Rainheads without an overflow on new Castle Hill homes
When the outlet blocks, the water needs somewhere safe to go.
In short: We recorded a rainhead with no overflow at a Castle Hill handover, and another on a resale home. Both risk water backing into the building.
What a rainhead does
It collects water from a box gutter or parapet roof and feeds it to the downpipe. On contemporary designs it is often the only outlet.
The overflow
A rainhead needs an overflow slot or spout so that if the downpipe blocks, water spills outside rather than backing up into the gutter and the house.
Where it goes wrong
Rainheads fitted without the overflow cut, or positioned where the overflow would discharge onto a door or path.
Why Castle Hill homes have more of them
Rebuilds with parapets and box gutters rely on rainheads, and Sydney storms test them hard.
At handover
Ask for the overflow to be formed and for the discharge point to be safe.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Castle Hill. Licensed building practitioners, NSW Fair Trading licence 366177C.
