Soakaway crates are often forgotten about or not considered when in fact they can be incredibly useful and worthwhile in reducing surface water and minimising the level of strain placed on drainage systems. So, what’s the difference between using a soakaway and rubble?
Table of contents
- What is a soakaway crate?
- Why do I need a soakaway crate?
- Why use soakaway crates instead of rubble?
- Important information to consider
What is a soakaway crate?
A soakaway crate is a plastic crate that allows water to percolate (filter) through the soil instead of creating a buildup of surface water or putting pressure on drainage and run-off systems.
Crates consist of a plastic framework in the shape of a cube, filled with a grid-like formation that creates stability while also having several gaps that allow water to filter through. The plastic framework helps to delay the passage of water into the soil, which prevents water clogging and a buildup of surface water because the ground does not become saturated.
Why do I need a soakaway crate?
Water management is becoming increasingly important as the amount of impermeable surface in urban areas increases. The fewer permeable surfaces, the more pressure is put on drainage systems because water cannot percolate through the surface and into the ground. When drainage systems are put under pressure, many issues can arise, including:
- Flooding
- Burst pipes
- Splits and cracks forming in pipes
Additionally, there is no longer an automatic right to connect to a sewer. So soakaways act as an alternative option for surface run-off.
A soakaway crate is used as part of a full drainage system in areas that experience high levels of surface water or run-off. Soakaway crates help to remove some of the burdens that surface water and run-off put on drainage systems by providing an alternative drainage solution. A soakaway crate also takes run-off water and allows it to slowly percolate back into the ground instead of going through the drainage system.
Why use soakaway crates instead of rubble?
There are numerous benefits to using soakaway crates instead of the more traditional method of using rubble.
Time-saving
A traditional soakaway was created by digging a hole where the drainage pipe ends and filling it with rubble. This can be time-consuming to do as transporting large amounts of rubble is required, along with digging the large hole and lifting the rubble to and from the vehicle.
Plastic soakaway crates, on the other hand, are incredibly lightweight, making lifting and moving easy and quick. Additionally, plastic soakaway crates generally come flat-packed, meaning transportation is also quick and easy. The soakaway crates consist simply of a few pieces of plastic that easily clip together.
Long-term solution
In addition to time consumption, traditional rubble methods of soakaways are also a relatively short-term solution. Over time, sediment gets washed into the soakaway along with the surface run-off and builds up amongst the rubble, filling the spaces that the water should filter through. This results in blockages and recreates the original problem of standing water.
On the other hand, plastic soakaway crates provide a longer-term solution to standing water. Soakaway crates have been manufactured with a design that doesn’t get blocked up with sediment. There are various pathways the water can take to reach the ground and infiltrate, meaning that even if sediment does pass through the grating, it is unlikely to block up the spaces. Even if it does, there are plenty of alternative pathways the water can take.
Sturdy and durable
Soakaway crates are incredibly sturdy and durable. There are many different soakaway crates available depending on the area in which it is to be used. For example, if it is an area that experiences heavy traffic or lorry loading. This means that when used in the appropriate area, the soakaway crate will withstand weight above it and will not become compressed over time, reducing the functionality of the soakaway crate.
Comparatively, traditional rubble soakaways are less effective in this regard. If heavy loads are placed on them, the rubble can be compressed, reducing the amount of space there is for water to pass through, reducing their effectiveness.
Important information
As per Building Regulations Part H3, soakaway crates must always be at least 5 meters away from a building or road and 2.5 meters away from a boundary.
If your project involves hard landscaping, you may need to provide SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage System) for surface water, which ensures that surface run-off is collected where it falls and reused where possible.
For more information on soakaway crates, read our guide on how many soakaway crates you need for your project.
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