Drainage Systems

1. Blockages & Silting

• Build-up of soil, silt, and debris clogging pipes or gravel
• Roots invading perforated pipes
• Standing water instead of proper drainage

2. System Failure

• French drain not dispersing water effectively
• Soakaway becoming saturated or overwhelmed
• Water backing up toward the property

3. Structural Issues

• Collapsed or crushed pipes
• Ground movement shifting pipes or soakaway crates
• Poor gradient (water not flowing downhill)

4. Installation Problems

• No geotextile membrane — system fills with mud
• Incorrect stone size or insufficient depth
• Soakaway installed in heavy clay soil

minor Repairs

• Inspect for standing water after rain
• Clear nearby debris and leaves
• Flush pipes occasionally

moderate Repairs

• Jet-wash or flush pipes to remove blockages
• Excavate and replace clogged gravel
• Install or replace geotextile membrane
• Correct slope/gradient issues

major Repairs

• Break up and rebuild clogged soakaways
• Replace old rubble-filled pits with modern soakaway crates
• Full system replacement

When Replacement Is Needed

• Garden flooding or waterlogging
• Protecting property foundations
• New landscaping project requiring drainage

Installation Steps

1. 1

   Survey & Plan

   • Assess water flow and problem areas
2. 2

   Excavate Trench

   • Dig to required depth with correct gradient
3. 3

   Line with Membrane

   • Geotextile membrane to prevent silting
4. 4

   Install Pipe

   • Perforated pipe at correct fall
5. 5

   Add Gravel

   • Clean gravel surrounding pipe
6. 6

   Install Soakaway

   • Plastic crate system or gravel pit at discharge point
7. 7

   Backfill & Finish

   • Cover and restore surface level