How To Install A Soakaway Crate

How To Install A Soakaway Crate

How To Install A Soakaway Crate

Soakaway crate installation


Installing soakaway crates is a practical solution for managing excess water effectively, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall. 

This blog post will guide you through the process of installing soakaway crates, ensuring you can efficiently mitigate flooding risks. Whether you’re tackling a home improvement project or working on a larger commercial development, understanding the installation process is key to success. 

Keep reading to learn how to properly install soakaway crates.


Planning and Preparation

Before diving into the physical installation of soakaway crates, it’s essential to ensure you’re fully prepared for the task ahead. The following steps will help you plan your project effectively and prepare the site for installation.


Site Assessment

Evaluate the Area: Determine the size and location for your soakaway system based on the runoff area it needs to serve. Consider soil type, as this will affect the system’s design and efficiency.

Conduct a Percolation Test: This test will help you understand how quickly water can be absorbed by the soil, which is crucial for sizing your soakaway system correctly.


Design and Materials

Calculate the Number of Crates Needed: Use a formula or consult with a professional to determine how many soakaway crates your project requires.

Select the Right Type of Crates: Choose between attenuation and infiltration crates based on your site’s specific needs and the intended purpose of your soakaway system.

Gather Necessary Materials: In addition to the soakaway crates, you will need geotextile fabric to wrap the crates, gravel for the base and cover, and any required pipes for connecting to downspouts or drainage systems.


Legal and Regulatory Checks

Planning Permissions: Check with your local council or regulatory body to see if you need permission to install your soakaway system, especially if it’s near building foundations or property boundaries.

Building Regulations: Ensure your planned installation complies with any relevant building regulations.


Preparation of the Site

Mark the Area: Clearly define the area where the soakaway crates will be installed. Consider access for machinery if the site is large or difficult to dig by hand.

Excavate the Site: Dig a hole to the specified depth and width required for your soakaway system, allowing extra space for the geotextile wrap and gravel layers.

By carefully planning and preparing your site, you set a solid foundation for the successful installation of soakaway crates. 

The next section will guide you through the installation process step by step.


Installation Process

After you’ve planned your project and prepared the site, it’s time to move on to the actual installation of the soakaway crates. This part of the process is critical for ensuring that your soakaway system functions effectively and lasts for years to come. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing your soakaway crates:


Laying the Foundation

Base Layer: Begin by laying a 150mm layer of 20-40mm clean crushed stone at the bottom of the excavation. This layer aids in drainage and provides a stable foundation for the crates.

Geotextile Fabric: Cover the stone layer with a permeable geotextile fabric. This fabric prevents soil from clogging the stones and crates, while still allowing water to pass through.


Installing the Crates

Positioning the Crates: Place the soakaway crates on top of the geotextile fabric. Ensure they are correctly positioned according to your design, either for attenuation or infiltration.

Stacking: If your design requires multiple layers of crates, stack them as planned. Make sure the crates are securely interlocked to prevent shifting.

Wrapping: Once all crates are in place, wrap the sides and top with the geotextile fabric and tape the seams using waterproof tape. This encapsulation further prevents soil ingress and ensures the longevity of the system.


Connecting to Drainage

Piping: If your soakaway system is connected to downspouts or other drainage, install the piping according to your design. Ensure a secure and watertight connection between the pipes and crates.

Inspection Point: Consider installing an inspection point within the system. This allows for easier maintenance and troubleshooting if required.


Finishing Up

Covering: Cover the wrapped crates with another layer of crushed stone. This layer should be about 150mm thick, providing protection and aiding in water distribution.

Final Layer: The topmost layer should consist of the soil that was excavated. Replace the soil, ensuring the system is completely buried and the ground surface is level.

Landscaping: Once the system is buried, you can landscape the area as desired. Whether it’s reseeding grass or installing hardscaping, ensure the surface allows for effective water runoff into the soakaway system.


Testing

Before considering the project complete, it’s wise to test the system with water to ensure it’s functioning as expected. This can highlight any immediate issues with the installation that can be rectified before they become larger problems.

By following these steps, your soakaway crate installation should be successful, providing efficient rainwater management for your property or project. 

Remember, while DIY installation is possible for smaller projects, larger or more complex systems may benefit from professional installation to ensure compliance with local regulations and optimal functionality.


Maintenance and Troubleshooting

After installing your soakaway crates, ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure they continue to operate efficiently. Regular checks and simple troubleshooting can prevent common issues and extend the lifespan of your system.


Regular Maintenance Checks

Inspect Regularly: Schedule inspections at least twice a year, ideally in late autumn and early spring, to check for any signs of blockage or damage. 

Clear Debris: Remove leaves, silt, and other debris from the area around the inlet and inspection points to prevent blockages.

Geotextile Fabric: Check the geotextile fabric for any tears or damage that could compromise the system’s efficiency. Replace if necessary.


Troubleshooting Common Issues

Waterlogging: If you notice water pooling on the surface above the soakaway, it may indicate a blockage or that the system is overwhelmed. Check for debris blocking the entrance to the crates or consider adding additional crates to increase capacity.

Collapsed Areas: Should the ground above the soakaway system begin to sink, it could suggest a crate collapse. This is often due to heavy machinery or vehicles passing over an area not designed to support such weight. Excavate the area carefully to inspect and replace any damaged crates.

Poor Drainage: If the system seems to be draining poorly, perform a percolation test near the soakaway site to reassess the soil’s absorption rate. Soil conditions can change over time, affecting the efficiency of your soakaway system.


Enhancements

To improve the performance of your soakaway system, consider these enhancements:

Adding More Crates: If your initial system was designed with a minimal safety margin, adding more crates can increase its capacity to handle larger volumes of water.

Improving Inlet and Outlet: Ensuring that the pipes leading into and out of the soakaway crates are clear of obstructions and functioning correctly can improve overall efficiency. 

Landscaping Adjustments: Altering the landscape to direct water more efficiently into the soakaway area can also enhance the system’s effectiveness.


Professional Assistance

While regular maintenance and basic troubleshooting can be handled by most property owners, don’t hesitate to seek professional help for more complex issues or if you’re unsure about the condition of your soakaway system. A drainage expert can provide valuable insights, conduct thorough inspections, and recommend the best course of action to ensure your soakaway system remains in optimal working order.

If you do need some help, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Build Plumb Plastics and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help. 


Ensuring Long-Term Success with Soakaway Crates

By following the steps outlined for planning, preparation, installation, and maintenance, you can create a robust soakaway system that not only protects your property from water damage but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Remember, the key to a successful soakaway crate system lies not just in accurate installation but also in ongoing care and troubleshooting. Regular maintenance ensures that your system remains effective over time, safeguarding against common issues like waterlogging and blockages.

For those looking to install or maintain soakaway crates, Build Plumb Plastics is your go-to resource. We offer a wide range of soakaway crates suitable for various applications, from residential gardens to large commercial developments. Our team of experts is on hand to provide advice and support, ensuring you find the perfect solution for your rainwater management needs.

Get in touch today to learn more about how our soakaway crates can benefit your project and to get personalised advice tailored to your specific needs.