A soakaway system allows you to collect rainwater and gradually release it into the surrounding soil without causing excessive runoff or overloading the underground drainage systems. This is especially crucial in areas with heavy rainfall, compacted soil, or steep slopes. Setting up a soakaway is relatively straightforward and requires minimal maintenance—simply dig a hole of the appropriate size, wrap the soakaway crates in a suitable geotextile membrane, place the crates in the ground, and connect them to your drainage system, typically using 110mm drainage pipes.
However, it's vital to select the right number and size of crates to handle the volume of water you need to manage. Without proper planning, the system could become overwhelmed, leaving standing water unresolved. In this guide, we’ll walk you through calculating the ideal size for your soakaway, along with additional considerations you should keep in mind before starting.
Key Takeaways:
- To calculate the correct soakaway size, you’ll need to conduct several tests, including a percolation test, annual rainfall assessment, and roof area measurement.
- As a rough guideline, many people use 1m³ of water storage for every 50m² of roof area. However, this is just an estimate and may not be suitable for all ground conditions.
The most common size for residential soakaways is one cubic meter, which is often sufficient for roofs up to 50 square meters under average UK conditions. However, it's advisable to calculate the precise size you need and consult with your local authority for approval, ensuring compliance with any relevant building regulations.
To determine the correct soakaway size, start with a soil percolation test. The results will indicate soil conditions, such as clay content, which influence the design of your soakaway. For instance, slower-draining soils might necessitate a larger soakaway, while soil that doesn't drain at all may render a soakaway unsuitable.
In addition to the percolation test, you'll need to measure the roof area and account for annual rainfall to finalize the exact size. Unfortunately, there isn't yet an automated soakaway size calculator available, but we're working on developing one.
When measuring a roof, for a gable roof, measure its length from end to end and its slope height from the eaves to the ridge. Multiply these dimensions and double the result to get the total roof area. For more complex roof shapes, divide the roof into sections, calculate each section’s area, and sum them up.
Once you’ve determined the roof area, consider the capacity of the crates you plan to buy. As a general rule:
- 50m² requires 1.0m³ (1000 liters)
- 60m² requires 1.2m³ (1200 liters)
- 80m² requires 1.6m³ (1600 liters)
- 100m² requires 2.0m³ (2000 liters)
For example, for a 50m² roof, you might need 1m³ of water storage. If you're using Brett Martin Stormcrate crates, each crate holds 0.25m³ of water, so you'd need four crates.
Each crate measures 1200mm long, 600mm wide, and 347mm high, so consider these dimensions when planning the size of your hole.
Other important considerations include placing the soakaway at least five meters away from any structure and ensuring it's not in an area prone to contamination or near another rainwater soakaway. If these conditions can't be met, consider an alternative solution.
At EasyMerchant, we offer comprehensive soakaway crate kits, including crates, non-woven geotextile membrane, waterproof tape, and cable ties, ensuring a complete installation. Our team can help you choose the right products based on your specific needs and dimensions.
By carefully planning and executing these steps, you can successfully install a soakaway system tailored to your property's unique requirements.
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