French drains and soakaways are both systems designed to manage excess water, but they work in slightly different ways and serve different purposes. They are essential for preventing waterlogged gardens and protecting a property’s foundation from water damage.
French Drains
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or rock, which contains a perforated pipe. This pipe slopes gently downhill, away from your property, and allows water to collect and flow away from the area.
How They Work
The system works by creating a low-pressure channel that water naturally follows. As rainwater saturates the soil, it seeps into the gravel-filled trench. The perforated pipe then collects the water and channels it to a designated exit point. This could be a natural drainage ditch, a street
drain, or a soakaway. They are most commonly used to:
- Protect foundations: They prevent water from building up around your house’s foundation, which can lead to cracks and structural damage.
- Drain waterlogged land: They are excellent for dealing with soggy lawns or gardens where surface water struggles to drain away.
Soakaways
A soakaway is a pit, usually filled with rubble or a purpose-built plastic crate system, that allows surface water to drain away into the surrounding subsoil. It’s a key part of a drainage system, especially in areas with no access to a public sewer or drainage channel.
How They Work
Instead of channelling water away, a soakaway’s purpose is to allow water to gradually disperse into the ground. A pipe, often coming from a downspout or a French drain, feeds rainwater into the pit. The water then filters out through the permeable sides and bottom of the pit, slowly re-joining the water table. A soakaway is necessary when:
- You’re on a private drainage system: If your property isn’t connected to a public storm drain, a soakaway is needed to manage rainwater from your roof and other hard surfaces
- You have heavy, non-porous soil: In areas with clay-heavy soil, a soakaway provides a specific point for water to collect and slowly drain away, rather than sitting on the surface.
Do You Need One?
You might need a French drain or a Soakaway if you notice any of the following:
- Your garden is constantly waterlogged, even after a short spell of rain.
- Puddles form and linger on your patio or driveway.
- Damp patches or cracks appear on your home’s foundation walls.
- Your downspouts discharge water directly onto your property’s foundation.
Determining the right solution for your property often requires a professional assessment of your
soil type and water management needs.