Can you install rain chains instead of downpipes in Australia? The answer to this question will depend on where you live.
What are rain chains?
Rain chains are an alternative to a downpipe. They are a chain which is connected from your gutter outlet to a fixed point in the ground usually to a stormwater pit covered in pebbles. The chain acts as a route for water to trickle down when it rains.
Rain chains originated in Japan and their use was predominantly to replace a downpipe with a water feature. But interest has grown around the world for their functionality as an alternative to a downpipe.
Downpipes in Australia are required to connect to a lawful point of discharge and this can hinder the use of rain chains on Australian properties.
What is a lawful point of discharge?
A “lawful point of discharge” is a term used by the Council to define how a stormwater pipe is connected.
In Brisbane, a lawful point of discharge is a stormwater pipe connected to an authorised council stormwater drain or road. For other local councils and shires around Australia, the requirements can differ.
I recently had a question sent via the blog on whether rain chains are an acceptable installation for stormwater discharge for a home in QLD.
My thoughts were shared below, because I couldn’t get a firm answer. However a certifier did advise due to the location of their property a downpipe needed to be directed 8 meters away from the building and therefore a rain chain would not meet that requirement.
The Australian Standard doesn’t specifically say you can’t use rain chains for your downpipes. However, the AS3500 is clear in pointing out the size and materials of the downpipe from the eaves is to provide adequate roof drainage to meet rainfall intensities in your area.
Stormwater Drainage Design
Stormwater drainage design needs to be done right the first time. For some homes, inadequate stormwater design – or in some cases, lack-there-of, has allowed water to flood the home.
The purpose of downpipes is to prevent pooling of water at the base of your property, to protect the footings and foundation of your home.
A certifier or hydraulic consultant can provide requirements for stormwater installations for the specific location of your property to ensure it meets all codes and local laws.
What if I don’t want to engage with a certifier?
If you haven’t engaged with a certifier, a question to ask is will rain chains adequately remove rain water away from my property during a heavy downpour?
The past two summers in Australia have recorded higher than usual and in some areas – record breaking rainfalls. It’s important to consider the rainfall intensity of where you live before deciding on a rain chain as the best installation for your stormwater needs.
Rain chains can’t redirect water. They can only provide a path for water to travel. A downpipe can provide a protected conduit route to redirect roof catchment water away from the property. It can also prevent a pooling of water at the ground level when connected to a lawful point of discharge.
While rain chains may be more appealing than a PVC downpipe, function needs to trump aesthetics.
If you’re keen to use rain chains in your stormwater system but still unsure if they are legal in your area, engage with a local certifier, hydraulic consultant or licensed plumber who will be able to guide you.
It might be possible to have a mixture of rain chains and downpipes to meet the stormwater requirements in your area like this property in Cairns.
However as one expert shared online, the guise of two rain chains at the front of the property indicates “overflow provision to remedy either poor roof drainage design or non-compliance under the guise of it being a water feature.”
