Soakaways are a low-impact way to deal with excess surface water and foul water in your drainage system. They are easy to install and can help to reduce flooding. They also eliminate standing water. Learn more about their advantages. Listed below are some of the reasons why you should consider installing one.

Soakaways are a low-impact way of dealing with foul or excess surface water in your drainage system

Soakaways are designed to reduce the impact of surface water on the environment by reducing the volume of water in your drainage system. They function by creating a large surface area in contact with the soil, which allows water to pass. The capacity of a soakaway depends on the infiltration potential of the surrounding soil. The bulk density of the fill material also determines the storage capacity of a soakaway. The water in a soakaway undergoes biochemical reactions with microorganisms living on the fill.

Soakaways can be constructed using two methods: infiltration or a French Drain. The former involves digging a trench and filling it with gravel. The latter includes a pipe to drain surface water. This type of soakaway is usually connected to a sewer, but can also be built closer to a property. The distance of a soakaway from a property should be one foot for each foot of depth.

They reduce flooding

If you’re thinking about installing a soakaway drain, it’s important to remember that it must be compliant with BS 6297, the General Binding Rules for Drainage Fields. To ensure compliance, you must obtain a Permit from the Environment Agency. The maximum discharge per day is 2000 litres. That’s equivalent to the water consumption of 13 people. However, you’re not allowed to discharge sewage effluent into the drain.

Before you get started, you’ll need a trench or pit in the ground. Ideally, you should excavate a hole that is at least 1m3 in size. But depending on the size of the soakaway, it might need to be larger. Filling the soakaway with gravel or rubble is another option. Once the drainpipe is in place, you’ll need to level the ground around it. The top layer should be 100mm high.

They eliminate standing water

Soapaways are drains that collect rainwater from a building. Traditional soakaways involve digging a hole and filling it with a granular material. This limits the volume of water collected by the soakaway. However, newer soakaways use plastic crates that leave the whole space open, so rainwater can drain completely. You can build them two or three deep, and they require 150mm space around the edges. To build a soakaway, you will need a digger and plastic crates.

Soakaways can be used on any surface, but they are particularly suitable for smaller areas. They are required to meet the requirements of building regulations, which cover drainage and water disposal, and any local guidance. They must also meet strict environmental standards, because runoff can contain pollutants that may contaminate groundwater.

They are easy to install

Soakaways are a popular solution for managing surface water runoff and drainage. A soakaway is a trench that is constructed in the ground. These drainage trenches are usually made of gravel or stone. However, plastic soakaway crates can be used as well.

If a soakaway becomes blocked, it may be necessary to replace it. In this case, your insurance company may pay for the cost of replacement. Ensure that the new soakaway is installed at least 5m away from the original. This distance is required to comply with the Building Regulations.

The regulations for a soakaway have changed recently, and there are now stricter requirements. Soapaways must be properly designed and installed and must be signed off by a Building Control inspector. To prevent the risk of clogging, soakaways must be designed to meet the relevant standards.

They require regular maintenance

A soakaway is a trench or basin filled with permeable granular material that collects surface water runoff and disperses it through the ground. These systems can help the environment by ensuring that surface water does not enter existing sewers or effluent treatment systems. In the UK, soakaways are the most common type of infiltration system. These drains are often situated in open spaces, and they are easier to maintain. Moreover, they do not interfere with the foundations of buildings. However, there are some restrictions when it comes to installing these systems, and these may vary depending on the geological conditions and the building regulations. It is best to consult with local councils to determine the requirements for the location of soakaways.

To ensure the quality of your soakaway system, you should make sure that it meets all the necessary regulations. Moreover, you should check that the drain is installed at least five metres from the property. If the ground is sloping, the distance should be extended to fifteen metres. Moreover, you should mark the location of the drain on your building plans.

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