Silt Socks vs. GuardDog Drain Filter

Welcome to the construction site battle to determine the drain protection champion! In the red corner, it’s everyone’s favourite, the ever-popular silt socks. In the blue corner is the challenger, the underdog, the GuardDog Drain Filter. Both trap silt and sediment, but there can only be one winner. In this battle, we’ll be comparing fit, filtration and value. Which sediment control solution will come out on top?

Round 1: Fit

Because drain protection solutions are only as good as their installation. In this round we’re comparing fit, ease and security of installation.

Silt Socks can be laid around gutters or across the potential path of incoming runoff. Silt socks lose points because they can be moved easily, particularly if disturbed by high velocity water. They may also split if driven over, rendering them ineffective.
⭐⭐

GuardDog Drain Filters are placed over drains and can be installed in minutes using concrete screws or metal ties. If easy drain access is required, a sandbag can be placed across the top edge to secure in place. GuardDogs are available for standard and side entry drain systems. The latter features aluminium strips, which can be contoured for a perfect fit. GuardDogs lose a point because installation is more involved than a silt sock.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

WINNER: GuardDog Drain Filter
GuardDogs can be secured directly over the drain rather than placed around. They are also less susceptible to movement and breakage.

Round 2: Filtration

A drain protection solution must have the ability to effectively filter sediment runoff.

Silt Socks do an acceptable job of filtration. Most silt and sediment gets trapped as contaminated runoff flows through. Silt socks are made from high strength UV-resistant filter fabric, and contain scoria, a large diameter gravel. The filtration ability of a silt sock is largely dependent on the materials used – with that said, silt socks require little effort to maintain.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

GuardDog Drain Filter is constructed using Spilltration™ Husky Absorbents, made from 100% recycled post-consumer waste. The GuardDog can effectively filter sediment, with the added ability of absorbing hydrocarbons such as oil and fuel. The GuardDog loses a point because it requires more effort to clean and maintain, but wins it back with its ability to trap hydrocarbons.
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WINNER: GuardDog Drain Filter
The GuardDog Drain Filter can filter finer sediment than a silt sock, and has the added benefit of absorbing hydrocarbons.

Round 3: Value

The value of an item is not just determined by its purchase price. Consider also the utility derived and whether a product is reusable.

Silt Socks are inexpensive and can be purchased unfilled or pre-filled with scoria. They are reusable and can be easily replaced and maintained.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

GuardDog Drain Filters have a higher purchase price than silt socks. The GuardDog can be cleaned and reused multiple times, however will eventually require replacement.
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WINNER: Silt Socks
Silt socks are cheaper and require less maintenance than a GuardDog Drain Filter.

Conclusion

As we have discovered through this comparison, there is no perfect drain protection solution. Both silt socks and GuardDog drain filters have benefits and disadvantages as summarised below.

Silt Socks

Are susceptible to movement and damage, provides adequate filtration and offer excellent value.

Fit: ⭐⭐ | Filtration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Value:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TOTAL SCORE: 11/15

GuardDog Drain Filter

Can be secured in place and contours to all drain types for a perfect fit. Also effectively filters sediment and hydrocarbons.

Fit: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Filtration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Value:⭐⭐⭐⭐
TOTAL SCORE: 13/15

OVERALL WINNER: GuardDog Drain Filter

The GuardDog protects drains and waterways more effectively than a silt sock. Because they can be secured in place they are less likely to become dislodged or tampered with. Environmental Managers everywhere can rest assured that a GuardDog Drain Filter is protecting their worksite.

For more information on the right sediment control solution for your needs, contact Stratex on 1300 991 180 or email [email protected].