Soakaway Systems
C&L 24Hr Emergency Drainage is highly experienced in soakaway installation and provides any service needed to maintain your soakaway system. As a local, family-run firm, we provide our soakaway system drain services to both commercial and domestic customers in the areas of Shrewsbury, Wrexham, and the wider Mid-Wales and Shropshire regions.
Soakaway Systems
Drainage Fields
A drainage field provides additional treatment in the ground, as well as ensuring a means of disposal of the effluent.
Soakaway Systems
Soakaway Crates
Soakaway crates are required to assist in the management of water, such as roof water and storm water. The number of crates used depends on the amount of water being discharged from the roof.
The Importance of Professional Soakaway Installation
A functioning soakaway is the silent hero of rural property management. The system must be designed correctly from day one. This is true whether you’re handling storm water or managing septic effluent. Regardless, you’ll be able to prevent localised flooding and keep your environment safe. In Mid-Wales and Shropshire, a “one-size-fits-all” approach often leads to failure. This is because soil conditions can vary from heavy clay to rocky terrain.
At C&L, we do not just dig a hole; we engineer a solution. We calculate the exact volume required based on your roof surface area (for rainwater) or the occupancy of your home (for wastewater). Then, we ensure your system can handle peak loads without backing up.
Compliance with General Binding Rules
If you are a homeowner with a septic tank, you must be aware of the strict environmental regulations governing drainage fields. Under the General Binding Rules, it is no longer legal for a septic tank to discharge directly into a watercourse (such as a stream or ditch). The discharge must be directed to a compliant drainage field constructed to British Standards (BS 6297).
Our team specialises in upgrading non-compliant systems. We ensure your drainage field effectively treats the effluent before it reaches the groundwater. This keeps you on the right side of the law and protects the local ecosystem.
Why the Percolation Test is Non-Negotiable
You might notice “Percolation Test” listed in our services, but why is it so critical?
Before any installation begins, we must determine the porosity of your ground. A percolation test measures how quickly the ground absorbs water (the Vp value).
- If the ground drains too slowly: The system will back up, causing boggy ground and sewage pooling on the surface.
- If the ground drains too quickly: The effluent won't be treated properly by the soil bacteria before hitting the water table. This causes pollution.
We conduct rigorous testing. This allows us to design a drainage field or crate system that matches your geological conditions.
Signs Your Soakaway Needs Attention
Soakaways have a lifespan, and over time, sludge, silt, and tree roots can compromise their efficiency. If you notice any of the following, contact C&L immediately:
- Soggy ground or standing water near the soakaway or septic tank area.
- Slow flushing toilets or sinks gurgling when draining.
- Unpleasant odours lingering in the garden.
- Dips or indentations in the ground appearing above the installation site.
We have the machinery and expertise to restore your system’s function. This ranges from high-pressure jetting to clear silt from storm crates. Not to mention full excavation and replacement of exhausted drainage fields.