Why Is My Borehole Soakaway Filling Up?
We sometimes receive calls from clients asking ‘why is my borehole soakaway filling up?’
This client got in touch regarding their soakaway which was overflowing. The site had a Klargester submersible pump and borehole, with a back up pump: Zoeller U53. The customer thought that the float switch had failed which was preventing the pump triggering.
A borehole soakaway must have capacity to store run-off from roofs and hard surfaces to then disperse into the surrounding ground. The soakaway discharges run-off into deep fissures in the soil, reducing the risk of subsidence. Borehole soakaways provide a cost-effective, low-maintenance drainage solution for areas prone to becoming waterlogged.
Our pump engineer attended site to service the pumps and found that the Zoeller pump had developed a fault in the switch. Consequently this resulted in the pump failing to trigger when required, leading to the borehole filling up.
Issue: Borehole soakaway filling up
Pump: Zoeller U53
Solution: Fitted new crimps to switch in pump top lid
PUMP SPECIFICATION:
Zoeller 53 Pump (Fully Automatic) 5m lift
Suitable for:
- Dewatering
Sump pump for basement waterproofing companies and flood defence.
PUMP FEATURES:
- Float operated, submersible (NEMA 6) 2 pole mechanical switch & variable level long cycle systems available
- Corrosion resistant powder coated epoxy finish
- No sheet metal parts to rust or corrode
- Stainless steel screws, switch arm, guard and handle
- No screens to clog
- Watertight neoprene square ring between motor and pump housing
- Solid buoyant polypropylene float
- Oil-filled, hermetically sealed, automatic reset thermal overload protected motor
- Upper and lower sleeve bearings running in bath of oil
- Entire unit pressure tested after assembly
- Carbon and ceramic shaft seal
- Maximum temperature for effluent or dewatering 130°F (54°C)
- Passes 1/2″ spherical solids
- 1-1/2″ NPT discharge
- On point: 7-1/4″, Off point: 3″
- Impeller Type: Non-clogging vortex impeller
- Reserve Powered Design. For unusual conditions a reserve safety factor is engineered into the design of every Zoeller pump.
MODEL 53 FEATURES:
- Cast iron switch case, motor and pump housing
- Engineered thermoplastic base
- Engineered, glass filled, plastic impeller with metal insert
- Stainless steel guard and handle
- Lower and upper bearings, oil fed cast iron
COMMON REASONS YOUR BOREHOLE SOAKAWAY IS OVERFLOWING
The are a number of reasons your borehole soakaway will fail:
- Improper location – There should be at least 1m of clearance between the soakaway base and groundwater level to prevent rising water from compromising the borehole capacity.
- Incorrect sizing – The size of the chamber should be able to manage the water at peak flow taking into account percolation rate.
- Excessive rainfall – Extremely heavy rain and groundwater can overwhelm a borehole which will result of flooding.
- Pump failure – if your pump fails the borehole cannot be pumped and will overflow.
- Blocked pump – When a pump is blocked it cannot work effectively, consequently the soakaway will fail.
If your borehole water pump fails call Alton Pump Services – we can assist by providing expert advice on your specific issue, source and fit a new pump if required.
