Modern French Drain Soakaway Systems for Optimal Wastewater Dispersal
A properly constructed French drain soakaway system is essential for effectively dispersing treated wastewater from a septic tank. While there is no universal size or standard, modern French drain design has evolved to prioritize horizontal dispersion and soil permeability. Our system offers a high-performing solution, especially when paired with the Poly-Rib septic tank range.
Unlike older methods that relied on digging large pits and filling them with random rubble, our system focuses on maximizing wall surface area. This allows fluid to exit horizontally in all directions, greatly enhancing percolation into the surrounding soil. A 3x3x1 metre excavation in our design can achieve 35 square metres of percolation wall area, compared to just 12 square metres in traditional systems—an improvement that is both more effective and easier to build.
This makes our French drain system a preferred option for residential, agricultural, and commercial installations where consistent water dispersal is essential and where the soil has a high percolation rate or is supported by strong root systems from evergreen or water-demanding vegetation.
Tailored Design Based on Site Conditions
Because no two sites are exactly the same, our French drain soakaway system is designed with flexibility in mind. We provide suggested specifications as guidelines—best used in conjunction with our copyright sketch plans B-W 73/1 and B-W 73/2, which were developed specifically for integration with the Poly-Rib septic tank systems.
Key variables include:
- Soil permeability and water table depth
- Expected wastewater output from the septic system
- Site topography and vegetation
- Drainage layout preference (e.g., herringbone configuration)
Where possible, drains should be located in areas with high percolation soil and year-round vegetation, such as under gardens or lawns. This not only supports optimal fluid absorption but also promotes ecological reuse. During the design phase, our experts consider all these factors to determine optimal layout, size, and depth.
The flexibility of the system also means it can be installed on a wide variety of property types—from private homes to lodges, farms, and construction sites—wherever on-site sewage treatment is required.
Low-Maintenance, Long-Term Performance
Modern French drain soakaway systems are far simpler to install and maintain than the outdated soak pits of previous decades. With the increased surface area from our design, water disperses more evenly and with less chance of clogging, allowing for longer system life and fewer maintenance interventions.
These systems work exceptionally well in tandem with our Poly-Rib septic tanks, forming a complete, gravity-fed sewage treatment solution for properties not connected to municipal infrastructure. The result is a cost-effective, eco-friendly setup that leverages nature’s own capacity for filtration.
Furthermore, for property developers or builders, this system provides a reliable, standardised solution that can be replicated across multiple sites while allowing for site-specific adjustments. And for homeowners, it provides peace of mind that their wastewater is being handled responsibly.
