Record what happens during and after rain
A puddle is one part of the picture. Water may arrive from an adjoining surface, collect at a low point or fail to reach the drain that was intended to take it away. Photos taken from a consistent position help explain that sequence.
Compare surfaces and their drainage considerations in our driveway options NZ guide.
From a safe, dry position, record the date, the general rain conditions and when you first notice the water. Take another photograph after the rain eases to show what remains. Stay clear of moving water and traffic, and leave covers and drainage fittings in place.
Our driveway and hardstanding construction coordinates drainage with surface preparation and construction. These observations give the project team a clearer starting point for discussing the work.
Use a three-point photo key
| Photo reference | What to record |
|---|---|
| A: where water arrives | Photograph the upstream part of the drive and adjoining paths or surfaces. Note the visible direction of flow and when it begins. |
| B: where water collects | Show the affected area in relation to a fixed feature. Note nearby doors, garage thresholds and changes between surfaces. |
| C: where water leaves | Show visible drains and the direction water takes beyond the wet area. Record whether that route is clear in the photos or still unknown. |
| After the rain | Repeat the views, note the elapsed time and show any water that remains. Keep the same A, B and C labels. |
On a sketch plan, mark the photo positions and arrows for the flow you actually see. Keep an observation such as “water collects beside the garage after rain” separate from an assumed cause.
Look at the visible interfaces
- Drain inlets: photograph leaves or debris visible at the surface and note whether water reaches the inlet.
- Surface transitions: show where concrete, paving, paths or garden areas meet.
- Low areas: record where ponding appears and which direction nearby water travels.
- Building thresholds: show the relationship between the wet area and nearby doors or garages from a safe position.
- Recent changes: note new paving, landscaping or other work near the water route.
Visible observations help describe the problem; the drainage and level assessment establishes the cause. Include previous drawings, drainage records and any earlier advice with your photographs.
Consider the surface and drainage together
A channel drain, a surface change and a new connection do different jobs. The appropriate combination depends on the site, the level design and where the water can discharge.
Questions for the designer or drainlayer
- What area contributes water to this part of the driveway?
- How do the proposed surface levels direct that water?
- What is the intended drainage and discharge route?
- Which connections, permissions or inspections are required?
- What information must the surface construction team work from?
Surface-water work needs to protect people and property. Have the responsible professional resolve the design and relevant requirements before the construction scope is fixed. Put the design, drainage work and surface reinstatement into the same project discussion.
Turn the observations into a construction brief
Send us the property address, your labelled photos, the sketch of the water route and available drainage or level drawings. Explain how the driveway is used and when normal access can change.
Ask the scope to identify removal, preparation, drainage interfaces, surface work and reinstatement. Record who is responsible for design, connections and approvals, and which items are being priced separately.
For local construction planning, our Palmerston North driveway page separates private work from the public crossing. Our Wellington driveway page includes a shared-access brief. If adjoining paths or gardens are involved, include those areas in the landscape drawing as well.
Questions about your project
Should I choose a channel drain before getting advice?
Start with the water route and the site information. A designer or drainlayer can assess the drainage requirements, discharge and levels before the construction scope specifies a solution.
What if the problem only appears in heavy rain?
Record the conditions and take photos from a safe position during and after the event. Include when the water appears, the areas affected and how long it remains.
What can Aspect coordinate within a driveway package?
We coordinate driveway preparation, surfacing and drainage within the agreed project scope. Send the observations and any specialist design so the construction work and its interfaces can be discussed together.