Are Soakaways Legal in the UK?

Are Soakaways legal UK

Soakaways are a traditional way of dumping excess surface water. They do not require planning permission, can be used on any area that drains water, and are easy to maintain. However, you will need to adhere to certain rules and regulations if you plan to sell your property. Keep these rules in mind when setting up a soakaway on your property.

Soakaways are a traditional way of disposing of excess surface water

The main function of a soakaway is to enhance soil drainage by providing a large surface area where water can pass. The volume of water that a soakaway can hold depends on the infiltration capacity of the soil around it. The bulk density of the fill material is also a factor in determining its capacity. The water in a soakaway will undergo biochemical reactions with microorganisms that grow on the fill.

A soakaway system is a natural, low-impact way to dispose of surface water. It is easy to construct and requires minimal land area. It is a great way to reduce the amount of water that pollutes the environment. Furthermore, it is easy to maintain.

They do not require planning permission

A soakaway is a natural drainage system that collects water runoff from a building. It is usually circular or square, filled with rubble, and lined with dry jointed masonry. They are also known as trench type soakaways. Specialist proprietary units are available for larger areas. Soakaways are not typically covered by home insurance. If you wish to install a soakaway on your property, check with your local planning authority for any specific requirements.

A soakaway is an excellent option if you are worried about waterlogging in your garden. This drainage system is essentially a hole in the ground filled with rubble, which drains excess water during heavy rainfall. If you are considering constructing one for your garden, it is important to first dig a trial hole and check whether the soil type is suitable for a soakaway. Sand and gravel work well as soakaway materials.

They are easier to maintain

Soakaways are a simple drainage system that helps to discharge rainwater into the ground. This helps to avoid land becoming overrun with water and flooding. In addition, they also prevent land from not draining properly when it rains. However, they can become blocked by debris and need regular maintenance. High-pressure water jets can be used to clear away any debris that has accumulated in the drainage pipe.

A soakaway system is easy to install. The main signs of a clogged soakaway are overflowing outside drains and spongy ground underfoot. The ground may also develop indentations or become compacted. Eventually, this will cause the ground to sink.

They can be used for any draining area

Soakaways are drains designed to capture runoff water in a natural environment. They are used in areas where there is a high risk of flooding or storm damage. They can be placed in the middle of a field or garden. This type of drainage is often combined with other types of drainage, such as grating.

Soakaways are constructed by installing a pipe in a trench and filling it with gravel. The trench is connected to a piping system, which drains surface water. Some soakaways may be built closer to properties, while others can be located farther from them. In general, soakaways should be installed at least five metres from a property. However, if the ground is heavily sloping, the distance may be as much as 15 metres away.

They can be constructed from square or circular pits

Soakaways are underground storage areas that can be used for groundwater recharge and stormwater treatment. They can be made out of square or circular pits and can be lined with brickwork, polyethylene rings, or pre-cast concrete. They can also be linked together to treat large areas of groundwater. Most soakaways are the responsibility of the property owner.

The base of the incoming pipe should be at least 600mm below ground level. The overall depth of the soakaway should be at least 2.08m. If the depth is insufficient, it may be necessary to construct two or more soakaways side by side. Soakaways with large diameters can be used for public projects, but this requires heavy lifting equipment, ground shoring, and expertise.

They do not allow for the treatment of effluent

A septic tank is a container under ground that collects and treats wastewater. It is an economical alternative to main sewers and is commonly used in rural areas. A soakaway, on the other hand, does not use a tank at all and is just a large hole dug into the ground filled with coarse stones and rubble. This allows surface water to disperse and reaches the soil beneath, where it is filtered by bacteria.

The Environmental Agency states that soakaways do not allow for the treatment of efflorescence. However, this does not mean that soakaways are completely unsuitable. In fact, these systems have a number of downsides. If your soakaway is in a flooded area, it may not be able to absorb the volume of water.

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