If you're dealing with surface water pooling around your home after heavy rains, installing a soakaway could be a practical solution. A soakaway is essentially a large hole dug in your garden that collects excess rainwater and lets it drain into the ground more gradually, preventing your yard from becoming waterlogged.
Key Takeaways:
- A soakaway system is an underground drainage system designed to prevent surface water pooling.
- It should not be connected to the sewer system, as this is both illegal and can cause flooding.
- A drainage engineer should conduct a percolation test and assess the roof pitch to ensure a soakaway is appropriate and determine its required size.
- A soakaway system includes components like soakaway crates, underground drainage pipes, geotextile membrane, waterproof tape, shingle, and gravel.
- Once installed, it’s nearly impossible to unblock a soakaway system, so adding a trap can help prevent blockages and extend the system's lifespan.
Not only is a soakaway a cost-effective drainage option, but it’s also easy to install, durable, and environmentally friendly. Here's a quick overview of what they do, what you’ll need, how to set one up, and how to keep it functioning for years.
**Using Soakaways**
A soakaway is typically placed at least 5 to 10 meters away from a building, ensuring it's at least 5 meters from a structure or retaining wall. It’s designed to channel rainwater from the existing drainage system, allowing it to percolate into the ground at a slower pace. Crate-based systems, combined with permeable membranes, provide a large underground void where water can drain slowly, keeping your yard free of puddles. If your property slopes, digging the pit at a lower point ensures water flows smoothly into the system.
Keep in mind, never discharge sewage into your soakaway, as it can lead to blockages and legal issues. Similarly, pouring rainwater into the sewer system is prohibited because it can overwhelm treatment facilities, leading to untreated waste entering waterways. Thus, a soakaway is an excellent way to manage rainwater responsibly.
Before purchasing materials, verify local planning regulations, as some areas prohibit soakaways in certain zones. Additionally, conduct a percolation test to check your soil’s absorption rate—if the soil is too soft, it won’t effectively absorb water, making a soakaway impractical.
**The Components of a Soakaway**
**Soakaway Crate**
These crates form the core of your soakaway system, collecting water and facilitating its gradual drainage. Modular and customizable, crates can be stacked or placed side by side based on your system's requirements. They often come with a high void ratio, usually at least 95%, meaning they offer significant empty space to hold water.
**Underground Drainage Pipe**
After excavating the pit for your soakaway, dig a trench for the underground drainage pipe connecting to your rainwater system. If using a silt trap, integrate it into the pipe run between the rainwater drainage and the soakaway. Some crates include inlets, which you can directly connect your pipes to. Alternatively, you can cut an inlet using a hole saw or lay the pipe on top of the crates before wrapping them in non-woven geotextile to avoid clogging.
**Geotextile Membrane**
This permeable membrane stops debris from entering the soakaway crates while still allowing water to pass through. Use a non-woven membrane, lining the crates' sides and securing it with tape. Avoid woven membranes, as they retain water and hinder proper drainage.
**Waterproof Tape**
This tape seals the membrane joints.
**Shingle**
Once your crate system is lined with non-woven geotextile membrane, fill the sides and top with pea shingle (usually 20mm), adding a final layer of gravel or topsoil on top for protection.
**Gravel/Top Soil**
This provides a protective layer above the soakaway system, typically requiring at least 400mm of coverage.
**Silt Trap**
Optional but recommended, a silt trap helps maintain your soakaway system by catching debris and preventing blockages. Regular maintenance, like emptying the trap, is necessary but worthwhile for long-term performance.
**Installing Your Soakaway**
Installing a soakaway is straightforward but requires careful planning. Ensure the size and type align with the amount of roof area or standing water you aim to manage. Factors like soil type and crate capacity must be considered before starting.
Basic Installation Steps:
1. Dig a pit for the crates.
2. Excavate a trench for the drainage pipes.
3. Add a layer of pea shingle at the pit's base.
4. Lay out the membrane, ensuring enough to cover the crates fully.
5. Place the crates in the pit.
6. Wrap the entire system in membrane and seal the inlet pipe.
7. Fill the sides and top with pea shingle.
8. Cover with at least 400mm of soil.
If using a silt trap, incorporate it along the drainage pipe.
**Soakaway Maintenance**
The primary issue with soakaways is blockages, though other problems may arise, such as punctured pipes caused by tree roots. These situations often necessitate replacing parts of the system.
**Unblocking a Soakaway**
Unfortunately, unblocking a soakaway isn’t feasible. Preventing blockages through measures like a silt trap is critical. While it adds initial costs, it saves money and hassle in the future.
**Difference Between a Soakaway and an Attenuation System**
A soakaway drains water directly into the soil, whereas an attenuation tank stores water temporarily, later releasing it elsewhere.
For expert guidance on choosing the best system for your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out.
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