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• PRO

  Adam Pilgrim May 16, 2021 at 9:32pm

  Can you utilise plastic soakaway crates underground an appropiate distance from the building and direct the water back to them?
  • Public Member

    Graham Francis > Adam Pilgrim May 21, 2021 at 7:30am

    Thanks for your comments, no as the chalet is in a dip so the ground runs down toward the rear of the property.
• Public Member

  Kris Baker May 17, 2021 at 11:40am

  I agree with the soakaway, but I would consider adding a vertical "void" suitable for a sump pump. If the place doesn't flood then maybe only install / use the pump if and when it does - and then some flat fireman's hose would do to take the water somewhere else - storm drain out front perhaps - and the pump can run off an extension lead.

  Of course not making the pump permanent will mean that the flood happens when the occupants are away ...
  • Public Member

    Graham Francis > Kris Baker May 21, 2021 at 7:31am

    Thanks, Kris, this is more of a preventative measure as no flooding at the moment but you've given me food for thought on your idea
• PRO

  Gary RK May 17, 2021 at 2:54pm

  PRO

  Couple of comments from experience;

  • Any soakaway needs to at least 5m from building/foundations (Building Control Regs), although you are unlikley to need any approval but on subsquent sale of property could be picked up by Surveyor.
  • You'll need to work out likely capacity for soakaway (whether using crates or gravel) and this will be based on a Field Water Capacity Test otherwise you make a bad problem worse.
  • Don't run 'French Drains' downhill to a neighbours property without suitable soakaway or attenuation tank/pond, otherwise you are open to consquential damages from neighbours.

  If you can't :cough cough: satisfy building control regs you *may* be able to legally justify venting straight into a surface/storm water drain. 

  Who'd of thought ;)
  • Public Member

    Graham Francis > Gary RK May 21, 2021 at 7:32am

    PRO

    Great comments Gary, I didn't know about the 5m rule...    How do I do a 'Field Water Capacity test?  Seeing as I'm a basic DIY guy, is this something that I could do myself?

    Cheers, Graham
    • Public Member

      Kris Baker > Graham Francis May 21, 2021 at 9:20am

      PRO

      This may help:

      https://www.pavingexpert.com/drain08#site-investigation

      

      Drainage - Soakaways

      A basic guide to soakaways, their design and construction
      • Public Member

        Graham Francis > Kris Baker May 21, 2021 at 1:14pm

        PRO

        Awesome, THANK YOU!