Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, HydroSTON pavers can be installed on driveways with slopes up to 7% without adversely affecting infiltration performance. However, infiltration decreases as the slope increases.
The principal effect of slope on any permeable pavement is the degree of infiltration of rain and stormwater. The greater the slope, the faster will water move over the pavement hindering infiltration through the pavement. This applies particularly to periods of heavy rainfall.
HydroSTON is porous and free draining across the full face and body of the paver. While HydroSTON functions best in terms of permeability when laid at zero gradient, HydroSTON permeable pavements may be constructed on slopes up to at least 7% (gradient of approx 1:14) without adverse effect on infiltration performance.
A number of HydroSTON driveways have been installed in high gradient situations and appear to be effectively capturing and infiltrating rainfall. Light rainfall should be infiltrated regardless of slope.
Steep driveways may have a higher rate of abrasion over time from braking and acceleration. Should damage occur, however, the segmental paving units can be easily lifted and turned over or replaced with new units.
Joints are generally not required for HydroSTON pavers. For heavy loads on vehicle pavements with HydroSTON 80, joints filled with crushed aggregate should be considered.
Gap joints are not required with HydroSTON 50 pavers, which are intended for pedestrian only purposes. Joints are not required because the loading on footpaths, courtyards etc is minimal.
HydroSTON 60 & 80 vehicle pavements intended for light vehicles eg residential driveways, carparks and parking spaces are laid without gap joints.
When HydroSTON 80 vehicle pavements are to be subject to heavy loadings eg semi-trailers, fire engines or garbage trucks, pavers could be laid with 4mm av. joints to ensure lock up of the pavement and provide flexibility of movement of individual pavers under load. Joints should be filled and compacted with 1-3mm low fines crushed rock.
HydroSTON pavers are available in standard colours such as Charcoal and Light Grey. More than 30 colour options that can be custom ordered. See colour options:
Yes, HydroSTON pavers meet the requirements of AS1428.1 for slip resistance and mobility. For a smooth surface, the pavers can be laid with the underside facing upwards in pedestrian-only applications.
Regular brushing or vacuuming is recommended to keep the surface free of debris. If infiltration decreases, high-pressure wet suction cleaning can restore performance.
If an oil spill occurs on HydroSTON permeable pavers, follow these steps to ensure that permeability and appearance are maintained:
Absorb the Oil: Immediately after the spill, apply absorbent materials like cat litter, sand, or a commercial oil absorbent to soak up the excess oil. Let it sit for at least 15-30 minutes, then sweep or vacuum it up.
Use a Degreaser or Mild Detergent: Apply a concrete-safe degreaser or a mild detergent mixed with warm water to the affected area. Gently scrub the surface with a stiff bristle brush, focusing on the oil-stained areas.
Pressure Wash: After scrubbing, rinse the area with a low-pressure washer to help remove any remaining oil and detergent. Be sure to avoid excessive pressure that could damage the paver surface.
Wet Vacuuming or Suction Equipment: For deep cleaning, especially after larger spills, use wet suction equipment or a vacuum specifically designed for cleaning permeable pavements. This will help restore the permeability by removing oil and debris from within the paver’s pores.
Remove and Clean Affected Pavers: If the oil has deeply penetrated the pavers, individual pavers can be easily lifted using a paver puller. Once removed, the pavers can be cleaned offsite using a degreaser and pressure washing. Allow them to dry completely before reinstallation.
Replace Severely Affected Pavers: If the pavers cannot be adequately cleaned, they can be replaced with new ones. HydroSTON pavers are available in standard sizes and colors, making replacements seamless.
- Reinstall the Pavers: After cleaning or replacing, reinstall the pavers in their original positions, ensuring the base and bedding layers are level and intact. Compact the pavers gently with a rubber mallet to ensure they are secure.
Preventive Maintenance: Regular cleaning, such as sweeping or vacuuming, can help prevent oil buildup and maintain the pavers' appearance and functionality.
HydroSTON 80 vehicle pavers are designed to withstand heavy loads, including garbage trucks and fire engines, when installed according to recommended guidelines.
You can request samples or a quote by contacting HydroCon.
HydroSTON 80 (4.5kg) and HydroSTON 50 Block (1.9kg) pavers can be sent via post.
HydroSTON pavers, when properly maintained, can last for at least 25 to 30 years or longer. Their longevity is primarily dependent on regular cleaning and maintenance to preserve infiltration performance, but the high-quality materials used in their construction, such as quartz aggregate, ensure their durability over time.
If maintained correctly—through periodic brushing, vacuuming, and possibly occasional high-pres
Please contact HydroCon for current HydroSTON installations near you.
HydroCon pipes are designed for stormwater management, infiltration, water quality improvement, bioretention, and aquifer recharge. They filter pollutants, remove debris, and facilitate groundwater replenishment.
HydroCon pipes improve water quality by capturing sediment, phosphorus, and heavy metals within the pipe system. Stormwater pollutants are removed as water passes through the walls of the pipes.
Yes, HydroCon pipes are designed to withstand traffic loads and are structurally tested according to German Standard DIN 1045-2 for reinforced concrete structures.
HydroCon pipes require periodic cleaning, which can be done with high-pressure hosing to remove sediment build-up. The frequency of cleaning can be reduced by installing a gross pollutant trap (GPT) to prevent sediment accumulation.
HydroCon pipes are installed in a trench or basin filled with filtration media. Pipes are laid at zero gradient, and joints are protected with geotextile strips to prevent the ingress of media.
The permeability rate of HydroCon pipes can range between 0.0015 m/s and 0.0045 m/s depending on the design. This can be affected by sediment build-up, and it is recommended to assume a 50% reduction over time.
Yes, HydroCon pipes can be cleaned in place using standard industrial cleaning equipment. This eliminates the need to replace the pipes during maintenance.
HydroCon pipes are used for stormwater management, including infiltration, bioretention, detention systems, and aquifer recharge.
HydroCon pipes are highly durable and, with regular maintenance, can maintain their performance for decades. Their lifespan is extended through regular cleaning and protection against sediment accumulation.
The Smart Soaker is a Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) product designed to capture stormwater runoff and deliver it directly to the root zone of trees, ensuring efficient water use and improved tree health.
The system directs stormwater into the soil profile and root zones, ensuring trees have access to water even in periods of low rainfall. This reduces the impact of droughts and promotes faster tree growth.
The system captures both gross pollutants (such as large debris) in the pit and micro-pollutants through the filter, preventing them from reaching waterways or clogging the drainage system.
Yes, the system operates using gravity to passively irrigate trees, reducing the need for active watering. Additionally, its low-maintenance design requires minimal intervention.
The Smart Soaker is ideal for urban areas with impervious surfaces where stormwater runoff is common. It has been successfully installed at several locations, including councils and universities in Victoria and NSW.
By capturing and filtering stormwater, the Smart Soaker reduces the need for external watering, contributes to cleaner waterways, and improves urban tree health, all while operating without the need for energy.
Case Studies

Umina Beach NSW

East Brighton VIC

Harris Street, Ultimo NSW

Marrickville Road, Marrickville NSW

Tanderrum Way, Broadmedows VIC

Alice Street, Turramurra NSW

Bondi Beach NSW

Amarco Apartments, Rhodes NSW

Ashburner Street, Manly NSW


Weathertex, Heatherbrae

Rockdale Drainage

Heatherbrae Industrial Estate

Beach Renourishment, Altona VIC

Powells Creek, Concord West

Ashgrove Subdivision, Regents Park

Washington Avenue, Riverwood North

Dening Street, Drummoyne

Belmore Gardens, Barton ACT

Newington College, Stanmore
