Comparing soakaway systems
A soakaway is a drainage system for surface rainwater run-off.
It’s designed to be a pit in the ground where rainwater drainage goes to.
Soakaways have many benefits because they can be fitted retrospectively, they are low maintenance, and they reduce the risk of flooding dramatically.
However, it’s important to explore the various soakaway types before selecting the best solution your property, ground conditions, rainfall, personal requirements, and available budget.
What are the different types of soakaways?
Drainage field
One type of soakaway is a drainage field; a network of perforated or slotted pipework from a septic tank or sewage treatment plant.
A drainage field is ideal for managing surface water because it’s a hole in the ground filled with rubble or stones that permits water to percolate downwards.
Those who require small-scale drainage for their property are well suited to this type of soakaway like a single downspout or a small paved area.
A land drainage field is a bigger system that can cope with high volumes of water. It has many interlinked channels that are below the ground, covered with a layer of topsoil.
These channels carry the water away from the property into the land nearby where it can be absorbed by the soil or flow into nearby watercourses.
These are beneficial for preventing damage to adjacent buildings and nearby properties.
Borehole
Borehole soakaways are soakaway types designed for those wanting to deal with surface water run-off but don’t have the suitable ground conditions to facilitate a traditional soakaway.
They are installed beneath the surface and operate by collecting excess water from there to keep the ground in good condition.
The excess water moves from a storage chamber to the borehole by a small diameter plastic or steel pipe.
These types of soakaways are usually used in areas where there is no body of water nearby, or in places where a drainage system that is already in place fails to cope with surface water.
It differs from a traditional soakaway because it’s located much deeper into the ground.
A soakaway chamber is a chamber that collects water before it’s slowly released into the ground. It’s suitable for situations where there isn’t enough room for a drainage field, but the ground conditions can host one.
It has the same features as more traditional soakaways in that it collects and manages surface water to let it seep back into the earth.
As they are typically made with precast concrete, they are also sustainable and environment-friendly.
However, with this type of soakaway, the percolation rate of the soil also needs to be taken into account as it directly correlates to its functionality.
Soakaway design from OMDI
Popular types of soakaways are bespoke soakaway arrangements, which are personalised systems used to discharge water into the ground. These are usually built after taking into consideration factors like the soil type, the amount of water to be drained, and the surrounding area.
They can be used in both small and large properties.
These types of soakaways are also great for the overall aesthetic of your garden because they fit in with the surroundings without any obvious manhole covers.
Whatever type of soakaway you choose, it is important to reach out to professionals who have the correct tools and knowledge of how to install a soakaway.
At OMDI, our design service includes a careful and considered assessment of your individual circumstances and location before proposing a tailored solution.
As specialists in the field off-mains drainage, we have years of experience designing and installing soakaway systems for both commercial and domestic properties throughout the UK.
We complete common installations including septic and mound soakaways, drainage fields, hydro brakes, and water crates with attenuation tanks.
Our service also extends to providing custom solutions that suit your needs.
We also provide expert guidance on UK building regulations to ensure compliance and safety while being conscious of the exemptions and exceptions to soakaway building regulations.
OMDI also know the importance of carrying out maintenance for soakaway systems and we can facilitate the decommissioning of any old septic tanks too.
If you are curious about our services and want to check out our range of soakaways, why not contact us via email on enquiries@omdi.co.uk or by phone on 01977 800 418?
