The UK is notorious for its wet and overcast weather forecasts. Although this is mostly manageable, British residents are more commonly facing risks of dangerous flooding. This is where soakaways come in to play! They can make the world of difference when it comes to excessive rainfall and make for an exceptional drainage system.
Our team at Borehole Solutions, one of the UK’s leading geotechnical drilling companies, wanted to delve deeper into soakaways and find out how effective they truly are.
What are Soakaways?
These cleverly designed underground systems are one of the most popular forms of dealing with excess water to prevent flooding. When used in a domestic setting, they will protect your household if your home’s drainage system is overwhelmed as well as greatly reduce the chance of your garden becoming waterlogged.
One type of soakaway is the rubble soakaway, which involves filling a hole in the ground with rubble or coarse stone. This allows the surface water to be gradually filtered downwards into the earth. It’s a highly efficient and environmentally friendly way to deal with excess surface water. The pipe leading into the soakaway system acts like a gutter, meaning it’s an additional measurement in place to reduce the risk of flooding.
Do Soakaways require Maintenance Work?
Did you know that soakaways are designed to last for over a century?! Whilst this is true, they still require minimal maintenance work if installed professionally. There is a chance that leaves, silt, and other garden debris could block up the drainage system. This would prevent the soakaway from performing at its best.
As they’re installed below ground, these blockages are hidden out of sight. This means you should keep an eye out for the following red flags:
- Waterlogging or excess dampness in one area.
- The ground is uneven – the soil becomes too compact, meaning the water can no longer flow underground.
- Silting or contamination.
- Vegetation or plant roots near the system.
Ideal for Rural Areas
Over the years, we have found that rural areas benefit the most from soakaways. This is due to the fact that rural areas tend to not have storm drains, so flooding is more likely in these areas. However, they are also be used in the gardens of suburban homes to help with waterlogging.
One reason that these systems are so widely used is because they’re invisible! Once the soakaway has been installed, you don’t have to worry about angering the neighbours or the aesthetics of your garden as it will be buried underground. They’re highly adaptable and an essential piece of equipment if you live in an area that is prone to heavy rainfall.
Contact Us
A soakaway is an excellent anti-flooding solution. They’re sustainable, incredibly low maintenance, exceptionally durable and ideal for managing areas with excess surface water. At Borehole Solutions, our team are well-versed when it comes to installing soakaways. If you’d like to find out more information about our soakaway installation services, then please get in touch! Click here to contact us directly or give us a call on 01733 200501.
