If you've noticed that the area around your property often floods with surface water, you might be thinking about installing a soakaway drainage system to manage it. A soakaway is essentially a setup where a large hole is dug in the ground and filled with plastic crates forming a void beneath the earth's surface to store water. This water is then gradually released back into the soil at a pace that the ground can absorb, helping to reduce or eliminate flooding issues. This makes soakaways a great solution for areas with soggy lawns or gardens due to standing water.
Traditionally, soakaways were made by simply digging a hole and filling it with rubble. However, modern alternatives like soakaway crates have greatly enhanced the efficiency of these systems. But here's the catch—your soakaway crate’s lifespan can be drastically shortened if it gets clogged with dirt, silt, or other debris. When this happens, the entire system's performance decreases, potentially necessitating a complete replacement. That’s why we strongly suggest using a silt trap. In this article, we’ll discuss why incorporating a silt trap into your soakaway system is crucial, the various types of silt traps available, and how to install one effectively. After all, what’s the point of investing in and setting up a drainage system if it only lasts a few years?
Key Points:
- A soakaway drainage system helps mitigate flooding by storing surface water in plastic crates under the ground.
- Silt traps can prevent clogging by capturing dirt, silt, and other particles before they reach the soakaway system.
- Silt traps work by letting dirty water enter at a higher level and clean water exit at a lower level, trapping debris in a removable container.
- The size of the silt trap should match the area it serves and the expected amount of debris.
- Properly installing a silt trap upstream from the soakaway crates ensures efficient water flow.
- Regular cleaning of the silt trap is essential to keep the system working optimally.
Installing a silt trap is a straightforward process. You’ll need to dig a hole and position it upstream from your soakaway, between the crates and the start of the drainage pipe. The silt trap should be positioned higher than the soakaway crates to encourage water flow through it. Once installed, the trap can be adjusted to fit the depth of your system and create an access point for cleaning. Here's a basic illustration to help visualize the setup:
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Maintaining your silt trap is vital for its longevity and effectiveness. Silt traps require regular attention; you should typically remove the lid and empty the silt bucket every couple of months. Cleaning the silt trap is simple—you just take off the cover, remove the bucket, empty the collected debris, and reinstall everything. You'll likely be surprised by the amount of dirt and other residues that accumulate in the trap, which could otherwise damage your soakaway system.
For those planning to install a soakaway system and wanting to boost its lifespan and efficiency, feel free to reach out to us for guidance. Whether you're unsure about installation procedures or need advice on selecting the right silt trap for your specific needs, we’re here to help.
At EasyMerchant, we offer a 320mm silt trap that we’ve designed ourselves. It’s made from durable yet lightweight materials, and its base can be adjusted to provide a minimum invert of 20cm. Additional risers are available to increase the height if needed. Building your own silt trap is an option, but purchasing a pre-made one simplifies the process and ensures quality results.
If you're interested in our silt traps, take a look at our product page. Our silt trap, including a bucket and lid, is priced at £338.12 (including VAT). For those looking for soakaway crate kits, we also offer Polystorm kits that come with geotextile and tape included. Prices start at £273.64 (including VAT).
Remember, proper maintenance is key to ensuring your silt trap functions efficiently and extends the life of your soakaway system. So, mark your calendar and make regular cleaning a part of your routine!
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In conclusion, adding a silt trap to your soakaway system is a smart move. It protects your investment and keeps your drainage system running smoothly for years to come. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re here to help!
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