If you’re facing surface water pooling, flooding, or drainage issues on your property, installing a soakaway is an effective solution to manage this properly and safely. Soakaways not only help manage excess water but also protect your landscape, driveway, and building foundations from water damage and saturation which can lead to things like subsidence. If you’re considering a soakaway for your property, it’s important to understand the installation process to ensure everything goes smoothly. In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect during the soakaway installation process. If you want to know more about what is a soakaway, start by reading our full soakaway guide.
Step 1: Initial Site Assessment
The first step in the soakaway installation process is a site assessment. A professional drainage engineer will visit your property to evaluate the specific needs of your land and determine the most effective soakaway system for your situation.
During this assessment, the engineer will consider factors such as:
- Soil type and drainage capacity: Different soils absorb water at different rates. Sandy soil, for example, allows water to flow through quickly, while clay-rich soil may not drain as effectively. This will determine the soakaway design and size.
- Location and size of the soakaway: The professional will assess the size of the area to be drained and identify the best location for the soakaway. This is typically an area that is far enough away from buildings, tree roots, and utility lines. In the UK, soakaways must be at least 5 meters away from the property and 2 meters away from the boundary of the property.
- Existing drainage system: If you already have a drainage system in place, the professional will examine it to ensure it works effectively in conjunction with the new soakaway.
At this stage, the installer may choose to perform soil Percolation test. This test is designed to determine how quickly water will be absorbed by the ground. This helps to design an appropriately size soakaways.
Step 2: Planning and Design
Once the site has been assessed, the next step is designing the soakaway system. The design process takes into account the amount of water that needs to be managed, the type of soakaway system best suited to your property, and any local regulations that might apply. Planning and designing is key to the overall success of the soakaway installation process.
The installer will create a plan that includes:
- The size of the soakaway: The size will be determined based on the volume of surface water that needs to be handled, the soil conditions, and the size of your property. This will take into account if the rainwater is coming from roof space, aco drains or purely surface water to prevent flooding.
- Type of soakaway: There are several different types of soakaways, including gravel-filled soakaways, modular soakaway units, and trench soakaways. The design will specify which one is best suited for your property.
- Positioning of the soakaway: The location of the soakaway will be chosen to optimise water absorption and avoid any potential issues with nearby structures, such as foundations, utilities, or sewage lines.
If necessary, the installer will also ensure that the soakaway design complies with local regulations, such as those set by your local council or environmental authorities.
Step 3: Obtaining Permissions (if required)
Before moving forward with the soakaway installation, it may be necessary to obtain planning permission or comply with local building regulations, particularly if your property is in a flood prone area, near watercourses, or if the soakaway is particularly large.
In the UK, for instance, soakaways often do not require planning permission for residential use, but certain conditions may apply:
- If your soakaway is located close to a watercourse or a public sewer.
- If your property is within a designated flood risk zone.
- If the soakaway will be draining large volumes of water.
A professional soakaway installer will help you navigate the necessary permissions, ensuring all legal requirements are met before starting the work.
Step 4: Excavation and Site Preparation
Once all the planning and approvals are in place, the actual soakaway installation process begins. The first step is excavation. Depending on the size and type of soakaway being installed, the installer will need to dig a pit or trench. The excavation process may involve:
- Digging a pit or trench: For a gravel-filled soakaway, a hole large enough to accommodate the system will be dug. For modular soakaway units, a trench will be excavated to hold the individual units.
- Clearing debris: Any soil, rocks, or debris in the excavation area will be cleared to ensure the system is installed properly.
- Ensuring proper depth and size: The depth of the soakaway depends on the water drainage requirements, the soil conditions, and the volume of water that needs to be handled.
This step is critical for ensuring that the soakaway will function as designed and provide effective water management.
Step 5: Installation of the Soakaway System
After the excavation, the soakaway system itself is installed. This could involve one of several types of systems, including:
- Gravel-filled soakaway: A simple gravel pit system is installed, with the water flowing into the gravel before being absorbed by the surrounding soil.
- Modular soakaway units: Pre-manufactured plastic or concrete units are arranged and connected together to create a large underground water storage unit. These modular units are lightweight, easy to install, and designed to handle water efficiently.
- Trench soakaway: If the soakaway is designed as a trench, perforated pipes will be placed within the gravel-filled trench to allow water to flow freely into the ground.
During the soakaway installation process , the installer will also ensure that the soakaway is properly connected to your existing drainage system, such as your roof gutters, downpipes, or driveway drainage. This ensures that water flows directly into the soakaway.
Step 6: Backfilling and Site Restoration
Once the soakaway system is installed, the next step is to backfill the excavation. This involves filling the trench or pit with soil and restoring the site to its original condition. The following will happen during this phase:
- Filling in the excavation: After the soakaway system is in place, the surrounding soil will be replaced, ensuring it’s packed securely around the system. If this is on a driveway or path, it is important to make sure the sublayer is well compact.
- Levelling the ground: The installer will ensure that the ground is level and that no sinkholes or depressions are left behind.
- Restoring landscaping: Any disturbed landscaping or vegetation will be repaired, and the area will be restored to its original appearance, whether it’s a lawn, garden, or driveway.
At this stage of the soakaway installation process, the soakaway system will be fully functional, and the surface will be ready for use once again.
Step 7: Testing and Final Checks
After installation and restoration, the final step is testing the soakaway system. This ensures that everything is working properly. The installer will:
- Test water flow: Water will be introduced to the system to verify that it is draining as expected and being absorbed by the surrounding soil.
- Check for leaks or blockages: The installer will ensure that there are no leaks in the pipes or issues with the flow of water.
If the system works as intended, the soakaway will be ready for use. The installer will provide you with advice on maintenance and care to ensure the system remains effective for years to come.
Conclusion
The soakaway installation process is straightforward, but it does require careful planning, professional expertise, and attention to detail. From the initial site assessment to the final checks, each step of the soakaway installation process ensures that your soakaway is designed to effectively manage surface water and prevent flooding. By understanding what to expect during the installation, you can ensure a smooth and successful project, providing long-term drainage solutions for your property.
If you’re considering a soakaway installation, it’s important to consult with a professional drainage specialist who can guide you through the process and ensure your system is tailored to your specific needs. Elite Drainage Services are experts in soakaways and all related drainage work. Our team are on-hand 24/7 to help with all your needs. Contact us today on 0800 861 1900 for help and guidance.
