Soakaways, which are a hole dug onto the ground, filled with rubble and coarse stone, are a great way to deal with excess rainwater by allowing it to absorb back into the earth.
However, once a soakaway is properly installed, it is equally important to maintain it in optimum condition.
For those asking ‘do soakaways need maintenance’, the answer is yes. In fact, if a soakaway is not maintained, there is an increased risk of damage to a property and the surrounding area.
Ensuring regular soakaway maintenance is a great preventative measure and can ensure everything is functioning correctly.
It’s recommended to replace your soakaway every 10 to 15 years. However, if you don’t look after yours properly, then its lifespan can be dramatically reduced.
Why isn’t my soakaway working as it should?
There are tell-tale signs that will alert you to the fact a soakaway requires maintenance. For example, if pools of water start appearing randomly around your property, it could be a sign that your soakaway is becoming ineffective at draining water.
Not only that, if strange smells start coming from your tank or drains, it could also be a sign that something is wrong.
There could also be dips in the land around the soakaway or visual damage to the pipes that feed into it.
How to avoid a blocked soakaway system
How often you clean and maintain your soakaway can depend on several factors such as how often it is used and the amount of rainfall in that place.
However, it is never a good idea just to assume that your soakaway is functioning correctly just because there are no obvious signs of damage.
One way to guarantee a soakaway’s longevity and continued efficiency is to conduct regular checks, for example make sure it’s located on level ground and that there are no visible leakages.
Any debris found inside should also be cleared out as this could stop the soakaway system from draining water effectively.
The pipes within a soakaway system should also be inspected for blockages as this could hinder the functionality of the drainage system.
These blockages can usually be removed by using a high-pressure jet-washer.
If you remain unsure, consult professionals in the field of soakaway maintenance.
How OMDI can help
In most cases, trying to maintain a soakaway can be difficult to do without professional help.
For that reason, it’s advisable to call in an expert to confirm your soakaway is functioning as it should.
OMDI’s comprehensive range of services includes full turnkey solutions for off-mains drainage and essential soakaway maintenance.
We offer guidance, from the design and planning stage of a surface water drainage system through to its installation and maintenance.
We possess years of experience handling every type of soakaway system.
To check out our full range of soakways or to seek advice on soakaway maintenance, contact us by phone on 01977 800 418 or send an email to enquiries@omdi.co.uk