Soakaways are drainage features that are commonly used to capture surface runoff and channel the water away. They are mainly used in medium permeability soils. The most common type of soakaway is a plastic crate, which is easy to install and has a very high lifecycle carbon value. In the UK, there are five manufacturers of plastic crates, as well as some foreign manufacturers. Soakaways should be specified as part of detailed highway designs and performance considerations.

Milk crates

Soakaways are large pits filled with hardcore material like stones and soil. The water would flow through the pits and fill the voids. Milk crates are similar to the type of water crates used in the olden days but have a more practical purpose – they act as water storage cells. They come in flat pack form but can be fixed into a box shape to form the drainage system for the soakaway.

Often used in cities and towns, soakaway crates are used to collect rainwater that has been absorbed into the ground by hard surfaces like paving blocks, concrete and tarmac. These systems are often a legal requirement for construction projects. As the UK experiences increased rainfall, a soakaway system is often a necessary part of the construction process. The increased air temperature and water vapour in the atmosphere will lead to increased runoff on hard surfaces. This can result in localised flooding.

French Drains

A French drain is a simple drainage system that consists of a trench which holds water. This water will then gradually seep into the ground until it reaches a discharge point. This discharge point can be an existing rainwater drain or a ditch. French drains are usually easy to build. However, for complex solutions, it is advisable to contact a drainage expert.

When installed correctly, a French Drain will effectively transport storm water away from built structures. For example, they are increasingly being used to make basements for new developments, allowing more living space. They may also form a part of a development’s Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). Furthermore, French Drains are often used in water management systems on railways and highways. In these systems, perforated pipes are set into a trench filled with graded stone. This prevents water from backing up and undermining railway tracks.

When you are installing French drains in the UK, you should make sure that you are following the correct regulations. The British government requires that French drains are designed by a civil engineering consultant and approved under Part H of the Building Regulations. Any drainage system incorporated into a property that does not comply with the regulations could be subject to legal action. In addition, failure to meet national standards could invalidate your building insurance policy if your property is flooded.

Condensate soakaway

Installing a condensate soakaway is a great way to remove this water from your home. A soakaway is a plastic storage container filled with limestone chips. The chippings neutralise the acidity of the water that passes through them. It is an easy, inexpensive way to remove condensate and help keep your home’s air quality in check.

A soakaway system is a great alternative to an external drain for the condensate pipe because it allows you to control the water’s release. It also helps neutralise the acidity of the water that escapes from your home, which will extend the life of your boiler and central heating system.

Often, the condensate pipe will freeze during very cold weather, causing a gurgling noise from your boiler and an ‘EA’ error code. The good news is that it can safely be thawed by the homeowner. Condensate pipes are made of plastic and run from the boiler to the household drainage system, or to a soakaway.

Drainage Fields

Drainage fields in Soakaways UK are designed to disperse septic effluent into the soil. This is essential to avoid saturation and ‘Backing up’ of the system. Despite this, 60% of UK sites fail mandatory tests for soakaways. This means that the drainage field you choose must meet strict standards for percolation.

The drainage field must have an appropriate design and be constructed according to the Building Regulations. It should be located at least two metres below ground level and must be able to withstand rainfall. In addition, the drainage pipework must not obstruct underground services. In addition, the drainage field must ensure that there is no risk to local wildlife and environment.

The length of a soakaway drainage field depends on the number of bedrooms in the house and the porosity of the soil. According to the regulations, a three-bedroom house should have a drainage field that is at least twice as long as the sewage system. Those who wish to install a soakaway drainage field must obtain a permit from the Environment Agency.

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