When dealing with garden or yard drainage, soakaways play a crucial role in managing excess water, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall or with impermeable soil types. A properly functioning soak away prevents water pooling and flooding, but when they fail, the consequences can be both inconvenient and potentially damaging to your property. Understanding what leads to these failures, how to identify problems, and the best practices for maintenance or repairs can save you considerable hassle and expense.
Understanding Soakaway Systems
A soakaway is a simple, efficient water drainage solution that allows surface water to percolate back into the earth, reducing the burden on main drainage systems and preventing waterlogging. Typically, it consists of a pit filled with rubble or coarse stones which helps to dissipate the water gathered from rooftops or driveways through gutter downpipes or surface drains.
Common Signs of Soakaway Failure
- Water pooling around the area instead of draining away
- Noticeable sinking in the area above the soakaway
- Slow draining of water noticeable after rainfall
- Unpleasant odours emanating from the area where the soakaway is located
These symptoms suggest that your soakaway might be clogged or damaged, which can prevent it from functioning correctly.
Causes of Soakaway Failures
The most common causes of soakaway troubles include:
- Siltation: Fine particles can block the gaps in the rubble used in soakaways, reducing their capacity to absorb water.
- Root Intrusion: Tree or shrub roots can grow into or around a soakaway, disrupting the structure and compromising its integrity.
- Age: Older soakaways might fail due to material disintegration or outdated construction techniques.
- Incorrect Installation: Improper sizing or installation can lead to premature failure.
How to Diagnose Soakaway Issues
Assessing a soakaway problem begins with observation. After a rainstorm, check how quickly the water clears up. If the area remains waterlogged for an extended period (more than a few hours), it suggests that the soakaway might not be working efficiently.
Another method includes conducting a percolation test. Dig a small hole where the water gathers, fill it with water, and see how quickly it drains away. If the water persists for a long time, there might be a deeper issue.
DIY Fixes for Minor Problems
- Clearing Leaves and Debris: Regularly cleaning gutters and inspecting the entry points to your soakaway can prevent blockages.
- Flushing with Water: Using a hose, flush the soakaway with water to try and remove silt and smaller particles.
- Root Removal: If small roots have begun to invade the soakaway, carefully remove them to prevent further growth and blockage.
These steps may resolve minor issues, but more serious problems will likely require professional intervention.
When to Call a Professional
If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the waterlogging, or if you notice sinking or significant damage around the soakaway area, it’s time to call in experienced professionals. They can perform more thorough inspections, potentially using cameras to assess internal conditions, and offer relevant solutions such as repairs or the installation of a new soakaway.
Professionals have the tools and expertise to ensure that any work complies with local regulations concerning water drainage and soakaway installations.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Prevention is always better than cure, especially concerning soakaways:
- Regularly inspect and clean your gutters and surface water drains.
- Consider planting trees and shrubs at a safe distance from your soakaway to prevent roots from interfering in the future.
- Monitor and maintain the surrounding landscape to ensure water flows freely towards the soakaway, not pooling in undesired areas.
Conclusion
A failing soakaway can be a source of worry, but understanding the typical warning signs and knowing some basic maintenance can go a long way in preventing severe damage. For the issues beyond DIY fixes, professional assessment and intervention are crucial to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your drainage system. As a preventive measure, keep an eye on the performance of your soakaway especially after heavy rains, and maintain open lines of communication with a drainage expert to stay ahead of any potential problems. Remember, timely action can save a lot of future effort and expense.
