If you've noticed that the area around your property frequently gets flooded with surface water, you might be thinking about installing a soakaway drainage system to manage it effectively. A soakaway is essentially a system where you dig a large hole in the ground and fill it with plastic crates that create an underground void capable of holding water. This water is then slowly released back into the soil at a pace the ground can handle, reducing or eliminating flooding issues. This makes soakaways a great solution for lawns and gardens that often have standing water.
Modern soakaway systems have come a long way from their earlier versions, which were simply holes filled with rubble. Today, the use of soakaway crates has greatly enhanced the efficiency of these systems. However, the lifespan of your soakaway crate can be drastically reduced if it gets clogged with dirt and silt. This can lead to decreased performance of the entire system, eventually necessitating a full replacement. That's why we highly recommend using a silt trap. In this article, we'll explore why incorporating a silt trap into your soakaway system is beneficial, the various types of silt traps available, and how to install one. After all, what’s the point of investing in and setting up a whole drainage system if it only lasts a few years?
Key Takeaways:
- A soakaway drainage system helps reduce or eliminate flooding by storing surface water in plastic crates that gradually release water back into the soil.
- Silt traps can prevent clogging in soakaway systems by catching dirt, silt, and other particles before they reach the crates.
- Silt traps work by allowing dirty water to enter at a higher level and clean water to exit at a lower level, trapping debris in a removable container.
- Different sizes of silt traps are suitable for different soakaway systems based on the area they cover and the expected amount of debris.
- To install a silt trap, place it upstream from the soakaway crates and connect it to the surface water pipes, ensuring it’s higher than the crates to promote proper water flow.
- Regular maintenance of the silt trap is crucial to keep the soakaway system functioning effectively.
Installing a silt trap is essential for the longevity of your soakaway system. Without one, your soakaway crates can quickly become clogged with debris such as silt, soil, pesticides, sediment, and other particles carried by rainwater. Once these substances infiltrate your system, they can significantly reduce its effectiveness, potentially leading to the need for a complete replacement down the line. This is why a silt trap is a must-have addition to your soakaway setup.
A silt trap resembles a vertical pipe or tube and features an inlet positioned higher than the outlet. This design helps trap dirt and debris. The mechanism works by letting dirty water enter at the higher level while cleaner water exits at the lower level, leaving silt and dirt trapped at the bottom of the trap in a removable bucket that’s easy to clean. The water then flows into the outlet pipe, typically a 110mm drainage pipe, leaving the unwanted materials behind. Essentially, the silt trap acts as a filter, ensuring fewer particles enter your soakaway system and helping it stay effective for a longer period.
When choosing a silt trap, it’s important to consider the size of the area your soakaway system will cover. Larger areas require bigger silt traps to accommodate the increased amount of debris. If you live in a coastal area or a region with high sand or silt content, investing in a larger silt trap is advisable to handle the extra debris.
At EasyMerchant, we offer a standard-sized silt trap that’s suitable for most applications. It measures 940mm in height, 320mm in width, and has 110mm outlets.
Installing a silt trap is straightforward. First, dig a hole and position it upstream from your soakaway crates, connecting it to the surface water pipes. Ensure the silt trap is higher than the soakaway crates to encourage water flow through it. You can adjust the height by cutting the trap down and reattaching the lid to match the depth of your system. This adjustment creates an access point for easy cleaning of the silt trap by removing the silt bucket. Below is a simple illustration of a typical setup.
Regular maintenance of the silt trap is vital to ensure its continued effectiveness. Silt traps are not one-time installations; they require periodic upkeep. Typically, you should remove the lid and empty the silt bucket every couple of months. Cleaning a silt trap involves removing the cover, taking out the bucket, clearing the silt, and reinstalling everything. You’ll likely be surprised by the amount of dirt and debris that accumulates in your silt trap, which would otherwise damage your soakaway system. For larger silt traps, mechanical suction may be necessary to remove the accumulated materials.
Cleaning your silt trap regularly—every two to three months—is key to maintaining its effectiveness. Make this a routine part of your home maintenance schedule to avoid costly replacements.
If you're planning to install a soakaway system and want to maximize its lifespan and efficiency, feel free to contact us for guidance via phone or email. Whether you have questions about installation or need advice on selecting the right silt trap for your area, we’re here to help.
At EasyMerchant, we offer a durable 320mm silt trap that we designed ourselves. Made from lightweight yet robust material, it can be adjusted to provide a minimum invert of 20cm, and you can extend its height with standard risers to suit your specific needs. While building your own silt trap is possible, purchasing a pre-made one is simpler and ensures reliable results.
If you’re interested in our silt traps, take a look at our product offerings. Our silt trap, including a bucket and lid, is priced at £338.12 (inclusive of VAT) or £281.77 (exclusive of VAT). We also offer soakaway crate kits and other drainage products to complement your system.
Remember, a well-maintained silt trap can significantly extend the life of your soakaway system, saving you time and money in the long run.
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