Cotterill Civils' Guide to Soakaway Crates

If you live in or have visited the UK, you will most likely already be aware of the fact that heavy rainfall is a common occurrence. The average British person usually has an umbrella within reach, to grab at any given moment. To combat our terrible weather, soakaway and attenuation crates are often installed to prevent flooding and pipes bursting.
Here at Cotterill Civils, we have a selection of soakaway crates which are suitable for soakaway and attenuation tank systems. Our soakaway crates offer the perfect stormwater management solution - they help prevent flooding during periods of heavy rainfall by holding back excess water and then gently releasing it back into watercourses. This gentle release prevents local sewer networks and watercourses from becoming overwhelmed and flooding.
With our weather conditions becoming even more unpredictable and extreme, flooding is a more common occurrence now than in previous years. Implementing a solution to combat this, like a soakaway or attenuation tank system is an excellent way to provide a long-term solution with low maintenance which also helps the environment.
What are soakaway crates?
Soakaway crates are rectangular plastic frames designed to hold stormwater and disperse it at a controlled rate either into the soil or back into a water or sewage network. They are designed to go into a soakaway which is a large pit that receives excess water and then allows it to percolate in a controlled manner. Made from High-Density polyethylene (HDPE), our soakaway crates are ultra-lightweight and easy to handle.
They are often used in areas where the natural ground is unable to absorb the excess rainwater, such as urban areas where large amounts of impervious surfaces (such as roads and buildings) prevent water from infiltrating into the soil.
Soakaway crates are ideal for managing rainwater in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way, as they help to reduce the risk of flooding and prevent damage to property caused by water. They are also easy to install, low maintenance, and can be used in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Why use our soakaway crates?
They are lightweight which makes them easy to transport and carry on-site. Our crates also come with clips which allow each crate to clip together seamlessly, which also makes the installation process quicker and more efficient.
Once a soakaway system is in place, it is very low maintenance and provides a long-term solution to stormwater management. Prior to the modern innovation of soakaway crates, a large hole acting as a soakaway would be filled with gravel or rubble, and filter water through the gaps. However, this method would often prove to be an ineffective method, as there would be regular blockages due to soil and debris filling the empty spaces which would make the pit redundant and not allow water to soak through. Soakaway crates offer a superior structure to fill the soakaway with, which will remain strong enough to allow water to permeate for a significantly greater amount of time.
Following this, our soakaway crates are durable and sturdy, meaning that they do not compress like a rubble soakaway would. The maximum amount of space designed for water to pass through remains consistent, meaning that little maintenance is required.
Before installing a soakaway, it is important to conduct a percolation test to determine the permeability of the soil, and if a soakaway is the best possible solution.
See our video How to Complete a Percolation Test here:
• How to Complete a Perc...
At Cotterill Civils, we not only supply soakaway crates, but we can install them too. Our team of experts can determine the perfect size to make the soakaway or attenuation tank for your desired space. We offer a full package service whereby we can plan, supply and implement flood management systems to best suit your needs.
For enquiries and more information please call 0121 351 3230 to speak to one of our industry experts.
Alternatively, visit our website www.cotterillcivils.co.uk