From Tear-Out to Transformation: Installing a Pitless Stream
Our latest project took us to Arlington, where we faced a challenging tear-out and rebuild. The existing feature was a classic rock pit system, which the homeowner was constantly struggling with.
The Problem with the Rock Pit System
The old stream was designed to have water collect in a pit, but this design inevitably caused huge maintenance issues. Everything—leaves, dirt, and debris—would flow down and collect right where the pump was housed.
We quickly saw the downsides as we began the demolition. The original installation featured small pebble gravel that acted like a filter, trapping nearly everything and clogging the system. The pump housing, meant to keep the pump clean, was completely choked with debris and rock. Additionally, the old intake pipe, which had numerous holes drilled into it, was blocked. When these intake holes get clogged, water can’t properly reach the pump, leading it to burn out. The owners had tried to modify and refit the system multiple times, but the clogging persisted.
The Solution: A New Pitless System
Our solution was a complete teardown and the installation of a new pitless system. This system entirely eliminates the issues of debris and clogs. The new design uses a tank with baskets that are easy to clean, allowing the homeowner to remove debris before it can harm the pump.
Despite being a significant tear-out, the ease of the pitless system installation allowed us to complete the entire job—from demolition to final stream—in just two days. Working entirely by hand, we removed the old liner, dirty gravel, and clogged components. The pitless system assembly was simple and quick, coming together in a matter of minutes.
The Finished Product
We successfully replaced the old feature with a beautiful 15-foot pitless stream. Once the system was secured, we completed the final steps: foaming the rocks, setting the lights, and checking for any leaks. The result was a stunning, low-maintenance stream that the homeowner can finally enjoy without constant repairs.
