Rainwater Soakaways

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The team at Clear Drains 4 U specialises in supplying and installing rainwater soakaways in homes and businesses throughout Colchester, Essex and Suffolk.

Soakaways are a practical alternative to comprehensive rainwater recycling systems. Functioning as below ground-level pits, soakaways efficiently store a specific volume of surface water runoff from your roof, contributing to the maintenance of a dry and flood-resistant property. Particularly effective in regions prone to heavy rainfall, soakaways play a crucial role in preventing waterlogging and potential water damage.

Old water soakaway pits and new soakaway solutions differ significantly in terms of design, efficiency, and environmental impact. Traditional soakaway pits are typically simple excavations filled with coarse materials like gravel or rubble, which allow water to percolate into the surrounding soil. These pits can be prone to clogging, have limited capacity, and may not effectively manage large volumes of water, leading to potential flooding and soil erosion.

In contrast, modern soakaway solutions employ advanced materials and engineering principles to enhance performance. Contemporary systems often use specially designed crates or modular units that create large void spaces for water storage, ensuring efficient infiltration into the ground. These units are wrapped in geotextile membranes to prevent soil ingress and clogging, significantly extending the lifespan and reliability of the system. Additionally, modern solutions are designed to handle higher volumes of water, improving flood prevention and reducing the environmental impact by promoting sustainable water management practices.

Cost-effective & eco-friendly

Rainwater soakaways naturally manage runoff by allowing water to infiltrate the ground, reducing the need for artificial drainage systems and lowering long-term maintenance costs.

Life expectancy

The life expectancy of a soakaway pit can vary widely depending on several factors, including design, materials used, soil conditions, and maintenance practices. Traditional soakaway pits, often filled with gravel or rubble, generally have a shorter lifespan, typically ranging from 10 to 20 years.

Advanced technology

By incorporating advanced technology and better materials, our new soakaway solutions provide a more durable, efficient, and environmentally friendly approach to managing surface water.

Low maintenace

Rainwater soakaways passively collects and disperses rainwater underground without the need for regular upkeep or mechanical parts.

Soakaway percolation test

A surface water percolation test is a vital assessment conducted to evaluate the rate at which water is absorbed into the soil. This test is crucial for determining the suitability of an area for various applications, such as septic systems, drainage fields, and construction projects. By measuring the soil’s percolation rate, engineers and planners can design effective drainage solutions that prevent waterlogging, erosion, and structural damage. The test involves saturating the soil with water and timing how long it takes for the water level to drop, providing valuable data on soil permeability and drainage capacity. Conducting a surface water percolation test ensures that water management strategies are appropriately tailored to the site’s specific conditions, promoting environmental sustainability and infrastructure stability.

To determine how big your soakaway needs to be, our engineers will dig a test hole, then fill and measure the water level over a 24 hour period to see how much the water drops in this time. Using this data, we can work out the metre squared run-off area that’s going to be needed, and let you know which product is going to best meet your home’s requirements.

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