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A Guide To Soakaway Systems
If you're dealing with surface water pooling around your home during heavy rains, a soakaway could be a great solution to improve your drainage. Essentially, a soakaway is a large hole dug in your garden that gathers excess rainwater and lets it seep into the ground gradually, rather than leaving puddles on the surface that can lead to waterlogged gardens.
Key Takeaways:
- A soakaway system is an underground drainage setup designed to prevent surface water pooling.
- It must not be connected to the sewer system.
- You'll likely need a drainage expert to perform a percolation test and assess roof pitch to ensure a soakaway is appropriate and determine the necessary size.
- A soakaway consists of soakaway crates, underground drainage pipes, geotextile membranes, waterproof tape, shingle, and gravel topped with soil.
- Once installed, it's nearly impossible to unclog a soakaway system, so adding a trap is recommended to prolong its lifespan.
Not only is a soakaway a cost-effective drainage option, but it’s also easy to install, durable, user-friendly, and environmentally friendly. Here’s a quick overview of what they’re for, what you’ll need to build one, how to install it, and how to ensure it lasts for years.
**Using Soakaways**
A soakaway is typically constructed at least 5 to 10 meters away from a building (at least 5 meters from a building or retaining wall) and is meant to channel rainwater from the existing drainage system. It then allows the water to percolate into the ground at a slower pace. Crate-based systems, combined with a permeable non-woven membrane, provide a large underground void where water can drain slowly, preventing waterlogging and surface water pooling. If your property has a slope, dig the pit lower to ensure water flows in effectively.
Keep in mind, never discharge sewage into your system, as this can cause blockages and is illegal. Also, releasing rainwater into the sewer system is prohibited because it can overwhelm sewage treatment facilities, leading to untreated waste being released into watercourses. Thus, a soakaway system is a legal and eco-friendly way to manage rainwater.
Before you begin purchasing materials, it’s crucial to check local planning regulations since some properties in protected areas aren't allowed to have soakaways. Additionally, you should conduct a percolation test to assess your soil’s absorption rate—soft soils won’t release water effectively, making a soakaway impractical.
**The Components of a Soakaway**
While soakaways are relatively simple drainage systems, they still require several components to function correctly. Here’s a quick list of what typically makes up a soakaway system:
**Soakaway Crate**
These crates form the core of your soakaway system, collecting water and allowing it to drain efficiently. Modular crates let you stack and position them based on the size and structure of your soakaway, working alongside permeable membranes and pipes to reduce surface water. You can buy a complete crate kit to simplify the process, which includes everything except the drainage pipe and gravel. These crates usually have a high void ratio, at least 95%.
**Underground Drainage Pipe**
After digging the pit for your soakaway, you’ll need to dig a trench for the underground drainage pipe connecting to your rainwater drainage system. If using a silt trap, ensure it’s part of the pipe run between the rainwater drainage and your soakaway system. If your crates have inlets, connect the pipework to them. If not, you can use a hole saw to create an inlet or lay the pipe on top of the crates before wrapping them in non-woven geotextile to prevent silt or debris from clogging the system.
**Geotextile Membrane**
This is a permeable membrane that stops debris from entering your soakaway crates while still allowing water to pass through. For a soakaway system, you’ll need a non-woven membrane—line the crates’ sides with it and secure it with tape. Never use a woven membrane, as it will retain water and hinder proper drainage.
**Waterproof Tape**
This is used to seal the membrane seams.
**Shingle**
Once your crate is lined with the non-woven geotextile membrane, fill the sides and top with pea shingle (typically 20mm) and cover with soil and other landscaping materials. Use pea shingle, not sharp-edged shingle, which could damage the membrane.
**Gravel / Top Soil**
This provides a protective layer above the soakaway crate system, requiring at least 400mm of coverage.
**Silt Trap**
Optional but recommended, a silt trap can significantly extend the life of your system by catching debris and preventing blockages. While it requires occasional maintenance, it’s a worthwhile investment.
**Installing Your Soakaway**
Installing a soakaway is fairly straightforward, but you need to ensure the size and type match the amount of roof area or standing water you’re managing. You don’t want to install a system that fails due to insufficient capacity or incorrect soil conditions. Check the crates’ capacity, consider the soil type, and confirm the crates’ capacity before purchasing.
Here’s a quick guide to installing a soakaway:
1. Dig a pit for the crates.
2. Dig a trench for the drainage pipe.
3. Add 150mm of 20mm pea shingle to the pit base.
4. Lay the membrane at the pit’s base, ensuring enough for the crate sides and top.
5. Place the crates in the pit atop the membrane.
6. Wrap the entire system with the membrane, including the inlet pipe.
7. Fill the crate sides and top with 150mm of pea shingle.
8. Replace the soil with at least 400mm of cover.
If using a silt trap, install it along the drainage pipe run.
Always double-check your installation to avoid future issues. If unsure, hire a professional.
**Soakaway Maintenance**
The primary concern with any soakaway is blockages. However, other issues, like punctured pipes, can arise and may necessitate full replacement. Unfortunately, unblocking a soakaway is nearly impossible. This is why a silt trap is highly recommended, especially for larger systems—it may seem costly upfront but saves significant expenses down the road.
**Difference Between a Soakaway and an Attenuation System**
The distinction is simple: a soakaway crate absorbs water directly into the surrounding soil. An attenuation tank, however, functions as a storage unit for various types of water, which is later pumped or drained elsewhere.
For assistance choosing the best option for your project, feel free to reach out.
**Shop Soakaway Systems**
Explore our range of soakaway products, including crates, membranes, and accessories, to find the perfect solution for your drainage needs.