Soakaway drainage systems are an essential part of many residential properties, playing a critical role in managing rainwater and surface runoff. If you’ve recently moved into a new home, are planning renovations, or simply want to understand more about your property’s drainage, you might wonder: how do I know if I have a soakaway drainage system? This blog post will explore what a soakaway is, its benefits, and how you can identify whether your property has one.
What is a Soakaway?
A soakaway is an underground structure designed to manage surface water, particularly rainwater, by allowing it to percolate back into the ground naturally. It’s essentially a pit filled with coarse gravel, rubble, or specially designed crates that create voids that allow water to slowly seep away into the surrounding soil. Soakaways are commonly used in domestic properties to manage runoff from roofs, driveways, and other impermeable surfaces. If you want to learn more about soakaways as a whole, you can read our dedicated article here.
So, How Do I Know If I Have Soakaway Drainage?
If you’re unsure whether your property has a soakaway system, here are some ways to find out:
Check Property Documentation:
Start by reviewing any property documentation you have, such as the deeds, survey reports, or drainage plans. These documents often include details about the drainage systems in place. If a soakaway was installed as part of the property’s construction or a later addition, it might be noted in these papers. Building survey reports or homebuyer reports might also mention the presence of soakaways, especially if they were inspected as part of a property transaction.
Look for external indicators:
Certain visual clues around your property might suggest the presence of a soakaway. Common indicators include:
- Gravel-filled areas: Soakaways are often covered with gravel or stones to aid water infiltration. Look for any areas near your house or garden that are filled with gravel, particularly at the end of downpipes.
- Downpipes leading underground: If your roof’s gutter downpipes disappear directly into the ground without connecting to visible drainage, it might indicate that they lead to a soakaway.
- Inspection Chambers: Sometimes, soakaways are accessed via small inspection chambers. Look for covered pits or access covers in your garden or driveway, which might provide access to a soakaway.
Look for external indicators:
A simple water test can help determine if you have a soakaway. Here’s how:
- During heavy rain, observe where the water from your roof gutters and downpipes is directed.
- If the water seems to vanish into the ground (i.e. there’s no surface pooling or visible drainage pipes leading to the sewer), it’s likely that the water is being directed to a soakaway.
- Alternatively, during dry weather, you can pour water into the downpipe or drainage area and see if it drains away quickly. If the water drains efficiently and does not surface in any visible drain, this could indicate a soakaway.
Consult a Drainage Professional:
If you’re still unsure or want a more definitive answer, consulting a drainage professional is a good idea. A professional survey can provide a comprehensive understanding of your drainage system, including confirming the presence and condition of any soakaways. Professionals use tools like CCTV drainage cameras and ground-penetrating radar to inspect and map out drainage systems accurately.
Ask the Previous Owners or Neighbours:
If you’ve recently moved into a property, contacting the previous owners might give you the information you need. Neighbours with similar properties might also have soakaways and could share their knowledge about local drainage practices.
Keep Your Property Running
Identifying whether your property has a soakaway drainage system is an important step in understanding and maintaining your home’s drainage. By checking property documents, looking for external indicators, conducting water tests, consulting professionals, or asking previous owners, you can determine if a soakaway is part of your drainage solution. Knowing the specifics of your drainage system not only helps prevent potential water damage but also ensures that your property remains environmentally friendly and compliant with local regulations. If you do have a soakaway, regular maintenance and inspection can help keep it functioning effectively for years to come.
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