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Soakaways also called rainwater soakaways are systems that are used to deal effectively with excessive amounts of rainwater falling on your property. Rather than letting the rainwater form pools which could lead to flooding the makeup of a soakaway allows water to drain gradually into the ground.
A soakaway which is typically constructed using plastic storage cells otherwise known as soakaway crates are installed in holes around your land. The soakaway which is located in the area at most risk of flooding like the garden is connected to your property using a drainage pipe helping prevent flooding.
In this blog post we are going to take an in depth look at Rainwater soakaways, how they can benefit you, the installation process, the regulations around soakaways and any associated costs. Here at CM drainage we offer clients a full soakaway installation and repair service along with the emptying and installation of septic tanks. To get more details on any of our services contact the team here at CM drainage today.
What Sort of Things indicate you May need a Rainwater Soakaway
The Presence of Standing Water or Puddles on Your Property
If you are experiencing standing water or pools of water in your garden it is possible you may have a drainage problem that could be solved by installing a soakaway. Keeping your garden free from standing water is important if you want to keep your home free from structural issues.
Damp basements and Crawl spaces
If your home has a basement or crawl space that is exhibiting signs of damp then your home could be at risk of structural damage. By installing a soakaway you can keep these areas nice and dry, guarding against the smell of damp in your home while keeping your home protected against the possibility of damage to its overall structure.
Cracks in your brickwork
Soil erosion around the foundations in your home can result in structural movement, and in the most extreme circumstances cause the house to settle or sink. When this happens you could see cracks start to appear in your brickwork, as well as other structural issues along with flooding and moisture related problems. If you’ve noticed significant cracks or sloping floors, our advice would be to contact a structural engineer as soon as possible.
Building an Extension
If you’re planning to add an extension to your home, Building Control guidelines often require a soakaway system to be installed. Our expert drainage engineers can guide you through the regulations and help with the design and placement of the system.
What are the Benefits of Installing a Soakaway
Environmental sustainability
Soakaways give rainwater the opportunity to soak naturally into the soil, a process which will play a part in supporting environmental sustainability. If you can minimise water runoff and soil erosion, you can play a key role in keeping an ecological balance.
Protect Your property
One of the key functions of a soakaway is to help maintain your properties structural integrity. By helping prevent flood water get into your foundations you can stop cracks appearing and your structure being weakened.
Cost-effective Drainage Solutions
While there are some more hi tech options available to you these will come at a much higher price. Soakaways are relatively inexpensive to install and maintain when compared with the alternatives which makes them a practical and cost effective solution.
Preserve the Aesthetic Appeal of Your Landscape
Unlike traditional drainage methods, a soakaway system blends effortlessly with your existing landscape, ensuring your property continues to look as stylish and visually appealing as ever.
Garden and landscaping Can Help improve Health
Soakaways are great for gardening enthusiasts as they create the perfect conditions for growing plants. This in turn will help keep your garden looking lush and green even during downpours.
Professional or DIY Installation Which is the Best Option
The Benefits of Professional Installation
Every property has a different landscape each with its own specific challenges which can be addressed by employing the services of a professional installer. They will help ensure that all work is completed in line with current UK guidelines. While there is obviously a cost associated with using a professional installer you should see it as an investment that will protect your property against the threat posed by inclement weather conditions.
DIY installation
Installing your own soakaway may be seen as a good way of saving some money,however, it could end up being a false economy. Soakaway installation is a complicated procedure that requires specialised equipment. Any errors you make during installation or repair of a soakaway could lead to much more serious issues arising and the structural integrity of your home being put at risk. Before choosing a DIY approach, think about the complexity of your system and the potential risks if it isn’t installed correctly.
Assessing your property
Before you install a soakaway system, it’s imperative that you undertake a full assessment of your property. When assessing your premises you need to take a look at all the key factors, the main one being whether a soakaway is the best option for you or whether you should be considering an alternative solution that better meets the needs of your property.
You will also need to check out local building regulations to make sure you will be complying with any relevant guidelines. One such regulation states that any system must not be installed within 5 metres of another building or road, a distance which could increase in cases where the ground slopes away from your property.
If the soakaway you are installing is part of a new build or extension, you must include it in any building plans. One thing to consider is that if your property is situated in an area with a clay base a soakaway may possibly not be the best option. To avoid this type of problem it is better to consult an industry professional who will be able to carry out the required tests and assessments.
Do You Need to Maintain a Soakaway
Quite simply Yes, it’s important that you carry out ongoing maintenance of your soakaway system to make sure it continues to function efficiently.
Regular Inspections
Routine inspections are crucial, they help identify potential problems early, allowing for quick fixes and keeping your system functioning as it should.
Cleaning and Clearing
Just like you would clean your gutters, regularly clearing debris and blockages from your soakaway prevents damage and ensures proper water flow.
However, cleaning the soakaway yourself is not advisable as you could accidentally damage the system, which would result in more expensive repairs being needed. Why not contact the team here at CM Drainage and take advantage of our professional soakaway cleaning service. We can also carry out a CCTV drain survey on your system , which will help detect any cleaning or repair needs.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Soakaway
Before going ahead with your soakaway installation it is important you are aware of the potential costs. While there is obviously an initial cost involved when installing a soakaway when weighed against the cost of repairing potential water damage we believe you’ll find it excellent value.
The extra protection you’ll get from installing a soakaway will more than make up for your initial outlay. One thing to be aware of is that some local authorities or environmental agencies offer grants or incentives for anyone adopting environmentally friendly drainage solutions.
Local Authority Requirements
Each local authority has its own guidelines for soakaway design. For instance, BCP Council offers specific advice. However, general rules apply everywhere: your soakaway should be located at least 5 metres from any building or road, 2.5 metres from a property boundary, and not in areas of unstable land where the water table may reach the bottom of the soakaway at any time during the year.