Sock Care & Maintenance

 Socks are highly effective erosion control devices that help manage sediment and water flow on construction sites, landscaping projects, and environmental restoration efforts. However, their effectiveness relies on proper installation and regular maintenance. Below are common sock conditions that require maintenance or repair and the corresponding actions to keep your socks functioning optimally. 

To ensure your socks remain effective, it's important to regularly inspect them for signs of wear or deformation and take the necessary actions to maintain their integrity.

• Deformation Due to Drive-Over or Dragging:
  • Condition: The sock has been deformed by vehicles driving over it or dragging equipment across it.
  • Action Required: Re-contour the sock by hand if the deformation is minimal. If re-contouring by hand is not feasible, consider applying applicable repair methods outlined below.

• Sock Rolling Due to Hydraulic Force:
  • Condition: The sock has rolled out of position due to the force of water flow.
  • Action Required: Reposition the sock back to its original placement and add additional stakes to secure it and prevent further movement.

• Loss of Ground Contact:
  • Condition: The sock is no longer in full contact with the ground, potentially due to uneven terrain or settling.
  • Action Required: Fill in any depressions underneath the sock and back-grout with chips from a damaged section of the sock to restore proper contact with the ground.

• Sediment Accumulation of ½ Sock Height:
  • Condition: Sediment has accumulated to half the height of the silt sock, reducing its effectiveness.
  • Action Required: Remove the accumulated sediment to restore the sock's effectiveness, or install a second row of silt sock positioned on top of or up slope of the original sock for added sediment control.

Some sock conditions may require more extensive repairs or replacement to maintain proper erosion control.

• Holes, Rips, or Tears in the Sock:
  • Condition: The sock has developed holes, rips, or tears due to wear and tear or accidental damage.
  • Action Required: For small holes or narrow rips shorter than 12 inches, stitch the sock closed using plastic zip-ties. For tears longer than 12 inches, replace the damaged section of the silt sock to maintain its effectiveness.

• Pinch or Localized Diameter Reduction of More Than ½ the Original Diameter:
  • Condition: The sock has experienced a pinch or localized reduction in diameter that exceeds half of its original size, often due to heavy equipment or sharp objects.
  • Action Required: Install a new section of sock up slope of the damaged section to ensure continued effective erosion control.

 The effectiveness of socks as an erosion control device depends on proper installation and maintenance. Routine inspections and timely actions to correct deformations, sediment buildup, or damage will help ensure that your socks provide reliable sediment management and erosion control throughout the project duration.