Soakaways and Water Efficiency: Protecting Your Home While Saving Water

Introduction

Water is a precious resource, and with the changing climate and growing population, it is becoming even more important to conserve it. One way to do this is by implementing a soakaway system in your home. In this blog article, we will explore what soakaways are and how they can help you protect your home while saving water.

What is a Soakaway?

A soakaway is a type of drainage system that collects and disperses excess surface water from your property. It works by collecting rainwater from your roof, driveway, and garden, and then allowing it to slowly infiltrate into the ground. This helps to prevent water from pooling on the surface and potentially causing damage to your home.

How Do Soakaways Conserve Water?

Soakaways help to conserve water in several ways:

Reduces the amount of water runoff from your property, which can help to prevent flooding and erosion.
Allows rainwater to be absorbed into the ground, replenishing groundwater supplies.
Decreases the need for irrigation, as the water from your soakaway can be used to water your garden.
Reduces your water bill by using rainwater instead of treated water for outdoor use.

Protecting Your Home

In addition to conserving water, soakaways also help to protect your home from potential damage. Excess water runoff can cause soil erosion and foundation damage, leading to costly repairs. Soakaways prevent this by diverting water away from your property and allowing it to be absorbed into the ground.

How to Install a Soakaway

Installing a soakaway system may seem like a daunting task, but it can be done with the right tools and knowledge. Here are the basic steps for installing a soakaway:

Determine the location for your soakaway. It should be at least 5m away from your home and any neighbouring properties.
Dig a hole at least 1m deep and 1m wide, and line it with a permeable membrane.
Fill the hole with gravel, ensuring that the gravel is evenly distributed.
Cover the gravel with another layer of permeable membrane.
Fill the remaining space with topsoil and plant grass or other vegetation on top.

Water Efficiency Tips

In addition to installing a soakaway, there are other ways to conserve water in your home:

Fix any leaks in your plumbing.
Install water-efficient appliances, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads.
Collect rainwater in a barrel or other container to use for watering plants and flushing toilets.
Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, soakaways are a great way to conserve water and protect your home from potential damage. By implementing a soakaway system and following water efficiency tips, you can do your part in preserving this valuable resource for future generations. For Soakaway Calculations, click here.