil. No power needed, little maintenance. Works best in sandy, free-draining soil with enough space.
Stormwater pump-out pit
Water collects in a sealed pit and a pump lifts it to the street or a council drain. Works anywhere, but needs power, an alarm and regular servicing.
What decides it
- Soil: sandy soil absorbs water well; clay and rock don't.
- Space: absorption systems need room, away from the house and boundaries.
- Roof and paved area: more hard surface means more water to deal with.
- Council requirements: councils have rules on what's allowed and how it's sized. We check before quoting.
One pump or two?
For pump-out pits, two pumps are usually the better choice, and often required. The pumps take turns so they wear evenly, and if one fails or a big storm arrives, the second takes over. A single pump has no backup: if it fails during heavy rain, the pit overflows. Pits should also have a high-level alarm so you know if something's wrong.
How we help
We assess the site, soil and fall, check the council requirements, and recommend the system that will work. Then we install it, connect your downpipes and pits, and show you how to look after it. You get a fixed price before any work starts. See stormwater.
In southern Eastern Suburbs homes
Much of Matraville, Botany, Pagewood and Eastgardens sits on deep sand, which suits absorption systems well. Homes on lower blocks in Maroubra and Coogee that sit below the street more often need a pump.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
What if my stormwater can't drain to the street?
An absorption system or a stormwater pump-out pit are the usual solutions, depending on soil, space and council rules.
Do absorption pits work in sandy soil?
Yes, sandy soil is ideal. They're less effective in clay or rock.
Should a stormwater pit have one pump or two?
Two is usually better and often required, so there's a backup if one fails.
Does a stormwater pump need maintenance?
Yes. Pumps, floats and alarms should be checked and the pit cleaned regularly.
Related help: stormwater, backyard flooding, kerb outlet permits, sewer pump-out pits and stormwater rules guide. Local pages: Matraville, Botany, Maroubra and Coogee.