No Surface water drainage!!

[LouBee]

Our house was built in the 70s and we have just started landscaping the back garden, upon doing so we have found that the down pipe from the house gutters was cracked which was why our garden was always so soggy. So we started digging and discovered the drainage pipe in the ground doesn't actually go to any surface run off pipe it stops in the garden and it looks like the builders have thrown a load of house bricks in the as a soak away!!!
My first question is - is this within building regs back in the 70s and if not is there anything that we can do in terms of getting the building company/ council to do anything?
Secondly which is the best soakaway method?

Many Thanks

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

My first question is - is this within building regs back in the 70s and if not is there anything that we can do in terms of getting the building company/ council to do anything?

You’re having a laugh aren’t you?

What type of soil do you have? If it is clay then a soakaway won’t work.

Soakaways do not last indefinitely, afer a while they become less effective and get clogged up, anyway a hole in the ground filled with some bricks/gravel surrounded by a geotextile membrane is about the cheapest way. Have a thorough read here: http://www.pavingexpert.com/drain08.html

 

[LouBee]

Great! Yes it is clay soil, we currently have a soakaway made with pea gravel at the back of the garden for drainage off the driveway as the garage used to get flooded.

Our idea was to make this bigger and connect up the down pipe but if that won't work because of the clay what is the other option?

Thanks for your help!