Soakaways / Drainage Fields
Comprehensive ground testing conducted prior to the installation of soakaway systems and drainage fields.
Drain-Age: Expert Soakaway and Drainage Field Installation
Why Install a Soakaway or Drainage Field?
At Drain Age, we understand the importance of efficient waste management systems. Effluent from a septic tank or package sewage treatment plant needs to be discharged properly to maintain environmental health and system efficiency. A well-designed and correctly sized drainage field, also known as a soakaway, subsurface irrigation field, or herringbone system, is essential for this purpose.
For septic tanks, a soakaway serves to biologically treat the effluent using naturally occurring bacteria as the water filters through. This process not only cleans the water but also distributes it into the ground. For sewage treatment plants, the role of a soakaway is primarily distributional since the effluent has already been treated.
Durability of a Soakaway
A septic tank soakaway, while effective, is not permanent. Over time, it accumulates small suspended solids from the wastewater, leading to silt buildup. This gradually reduces the soakaway’s efficiency, eventually causing drainage backup or surface overflow when it can no longer discharge water at the rate required by the household.
Determining the Right Size for a Soakaway
The design and size of a soakaway are governed by the standards set in BS6297:2007+A1:2008. Essentially, a soakaway consists of a perforated pipe surrounded by stone, with its dimensions determined by ground conditions, flow size, and effluent quality.
Several factors influence the design of a soakaway, including the porosity of the subsoil, the size of the property, the number of residents, and the type of treatment system in use. This critical component of the drainage system must be professionally and accurately designed to ensure the entire system functions effectively.
Why Choose Drain Age?
Trust Drain Age for all your soakaway and drainage field needs, and benefit from our comprehensive approach to efficient and sustainable wastewater management.