Browse Forums General Discussion Re: plumbing headache 5Jun 29, 2010 8:39 pm Leng, One possibility .... Let's say you have 4 downpipes joining together (underground) then all the water from the 4 pipes feeds into one pipe going to the discharge point. When it rains heavily, the 4 pipes have lots of fast running water. However, when the pipes join together, the downstream pipe cannot handle that amount of water. Then the water backs up a little and comes out of your loose fitting pipe. If the pipe was tight fitting (sealed), it shouldn't be a problem, as water would have to back up a long way (up the downpipe) before becoming a problem. I would suggest that only a badly blocked pipe would back up water up 2.4 metres. I do not expect downpipes towards the back of your house to have a problem as the water would have to back up a long way before becoming a problem. How likely that this is your problem? It depends. Probability of it being your problem will increase if your roof area is large, downpipe diameter is small (75mm diameter), and your slab is only marginally higher (or lower) than the street kerb, then likelihood increases. If your slab is only a little higher than the discharge point, water would have less of a tendency to flow away. Discharge point = stormwater pipe typically go into street's kerbside, where you'll see the end of a stormwater pipe. Suggest you temporarily seal the downpipe and see what happens. Chris Re: plumbing headache 6Jun 30, 2010 11:30 am Thanks again! That was a really nice breakdown for me Chris! I will try sealing the pipe connection point and see what happens - have to wait for heavy downfall too. My roof is fairly large - covers about 38 sq metres, but the house is elevated higher than the standard for new buildings; it's on stumps. thanks again L In my experience roof is essential element of the building envelope and hence a common property and should be covered by owners corporation however a detailed review of… 3 6172 For anyone that comes across this issue in the future - Just did what aussieta said and found a plumber to inspect it and sign off on it. Was difficult to find someone to… 3 7041 5 3783 |