Smart Soaker
Specialising in tree drainage systems
Passive watering and drainage system
The Smart Soaker system is a pit, filtering and drainage system for passively watering the landscape.
Every time it rains, stormwater flows into the pit, passes through a permeable paver filter and is delivered by gravity through sub-surface pipes to effectively and efficiently wet the soil profile and to the root zone for nearby trees.
The Smart Soaker system is designed by engineers to maximise the efficiency of urban tree watering, using Australian designed, made and constructed technology.
Maximise Run-Off Utilization
Capture and efficiently use water in impervious areas.
Passive Watering Systems
Gravity powered system reduces the need for active irrigation.
Improve Soil Moisture
Enhance soil hydration for healthier, faster-growing trees.
Pollutant Capture Technology
Trap gross pollutants before they reach waterways.
Drought Impact Reduction
Help trees withstand drought and thrive in tough conditions.
Micro-Pollutant Filtration
Prevent micro-pollutants from clogging soil profiles for optimal growth.
Design and installation guides
Pit Options
The choice of pit will depend on its location and the intended uses above the pit. Both have built in outlets for easy connection with the sub-surface drain pipe.
- Pedestrian/cyclist traffic: light weight pit
- Vehicle traffic: heavy duty pit recommended
Light Weight Pit
Dimension: 600mm x 600mm x 600mm
Weight: 60 kg
Heavy Duty Pit
Dimension: 600mm x 600mm x 600mm
Weight: 500 kg
Grate Options
The choice of grate will depend on the intended uses above the pit.
For pedestrian/cyclist use: grate with 15 mm gaps is recommended.
For capture of gross pollutants: grate with 25 mm gaps is recommended.
All grates & frames are galvanised with weave pattern.
15mm Gaps
15mm Gaps (Hinged)
25mm Gaps
Filters
In most circumstances, a filter is recommended. However, there may be some sites where the stormwater runoff is high quality and low in suspended solids. In these instances, a filter may not be required.
The Smart Soaker is designed for simplicity and efficiency, ensuring that it delivers effective passive irrigation when sited correctly. To achieve optimal performance, it’s essential to place the Smart Soaker in locations that avoid below-ground conflicts and provide adequate catchment. The design files for the Smart Soaker are available for download and can be easily inserted into your project drawings.
Following these guidelines will ensure that your Smart Soaker is optimally sited, providing efficient and sustainable passive irrigation to support healthy urban greenery.
Step-by-step guide to the design and siting process:
- Initial Placement: Begin by positioning the Smart Soaker near the point of irrigation, such as next to a street tree.
- Check for Subsurface Conflicts: Assess the area for any potential subsurface conflicts, like utility lines or the roots of mature trees. Adjust the location of the Smart Soaker as needed to avoid these obstacles.
- Evaluate Catchment Size: Ensure that the catchment area is appropriately sized, especially in relation to upstream drainage.
Starting with the vicinity of the intended passive irrigation area is the logical first step in siting the Smart Soaker.
For new street trees, placing the Smart Soaker directly adjacent is ideal. However, for existing trees located close to the back of the curb, allowances must be made for excavation near tree roots. In such cases, sliding the Smart Soaker slightly upstream (or downstream if the grade is relatively flat) can prevent disruption to major tree roots.
Catchment area:
For most street trees, a minimum catchment area of 20m² is recommended to maintain their health, though this may vary depending on tree species and canopy size. The catchment area is typically defined by the pavement draining into the Smart Soaker and is usually bounded by the nearest upstream Smart Soaker or drainage pit.
Correct installation of the Smart Soaker system is very important, so we suggest that you entrust the installation of the system to our team of professionals.
Easy to install
The Smart Soaker system is similar in design to a standard pit/drainage system that forms part of a normal stormwater drainage system. An experienced installation team would have no trouble installing the product within the kerb and gutter system.
System Components
Pit
Light weight or Heavy Duty.
Pits have a built-in bell-mouth outlets for easy connection with the sub-surface drain pipe.
Grate
Prevents large gross pollutants from entering the pit.
Filter frame
Stainless steel frame that holds the filters in place. Note there are two parts – backing frame and locking frame.
Filter set
One set comprises two filters that fit snuggly into the frame.
Additional Components to purchase
Bolts
Two bolts are required to secure the frame. Specifications of these bolts depend on whether the heavy duty or light weight pit is being installed.
Heavy duty pit
- Chem-set or 2 part epoxy resin is recommended for the heavy duty pit. This will minimise risk of exposing the reinforcement.
- Stainless steel 6mm diameter bolts are recommended and to bed approximately 50mm into the concrete.
Light weight pit
- 50mm long 6mm diameter bolts with 20mm diameter washers to protect the polycrete is recommended.
Gap filler
There will be a small gap (typically 2mm) between the filter frame and the inside of the pit.
Ensure the surfaces are clean prior to applying the gap filler.
The product must be suitable for effective adhesion to the surface and withstand a wet and outdoor environment.
Sub-surface drain pipe
UPVC 100mm diameter sewer grade pipe is recommended.
The slotting can be undertaken on-site to suit the installation.
A fine gravel or geotextile sock is recommended to prevent ingress of soil.
Installation Guide
Sub-surface Drain
- We recommend installing the sub-surface drain prior to the pit in the case of inclement weather
- Hand excavation will normally be required when excavating near tree roots.
- Slot UPVC pipe on the underside only (4 o’clock to 8 o’clock to limit the potential for ingress of backfill. Use a geotextile sock if specified. The design may nominate some areas that are unslotted eg. the first meter extending from the pit to keep seepage away from road pavement.
- Backfill trench with a fine gravel to achieve minimum cover of 100mm on all sides unless specified otherwise in the drawings.
- Use PVC glue so that there is a good seal and filtered water will only seep out the slots.
Filter Frame
- If using a light weight pit, install the filter frame in the pit prior to pit installation.
- Place filter frame in pit on the same side as the outlet. It will sit firmly with the guides against the pit wall.
- Mark the points to pre-drill the bolt holes. Use masonry bit of appropriate size for the type of bolt.
- Install the bolts and attach the filter frame.
- Apply the gap filler to ensure all the gaps are filled around the perimeter.
Pit
- Install the pit as per the drawings and like a typical stormwater pit.
- Excavate to the adequate depth to allow placement of crushed rock and to accommodate the grate and surrounds that have been supplied.
- Ensure the pit is oriented so that the outlet is facing to meet the sub-surface drain.
- Install grate and surrounds including kerb and channel to Council’s standards and the design drawings.
Filter set
- There are guides in the filter frame to position each filter in the correct place.
- Insert base of filter first. When in position lay back the filter until it rests snuggly in position.
- Place locking frame onto the locking tongue at the center of the filter frame. Ensure the locking frame is the correct way up with the handle located at the top
- Slide locking plate down so that the filters are secured into place.
- Removal of the filter set is achieved by sliding the locking plate up by grabbing the handle and then removing the locking plate off the locking tongue on the filter frame.
If you have any problems with the installation, or you want to entrust this work to us, feel free to contact us:
Smart Soaker will need occasional maintenance. This typically involves cleaning out the accumulated gross pollutants in the pit itself, cleaning the filters occasionally and replacement of the filters should they become damaged.
Pit maintenance
The pit needs cleaning out when gross pollutants have accumulated in the pit and are blocking the filters.
Filter maintenance
The filters need cleaning when they are clogged with micro-pollutants and water is no longer draining out of the pit.
Case Studies
Tanderrum Way, Broadmedows VIC
Powells Creek, Concord West
Ashgrove Subdivision, Regents Park
Frequently Asked Questions
The Smart Soaker is a Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) product designed to capture stormwater runoff and deliver it directly to the root zone of trees, ensuring efficient water use and improved tree health.
The system directs stormwater into the soil profile and root zones, ensuring trees have access to water even in periods of low rainfall. This reduces the impact of droughts and promotes faster tree growth.
The system captures both gross pollutants (such as large debris) in the pit and micro-pollutants through the filter, preventing them from reaching waterways or clogging the drainage system.
Yes, the system operates using gravity to passively irrigate trees, reducing the need for active watering. Additionally, its low-maintenance design requires minimal intervention.
The Smart Soaker is ideal for urban areas with impervious surfaces where stormwater runoff is common. It has been successfully installed at several locations, including councils and universities in Victoria and NSW.
By capturing and filtering stormwater, the Smart Soaker reduces the need for external watering, contributes to cleaner waterways, and improves urban tree health, all while operating without the need for energy .
These FAQs provide key information about the Smart Soaker’s purpose, functionality, and environmental benefits.