Soakwells
Soakwells are underground voids. Their purpose is to collect and disperse water from hardscaped areas, roofs, pergolas etc.
Some soakwells are made of concrete and have holes in the sides, which can leach sand into them, and this, over time fills the soakwell which means it will need to be exposed and cleaned out so that it may functionally correctly again.
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Most newly installed soakwells are wrapped in geofabric. This allows water through, but will prevent sand from leaching into the soakwell. Many older soakwells were installed with no geofabric and the sandy soil leaches into the soakwell filling up the void space.
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If you notice sunken pavers around a soakwell, then it's highly likely that the sand from below and between the pavers has been carried into the soakwell during periods of heavy rain. Do not ignore this, it's a trip hazard, the will need urgent rectification. The soakwell should also be attended to so that it is ready for storm season. |
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| When the soakwell is cleaned out, if there was no geofabric installed - the side leachholes may be filled with cement. This will prevent leaching into the sides of the soakwell, in future. Water still drains in from the top. |  |
| This is the inside of a soakwell that was filled to the water line prior to it being serviced. Before this work was carried out, the driveway flooded. See the image below. |  |
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