HydroSacks
Built for the job
HydroSacks and HydroSnakes | Lightweight Self-Activating Flood Barriers
HydroSacks and HydroSnakes are self-activating flood barriers that expand on contact with water to form an effective, sand-free alternative to traditional sandbags. Before use, each unit weighs less than 500g and stores flat. Once in contact with water, each unit absorbs up to 20 litres and reaches a working weight of up to 20kg, creating a firm barrier to redirect or contain low-level flood water. Two formats are available: the HydroSack for compact door and threshold protection, and the HydroSnake for longer linear barriers across wider openings.
What is the HydroSacks used for?
• Protecting doorways, thresholds and access points from low-level flood water
• Warehouse loading bay and roller shutter door protection
• Garden gates, boundary openings and driveways
• Emergency services and local authority flood response
• Sports facilities, outdoor venues and agricultural buildings
• Replacing traditional sandbags where cleanliness and ease of deployment matter
Construction and Durability
Both products are constructed from a non-woven outer fabric with a super-absorbent polymer and cellulose pulp core. The HydroSack (60cm x 48cm dry, 40cm coverage when activated) includes built-in handles for easy positioning with minimal contact with flood water. The HydroSnake (145cm x 25cm dry, 120cm coverage when activated) is designed for longer linear barriers. After use, the eco-friendly contents can be disposed of by placing in the ground to biodegrade over time, or by incineration.
Why choose the HydroSacks?
Traditional sandbags are heavy, messy, and require storage space and filling infrastructure. HydroSacks store flat in a dry state at under 500g each and are ready to deploy in seconds with no filling, no sand and no residual mess. The built-in handles on the HydroSack version keep hands clean during positioning, and both products activate naturally on contact with flood water without any preparation. The eco-friendly polymer and pulp contents make disposal straightforward.
It is recommended that sacks are activated before laying in place, activating with flood water can cause contamination of the core material. If stacked, the sacks may not inflate to their full size. To activate the sacks, place them in clean water for 2-3mins, you can also spray them with a hose. Once activated they can stay in place for 3-6 months.
Operational Details
• HydroSack: dry dimensions 60cm x 48cm, activated coverage 40cm, weight when activated up to 20kg
• HydroSnake: dry dimensions 145cm x 25cm, activated coverage 120cm, weight when activated up to 20kg
• Dry weight (either format): under 500g per unit
• Capacity: up to 20 litres per unit
• Contents: super-absorbent polymer and cellulose pulp
• Supplied in packs of 2
What's in the box
• 2 x HydroSacks or 2 x HydroSnakes (depending on selection)
Full spec sheet
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How the buried sump chamber clears water
Cross-section of a sealed MDPE sump with an automatic submersible pump and arm float switch. Watch one full cycle below.
Water collects
Rainwater or seepage flows in via the gravity inlet and pools at the bottom of the buried chamber.
Float arm rises
As the level climbs, the arm float lifts. At the trigger height it closes the switch contact.
Pump discharges
The Ama-Drainer N 301 powers up, lifting water through the riser and out to the sewer.
Cut-out at low level
The arm drops as water clears. The switch opens and the pump rests until the next cycle.
Water
Foul or surface water collected from the gravity inlet at the side of the chamber.
Pump
Submersible Ama-Drainer N 301, switched by the float arm.
Trigger
Arm float switch closes the circuit at the high-water mark and opens at cut-out.
Chamber
Robust MDPE shell with flanged base to anchor against buoyancy and ground movement.
