How deep should a soakaway be dug?
Dig a hole in your garden measuring about 300mm square and 300mm depth. Pour a bucket of at least 10 litres of water into that hole. If the water has soaked away within about two hours then soakaways should work very well.
What should a soakaway be filled with?
A soakaway is simply a hole dug into the ground, filled with rubble and coarse stone which allows surface water to percolate back into the earth close to where it falls.
How far below the surface should a soakaway be?
The depth depends upon the location – if it’s under the garden or patio etc. it only needs to be 1310mm deep, but if its under your driveway it should be 1510mm deep to allow for a little more top fill.
Can I build my own soakaway?
Constructing a basic soak away is fairly simple you dig a hole in the ground and fill the hole with gravel available from most builders merchants. (The 20m flint gravel from amazon is Ideal).
Do I need planning permission to build a soakaway?
Do I need planning permission for a soakaway? If you are installing a replacement Soakaway then you will generally not require planning permission. If you are installing a new foul Soakaway or drainage field you should at least inform your local planning office.
Do you need planning permission for rainwater soakaway?
Where should a soakaway be placed?
Soakaways should be:
- built on land lower than, or sloping away from, buildings.
- sited at least 5m from the foundations of a building.
- sited to take account of topography, ensuring that water is drained away from the building.
- in soil of low permeability, only be provided where no alternative system is available.
What size gravel do you use for a soakaway?
There should be at least 150mm of 10-75mm granular material used to backfill around the soakaway, and units having larger diameter weepholes are usually shrouded with a geo-membrane to prevent the backfill material falling into the chamber.
How far from a building should a soakaway be?
5 metres
Ensure soakaways can be sited at least 5 metres from any buildings. If you are close to boundaries you should discuss this with your neighbour. combined drains cannot be used.