Direct Downpipe Runoff Away From Soil & Footings

Ever noticed a small crater forming directly beneath a downpipe after heavy rain? Concentrated roof runoff can repeatedly strike the same patch of ground, washing loose soil away & leaving water where you don't want it. RELN Splash Blocks provide a simple surface-level way to redirect that flow away from the downpipe outlet. Explore the wider RELN range when the property needs more than one type of stormwater control.

Not every downpipe problem requires excavation, pipework or an underground drainage chamber. Positioned beneath the outlet, a Splash Block catches falling water & guides it across its shaped surface, helping reduce erosion immediately around the discharge point. Where runoff instead needs to disperse below ground, RELN | Soakwells solves a different drainage problem.

Small drainage details become important when rain keeps hitting exactly the same spot. Downpipe position, surrounding soil, ground fall, building footings & the direction water travels after leaving the Splash Block should all be considered before placement.

What Are RELN | Splash Blocks?

RELN Splash Blocks are surface drainage products positioned beneath gutter downpipes to redirect concentrated stormwater runoff away from the immediate discharge area. By spreading & guiding water rather than allowing it to strike bare soil directly, they can help reduce erosion around suitable downpipe locations.

The RELN Splash Block range includes:

► Splash Block – Black | 000867
► Splash Block – Stone | 000868
► Splash Block – Mist Green | 000869

Each option measures approximately 595mm long x 285mm wide, giving discharged water a defined surface path away from the downpipe.

Unlike a pit, channel or underground chamber, there is no complicated drainage network inside a Splash Block. Its job is deliberately straightforward: receive runoff beneath the downpipe, control the immediate flow direction & move water further from the discharge point.

Why Choose RELN | Splash Blocks?

Sometimes the practical drainage fix is the one that doesn't require digging up the yard. Splash Blocks can provide immediate runoff direction beneath suitable downpipes without creating an underground installation.

► Helps reduce soil erosion around suitable footing areas
► Diverts gutter downpipe runoff
► Particularly useful where loose or sandy soil is vulnerable to washout
► Surface-mounted design with no underground chamber required
► Black, Stone & Mist Green colour choices
► Lightweight construction for straightforward positioning
► Easy access for inspection & repositioning

Colour choice also makes the product easier to integrate around different exteriors. Black, Stone & Mist Green options allow the drainage component to sit more naturally beside downpipes, masonry, garden areas or surrounding landscaping.

Common Applications

A single downpipe can release a surprising amount of water during a short Australian storm. When that flow repeatedly lands on exposed ground, even a small erosion point can gradually become a washed-out channel.

► Residential downpipes – guide concentrated roof runoff away from the immediate wall or footing area.
► Sandy garden beds – reduce the direct impact of downpipe water on easily displaced soil.
► Sheds & garages – provide simple runoff direction where downpipes discharge onto exposed ground.
► Renovated homes – improve straightforward discharge points after gutter or landscaping changes.
► Rental-property maintenance – address minor erosion around suitable downpipe outlets without installing a buried chamber.
► Garden edges – reduce repeated washout where roof water lands beside landscaped areas.
► Seasonal storm preparation – improve obvious discharge points before periods of heavier rainfall.

Picture a downpipe ending above loose sandy soil. Every storm sends water onto the same small area, creating a depression that encourages even more water to collect. A correctly positioned Splash Block interrupts that cycle by receiving the falling water on a stable surface & directing it outward.

For areas where runoff has already damaged surrounding ground, Soil & Ground Preparation Tools can support restoration work after the drainage cause has been addressed.

Product Selection Guide

Match the Splash Block to the Water Path

Start with where the downpipe discharges, then look at where the water needs to go. The Splash Block should sit beneath the outlet, follow the useful ground fall & direct runoff away from the immediate building area.

Check:

► Downpipe outlet position
► Existing erosion or pooling
► Natural ground fall
► Nearby paths, walls & garden beds
► Where water travels after leaving the block

Don't simply move the problem a metre away. Avoid directing runoff towards foundations, doorways, neighbouring property, pedestrian areas or another low point.

Choose Surface Diversion or a Larger Drainage Solution

A Splash Block works best when simple surface redirection is enough. Where water needs to enter underground drainage or infiltrate below ground, another solution may be more appropriate.

RELN | Drainage & Pits can suit sites where stormwater needs collection rather than surface diversion.

Check Fall & Ground Conditions

Water still follows gravity once it reaches the end of the Splash Block. Loose sandy soil, flat ground or an existing low point can influence whether surface diversion will work as intended.

Measuring & Leveling Tools can help assess outdoor levels where the direction of fall isn't obvious.

Signs that deserve closer attention include:

► Repeated pooling
► Washed-out mulch or soil
► Erosion channels
► Water returning towards the building
► Runoff crossing a pathway

Persistent water may point to a wider drainage issue. If the ground cannot provide a sensible surface route, don't expect the Splash Block to compensate for unsuitable site conditions.

Position It for Practical Use

The best position controls runoff without getting in everybody's way. Keep the Splash Block aligned beneath the outlet, stable on the surface & clear of common walking routes where possible.

For larger projects involving downpipe or drainage connections, Plumbing Fixtures & Accessories can support related pipework requirements.

After installation, inspect the area during substantial rain. Check for splash-back, movement, new erosion or water missing the block, then adjust its position if required.

Choose the Colour

Once placement is sorted, appearance becomes the easy decision.

Performance should lead the decision, with colour chosen to suit the surrounding property.

Know When to Step Up the Solution?

A Splash Block shouldn't be asked to solve every wet-area problem. Persistent pooling, several converging water sources, unsuitable surface fall or a need for underground pipework can call for a broader drainage approach.

Wet surfaces plus erosion can also create practical hazards during repair work. Work Safety Protections can support larger outdoor maintenance tasks where appropriate protective equipment is required.

Expert Tips

► Watch the downpipe during rain. Actual water behaviour is more useful than guessing from dry ground.
► Aim with the ground fall. A Splash Block should help gravity rather than fight it.
► Treat erosion early. A small washed-out patch is easier to correct than an established channel.
► Don't point runoff towards another structure. Moving the problem isn't solving it.
► Recheck sandy areas after storms. Loose ground can change around the block over time.
► Keep the receiving end clear. Leaves, mulch & garden debris can interfere with the intended flow path.
► Check gutter performance too. Overflowing gutters can create water problems a Splash Block beneath the downpipe can't correct.
► Look for splash-back. Adjust the position if discharge is throwing water towards the wall.
► Keep pathways practical. Surface drainage shouldn't create an avoidable trip obstruction.
► Inspect after landscaping changes. New garden edging, soil or paving can alter the direction water travels.
► Don't confuse diversion with disposal. Water still needs an appropriate place to travel after leaving the block.
► Escalate persistent pooling. If surface diversion doesn't solve the problem, investigate whether collection, infiltration or connected drainage is required.