Smart Soaker

1. WHAT IS A SMART SOAKER?

Smart Soaker is a pit and drainage unit for passively irrigating the landscape. Stormwater runoff is collected in the pit, filtered and directed to the landscape for tree or garden watering by gravity each time it rains.

 

2. WHY USE SMART SOAKER?

The pavements we build prevent the rainfall being soaked up in the landscape to provide water for vegetation and ground water recharge. Everytime it rains, the stormwater runoff travels down our roadsides and into our stormwater pipes and eventually into our urban waterways. Smart Soaker captures this water and delivers it below the ground to where it can be utilised by vegetation or has a chance to seep into the soil. The pollutants in the stormwater are trapped in the pit for eventual removal typically by vacuum truck.

 

3. HOW DOES IT WORK?

Stormwater runoff drains from pavements such as a road and into the Smart Soaker pit. The water is filtered through a device in the pit so that the solid pollutants remain in the pit for future collection. The filtered water can then irrigate the landscape via a slotted pipe located approximately 600mm below the surface where tree roots typically extend to. Litter and debris may be excluded from the pit by choosing a grate that has a small aperture. This may be the case if a gross pollutant trap exists downstream of the Smart Soaker. When the pit fills then the stormwater will continue to flow down the kerb and into the stormwater system. No additional nuisance water will be caused.

 

4. WHERE IS SMARTSOAKER BEST USED?

Smart Soaker is best used to accept stormwater runoff from a road or pavement and use this water to passively irrigate adjacent landscape. The most common application is passive watering of street trees adjacent the road. The Smart Soaker is positioned upstream of existing stormwater pits to enable a catchment to water the tree. Each tree would have an individual pit and it can be installed for either new or existing trees.

 

5. WHAT TYPICAL MAINTENANCE IS EXPECTED?

The Smart Soaker will slowly fill with stormwater pollutants and typically being sediment. When it reaches about 25% full then it is a good idea to remove it. This is easily done with a vacuum truck. The frequency depends of how much sediment is washed off that particular catchment. Annual cleaning is expected in a typical scenario.

 

6. WILL THE FILTERS BLOCK?

Over time the filter will slowly clog. It is difficult to estimate the frequency of filter cleaning however regular sediment removal will delay the need for filter cleaning. There are various degrees of cleaning. The most basic is a jet type spray from a hose. A more thorough clean is achieved by a pressure washer. A major clean may require removal of the filters which requires a single action to release the clamp. The filters may be cleaned on site or take them back to the depot. You may need some spare filters in this case so that you do not have to bring the same filters back.

 

7. WHAT IF I DON'T MAINTAIN IT?

Smart Soaker will eventually fill with sediment and debris (depending on the grate selected). This will reduce the volume of water that can be stored in the pit and will likely hinder the filtration rate. However the passive watering will continue but it will simply be less effective.

 

8. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT OPTIONS?

There is a heavy duty and a light duty pit. The internal dimensions of the pits are approx. 600mm wide x 600mm long x 600mm deep. The heavy duty is made of concrete and is designed for heavy traffic loads. The light pit is for only light vehicle and pedestrian loadings. Both pits are the same size however the light pit weighs about 60kg while the heavy duty pit weighs about 560kg. There are a number of grates from standard galvanised steel heavy duty through to heel-guard, hinged and custom stainless if particular aesthetics are required.

 

 

9. WHAT ARE THE INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS?

Smart Soaker is installed like any other typical stormwater pit. We recommend that it is bedding on a minimum of 75mm compacted depth of class 3 crushed rock. The grate may be installed flat or at the same profile as the road pavement. Contractors are familiar with stormwater pits so they would be comfortable with this aspect of it. The drainage pipe is best installed by trenching if it is a new tree. Existing trees may require boring underneath or hand excavation so that the tree roots do not get damaged. We have recommended contractors who can assist with this construction if required.

 

10. HOW MUCH DOES THE SMART SOAKER COST?

Typically Smart Soakers installed costs are typically $3,000 to $4,500 (AUD). The main variable influencing cost is the contractor. They will price according to the number required (efficiencies of scale), location (travel distance), traffic management (busy road or local road) or simply how busy they are. There is also cost difference between the 2 pit options and the various grate options (eg stainless grates are more expensive than steel).

 

11. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SUPPLY?

The timing depends on the order size. Typically the custom pits and grates take up to 10 days and can be delivered to site for the Melbourne metro area. The filter frames & filters are installed at a later date and generally take 2 to 3 weeks. We recommend you allow as much lead time as possible to ensure you get your Smart Soaker on time.

 

12. IS THERE A WARRANTY?

The products are guaranteed to be free from defects on supply. The contractor should warrant the installation.

 

13. WHERE ARE WE BASED?

Smart Soaker is based in Melbourne Victoria, but delivery can be met in all states. Recent projects have been completed in NSW, ACT and SA.