Though frequently overlooked, soakaway crates are a fantastic investment to make.

With the number of impermeable surfaces in urban areas increasing, drainage systems are under increasing pressure. This makes it difficult for water to seep into the ground and can cause all sorts of problems – including (but not limited to) flooding, burst pipes, and split or cracked pipes.

Soakaway crates help to reduce surface water and minimise the amount of pressure on your drainage system. They remove some of the burden on drains from surface water and run-off by carrying it away and allowing it to percolate into the ground at a steadier rate.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of using plastic soakaway crates to slow down the filtration of water, in comparison to the traditional method of digging a trench and filling it with rubble.

1. Soakaway crates are easy to install
In times gone by, building a soakaway was a laborious job – one that required you to dig a hole in the ground where the drainage pipe ends and fill it with large amounts of rubble.

Soakaway crates offer a much more convenient alternative. They’re incredibly lightweight, which makes lifting and moving them a breeze. What’s more, they are modular, so can be stacked or placed side by side and fastened together with cable ties or clips.

2. Soakaway crates offer a long-term solution
One of the biggest drawbacks of conventional soakaways is that sediment gets washed into the trench. This fills the empty spaces that water should filter through and results in standing water, which was the original problem.

Luckily, this isn’t the case with plastic soakaway crates. They have been carefully designed to incorporate a number of different pathways for water to take – eliminating the risk of sediment causing blockages. Therefore, modular crates provide a long-term solution for preventing the ground from becoming overly saturated.

3. Soakaway crates are extremely durable
The traditional soakaway method is not recommended in areas that receive high levels of foot traffic, as the structure will compress – taking away from its drainage capabilities and making it less reliable.

Soakaway crates, on the other hand, have different load ratings that allow them to cope with heavy loads. In a busy area, such as a car park, the crate needs to be able to withstand the pressure that will be placed on it from above.

Ready to buy soakaway crates?
When shopping for soakaway crates, it’s crucial that you go to a reputable supplier to ensure you receive the best quality products for your application.
Build Plumb Plastics has a fantastic range of plastic soakaway crates and accessories available, including silt traps, catchpits, geotextile membranes, and adaptors.
Simply browse the range in full and click through to find out more. If you have any questions about soakaway crates, don’t hesitate to get in touch with BP Plastics on 01255 258 525.