Do I need to change the downpipe to add a garden bed?

[michellebrown]

I'm going to put in a garden bed where these tiles are. The downpipe is from the roof of my patio. Should I do something with the downpipe before I put a garden bed in or would it be fine. 

[JacobZ · Accepted solution]

Hi @michellebrown,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Is the plan to remove the pavers before adding a garden bed? Or are you looking to build something on top of them? Do you know if this stormwater pit is council-owned?

If you are going to remove the pavers, then this will most likely cause issues as it appears to be discharging over the pavers towards the stormwater pit. If the pavers are removed, the water will be discharged onto the exposed soil which can cause erosion and issues with overwatering.

If this is not a council-owned stormwater pit, then a plumber may be able to provide a solution so the pipe can be buried and connected directly to the pit and your garden bed can be built on top.

If this is a council-owned stormwater pit, you will have to contact them to discuss the above-mentioned alteration to the pit.

If the garden bed is going on top of the pavers, you might like to use a design with legs so the water can pass beneath. Check out our range of Raised Garden Beds & Planter Boxes, something like this Pinnacle 1020 x 265 x 800mm Charcoal Raised Garden Planter would certainly work.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[michellebrown]

Thanks Jacob. That's very helpful. I'd remove the pavers and the stormwater drains mine i believe as it's in my courtyard. 

Looks like I might need a plumber. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @michellebrown,

If you are part of a body corporate, it might be worth checking with them as well. Drainage systems can sometimes be common property in body corporates.

It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Jacob

[michellebrown]

Okay thanks. 

[michellebrown]

Hi Jacob, would the black pavers next to the stormwater drain

 

be linked to the stormwater in any way? They were here originally before the whole area was tiled. Just trying to determine if I need to keep them when I turn it back to a garden? 

[JacobZ]

Hi @michellebrown,

I doubt they're related in a consequential way. 

The only reason I can think that they'd be there that is related to the stormwater pit is they were placed there to protect a pipe that runs underneath them. 

This can be easily checked by having a look in the stormwater pit. If there is no pipe penetrating the side wall of the pit, then removing them won't matter.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[michellebrown]

Okay, thanks