Stormwater Pits, Channel Drains and Yard Drainage: Which Does What?

Stormwater drainage is not one single product. Different parts of a property may need pits, channel drains, surface grading or underground pipes depending on where the water is coming from and how it needs to be collected.

For more detail on the service itself, see our stormwater pits page.

Stormwater pits

Pits collect water at a low point and connect it into underground stormwater pipework. They are commonly used in yards, paved areas and other locations where water naturally gathers.

Channel drains

Channel drains collect water along a line rather than at one point. They can be useful across driveways, garage entries, courtyards and other paved areas.

Yard drainage

Yard drainage may involve surface grading, pits, trench drains or underground drainage depending on the site. The goal is to prevent water from sitting against buildings or creating persistent wet areas.

Downpipe connections

Roof water needs to be connected into a suitable stormwater system. Problems can occur if downpipes discharge to unsuitable areas or connect into blocked pipework.

One property may use several methods

A driveway might use a channel drain while a lawn uses pits and surface falls. Good drainage design treats each area according to how water behaves there.

Choose the solution after identifying the cause

Installing more drains does not automatically solve a water problem. The levels, outlet, pipe capacity and source of the water need to be understood first.

Related plumbing services

You may also find these related service pages useful: stormwater pits, channel drains, yard drainage.

Need help with this type of plumbing?

If you are planning this work or dealing with a problem now, see our stormwater pits service page for the relevant plumbing options and next steps.