The storage volume is the actual storage capacity of a soakwell, while the flow volume takes into account the rate of drainage. As the polypropylene soakwells have 65% drainage area, they drain 50% faster than concrete soakwells, which in turn results in a ‘flow volume’ of approximately 1.5 X the storage volume.
No, although concrete soakwells are strong they are certainly not the most efficient. The polypropylene tanks have 65% surface drainage area and therefore drain 50% faster. They are also fully trafficable, resistant to degradation and environmentally friendly as they are made from recycled materials. In addition, unlike concrete tanks, the polypropylene tanks can cater for any volume requirements and are perfect for small confined spaces.
We prefer to install open grated drain tops directly under the downpipes. This prevents any overflow backing up into the ceilings. The soakwells are unlikely to flood but this is still a risk not worth taking. The open grated drain tops also act as a leaf trap, preventing your soakwells filling up with leaves and other organic matter that has drained from your roof.
In WA your only legal obligation is to retain the stormwater on your property. In most cases, the installation of soakwells is the most effective way to achieve this. Your local council will provide recommendations for the volume of soakwell to be installed for your property. This will ensure stormwater is effectively detained within your property. However, you are not legally obliged to install soakwells.
The polypropylene soakwells have 65% more drainage surface area than their concrete counterpart and are less likely to flood. However, it always better to go for the full volume that the council recommends as this will guarantee sufficient volume even in heavy downpours that are experienced around 1 in 20 years in Perth.
We usually assemble the polypropylene soakwells as one or two larger tanks and run all the down pipes into it. One tank per downpipe doesn’t always work as it depends on the surface area of roof that each service. This is why we ask for the total roof area (m²) and calculate the required number of polypropylene tanks from that, rather than the number of down pipes.
No, the polypropylene soakwells are completely different to plastic PVC soakwells. They are fully trafficable and non-biodegradable so they will last forever. Unlike plastic PVC soakwells, the polypropylene soakwells will not collapse!
Yes, please be assured that Simply Soakwells is a registered business and a member of the Master Builders Association of WA. We are insured and all our work also comes with a 10-year guarantee on products and workmanship.
The volume of soakwell recommended by your council is a guide only, not a requirement. As such, you will not need to provide proof of the volume of soakwell that you have had installed and you cannot receive a council notice or fine if you do not install the recommended volume. However, the closer you are to the recommended volume, the less the risk of overflow, as the councils have determined this volume from years of statistics on rainfall. This means there is less risk of stormwater flowing into neighboring properties, which can result in a non-compliance order, as well as less risk of damage to your home.
Soakwells are subsurface water tanks that aid in the on-site detention of rainwater collected from roof areas. Soakwells protect your home against flooding, soil erosion, and rain damage. In addition, soakwells prevent your water from flowing into neighboring properties, which is your legal obligation as a homeowner.
Preferred stormwater installer for outdoor world Wangara
‘We are proud to recommend Simply Soakwells as our stormwater contractor for all our soakwell needs. Over several years, Simply Soakwells has always provided a professional and consistent service.
Their quality of work, compliance with safety standards on-site, and reliability both meets and exceeds our expectations.’
Jeff Hobbs – General Manager Outdoor World Wangara
Proud Stormwater contractor for Plumbtechnics
‘We have been using Simply Soakwells to install the majority of our Stormwater for approximately 8 months now. In the time that we have used Simply Soakwells, we have found that the quality of work, including stormwater maintenance, has been outstanding.
Simply Soakwells are exceptional to deal with and I would have no hesitation in recommending Morne and the rest of the crew to anyone that needs any stormwater installed or rectified.’
Chris Tucker – Site Operations Manager – Plumbtechnics
With over 15 years experience in the industry, excellent customer care and great reviews, Simply Soakwells will not only provide you with an expert service, you will also get the personal benefits of choosing a local small business. Located in the Northern suburbs of Perth, Simply Soakwells services all areas and offers a guarantee of workmanship.
