In association with GD Building Services, Maxiflow recently completed the installation of a new surface water soakaway at Gate Hangs High in Wrexham.
Because the work was so thoroughly documented by our drainage team, we thought we would give our readers a closer look into the process.
The creation of effective soakaways is mandated by Building Regulations and, if designed correctly, their operation should be invisible to members of the public.
So, if you’d like to know more about an essential service that many people are entirely unaware of, continue reading!
- Carry out trial excavation and porosity test
- Erect compound and work area
- Mark out trench from gully to soakaway
- Excavate trench
- Line trench with Geotechnical Fabric to prevent sand or debris infiltration
- Fill trench and hole with stone
- Install 150mm perforated pipe to soakaway and cover
- Cover over stone with Geotechnical Fabric, creating a sealed unit
- Cover with layer of sand and compact
- Backfill and compact MOT in 100mm layers to below tarmac level
A porosity test determines the amount of water which can naturally percolate through a layer of soil. The data from this test is used to calculate the area required for the soakaway.
In this case, we used a 3.5 tonne excavator, which was appropriate for the surface and the area in which the work was carried out.
After tarmacking the surface and cleaning the site, you’d never know we were there – and with the soakaway doing its job, you’ll never know that it’s there either!
If you enjoyed this blog and found it informative, let us know in the comments.
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> Related service: Excavation and Repair
