A good mate of mine in Perth has been using WA Soakwells for over five years. He’s a builder in the northern suburbs and often works on both residential and commercial projects. When we caught up recently, he shared his thoughts on their service.
This isn’t one of those over-the-top endorsements. It’s his honest perspective as someone who’s relied on their team for the best soakwell installations in Perth.
Soakwell Installation in Perth: What Stood Out
When he first reached out to WA Soakwells, it was for a small residential job. The property had stormwater drainage issues every winter. Pools of water were forming near the house, and the existing plastic soakwell system wasn’t coping.
The installer conducted a site inspection and explained why polypropylene soakwells might be better suited for sandy soils. He also pointed out that certain areas with clay may require concrete soakwells for improved stability.
According to my mate, these were the key reasons he chose them:
- Knowledge of Perth’s stormwater drainage needs across different suburbs.
- Clear advice on products like concrete soakwells and polypropylene options.
- Compliance with WA council regulations saved him time in the long run.
He has since used them for projects in Joondalup, Canning Vale, and Fremantle—each with slightly different site requirements.
The Results: Reliable Soakwells That Perform
Over the past five years, he has seen consistent results. The systems they installed have handled heavy Perth downpours without flooding or overflowing soakage pits.
Here’s what he noticed:
- Concrete soakwells Perth builds can trust – Ideal for sites with heavier vehicle traffic like driveways.
- Polypropylene soakwells for light-use areas – Lightweight yet effective for backyard drainage.
- No need for constant maintenance – Proper installation has kept debris out and maintained steady performance.
These outcomes are especially important for his commercial clients, where stormwater drainage issues can quickly turn into expensive repairs.
Challenges and How They Responded
Not everything went perfectly. On one job in Cottesloe, the garden settled after a big storm, creating a shallow depression over the soakwell lids.
When he called, their team sent someone out within a week. They inspected the stormwater pit and drainage cells, made minor adjustments, and repaired the surface without additional charges.
This responsiveness impressed him. He told me, “It’s rare to see a company stand behind their work these days, but they did.”
Practical Advice from Years of Experience
Based on his time working with them, here’s what he suggests for anyone considering a soakwell installation in Perth:
- Get a proper assessment – Soil type and property slope impact which system will work best.
- Ask about materials – Concrete soakwells last decades, while polypropylene soakwells are easier to install in tight spaces.
- Consider geotextile fabric – It helps reduce sand ingress and extends the life of your system.
- Avoid DIY soakwells unless it’s a small job – He’s seen too many stormwater drainage setups fail because they weren’t installed correctly.
Why WA Soakwells Became His Go-To
Here’s why he keeps calling them for new projects:
- Professional team: From quoting to clean-up, the process is smooth.
- Reliable products: Both concrete and polypropylene systems have withstood Perth’s weather.
- Local knowledge: They understand the drainage needs of Perth suburbs.
- Consistent communication: Updates on timelines and clear explanations of what’s happening on site.
What About DIY Soakwells and Bunnings Alternatives?
Clients often ask him if they can use stormwater drainage kits from Bunnings or plastic soakaway systems. His answer?
“They’re fine for tiny jobs, like a downpipe diversion in a small courtyard. But for full property drainage or areas with heavy clay, you need professional installation.”
This is where WA Soakwells’ experience pays off. They design systems that prevent water from pooling and protect structures from long-term damage.
Trust Built Over Years
Five years and multiple projects later, my mate says he’s confident in their work. He’s seen systems handle summer storms and winter downpours without a hitch.
In his words:
“You want stormwater drainage that just works. These guys get it right and fix it fast if there’s ever a hiccup.”
FAQs About Soakwells in Perth
What is a soakwell?
A soakwell is an underground tank that collects stormwater runoff, allowing it to seep into the surrounding soil gradually.
Are concrete soakwells better than polypropylene?
It depends. Concrete soakwells are ideal for driveways and areas with heavy loads. Polypropylene soakwells are lightweight and great for gardens or courtyards.
Can I buy soakwell lids separately?
Yes. WA Soakwells also supplies soakwell lids for maintenance or replacement.
Final Thoughts
After five years of using WA Soakwells, my mate’s verdict is clear. For reliable soakwell installation in Perth—whether it’s concrete soakwells for a driveway or polypropylene systems for a backyard—they’ve delivered consistent results.
His advice?
“Don’t cut corners. Proper stormwater drainage saves you headaches later.”
