A Guide To Know About Soakaway or Infiltration Tanks

Does heavy downpour leave your garden flooded and messy? Or does the backyard of yours have puddles even after days of the rainfall ceased?

If you have trouble managing rain or stormwater then you're not alone. Surface water in excess amounts is a common problem and there is a simple and effective solution for it. A soakaway tank or infiltration tank is what you need to get over the issue.

These underground systems do their job effectively  as they help in draining rainwater naturally and disperse into the soil. They are a handy thing when it comes to reducing the risk of flooding, waterlogging, and erosion. In this guide, we'll go over everything you need to know about soakaway tanks.

What Are Soakaway or Infiltration Tanks? 

Just like a sponge that soaks away the water, the soakaway tank is like an underground sponge. Hence, it has the name “soakaway”. It has been designed for trapping the excess rainwater and storing it for a while. The tank then proceeds to release the stored water slowly into the surrounding soil.

This mechanism works in favour of preventing water from overwhelming the drainage or pooling in unwanted places. Usually, the soakaway tanks are manufactured with porous materials that give them power to let the water seep through.

They make up for an effective solution in sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) and are installed in residential, commercial and agricultural settings.

How Soakaway Tanks Work?

Rainwater from gutters, drains, or surface runoff flows into the tank, where it’s stored for a while. Any dirt or debris settles at the bottom, keeping the system clear and unclogged.

Then comes the clever part. Instead of dispersing the stored water all at once, the soakaway tank releases the water back into the ground slowly. There are tiny holes or gravel layers through which dispersion of water happens gradually. 

This slow percolation helps the soil naturally absorb the water. In the process, no puddles or waterlogged situation arises. It even comes handy in avoiding soil erosion due to excessive moisture.

Types of Soakaway or Infiltration Tanks 

It all comes down to your needs and area where you want to achieve stormwater or rainwater management. Your choice matters as each type has specific design and is favourable for a certain service area. Here are some popular options —

Modular Soakaway Crates – These are stackable units that come in lightweight construction, making them easy to install. They fit in well for modern drainage systems.

Gravel-Filled Soakaway Pits – It is more of a conventional type of tank which involves rainwater filtration through gravel layers. Water disperses into the soil gradually as they pass through the gravel slowly.

Perforated Pipe Systems – These are tanks with small-holed pipes. It is through these pipes the water is directed into the soakaway chamber.

Precast Concrete Soakaways – This type of tanks are permanent installations that work well for large-scale application areas. Due to their concrete construct, they are heavy-duty and also offer long-lasting service life. 

Where Can Soakaway Tanks Be Used? 

Soakaway tanks is one of the eco-friendly water drainage solutions used in diverse settings. They are proven to be useful for a range of area, some of them are —

Homes & Gardens – Keeps lawns, driveways, backyard, etc. dry with effective prevention of waterlogging.

Commercial Properties – The tanks help manage runoff from office buildings, parking lots, and warehouses. Hence, helps in reducing flood risks.

Urban Drainage – Cities and local communities can take on stormwater management efficiently with the tanks. The public drainage systems can be optimised with their use as the tanks ease pressure.

Construction Sites - Uses of soakaway tanks in construction areas are many.

Agriculture – Protects crops by maintaining the right balance of soil moisture and preventing water stagnation.

Sports Fields & Parks – Prevents muddy patches and ensures recreational spaces remain usable after rain.

How to Install a Soakaway Tank?

Installation of soakaway tanks is pretty much straightforward. Once a proper plan is established, installing them is not much complicated. The following is a basic guide to get the tanks installed. 

Choose the Right Spot

Picking a location comes first. Be sure to choose a spot that is at least 5 meters apart from the main building. It is necessary because it helps to avoid any impact on the foundation. Next is to conduct a simple percolation test to evaluate the ability of soil to drain water. 

Dig the Pit or Trench

You must estimate the volume of water that needs to be managed to determine the right size of the soakaway tank. Bigger areas will need larger soakaways.

Depending on the size the pit needs to be dug. While digging, it needs to be made sure that the depth is enough for effective drainage without disturbing any underground utilities.

Prepare the Base 

In order to avoid the system being clogged, the hole needs to be lined with a geotextile membrane. Subsequently, the soakaway tank needs to be placed inside the pit.

Then, you need to backfill and restore the surface. Once done, fill around the soakaway with gravel for added filtration.

When all is finished, the final touches involve covering it with a layer of soil or grass to blend seamlessly with the landscape.

Keeping Your Soakaway Tank in Good Condition

Post installation, you don’t have to spare much thought about the tank. However, a little maintenance now and then will ensure it continues to work efficiently.

Regular Inspections – Be sure to inspect at least twice a year to make sure everything is draining as it should.

Clear Debris – Keep the system clear from leaves, silt or other debris which can block the system and lowers its efficiency.

Flush It Out – Rinse the system occasionally so as any sediment buildup can be flushed out.

Watch for Overflow – If any drainage issue is spotted then it can be an indication of an upgrade. Pay attention to the water flow.

Monitor Soil Absorption – Soil conditions tend to change as time goes by. This can impact the efficiency of the tank. It is why soil absorption tracking is important and needful adjustments be made if necessary.

Check for Root Intrusion – Sometimes overgrown tree roots can invade soakaway tanks. The growth can lead to blockage. It is why such intrusions need to be checked every now and then.

Bottom Line

A soakaway tank or infiltration tank is a practical and eco-friendly solution for managing excess rainwater. Whether you're a homeowner looking to prevent a soggy backyard or a business owner wanting to control runoff, these systems offer long-term benefits with minimal maintenance. 

Looking for a tank to meet your project needs? Get in touch with our experts at Dutco Tennant LLC.