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Drainage Fields

For Drainage Field installation anywhere in the South of England, call Smart Drainz on 03332 027129.

For Drainage Field installation anywhere in the South of England, call Smart Drainz on 03332 027129.

For Drainage Field installation anywhere in the South of England, call Smart Drainz on 03332 027129.

For Drainage Field installation anywhere in the South of England, call Smart Drainz on 03332 027129.

- Smart Drainz -

Talk to the Team Today About Off-Mains Drainage Installations in Portsmouth, Hampshire & Across the South of England

As a leading UK drainage contractor, Smart Drainz provides one-stop solutions for the installation, repair, and maintenance of drainage fields, serving domestic, commercial, and industrial clients alike. Our team combines in-depth technical knowledge with years of field experience, ensuring every system we design performs safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with current environmental standards.

Operating throughout Andover, Beaulieu, Bournemouth, Brockenhurst, New Forest, Portsmouth, Ringwood, Salisbury, Southampton, extending services across Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, and Wiltshire, we’re proud to serve clients throughout the entire South of England. From the installation of septic drainage fields to remedial work and scheduled maintenance for existing foul drainage fields, Smart Drainz delivers dependable, long-term off-mains drainage solutions tailored to your property’s unique requirements.

If you’re more interested in other services we provide, such as drainage installations, drain relining, or CCTV surveys, navigate our wider website for more information.

What Are Drainage Fields?

A drainage field is an underground network of perforated pipes laid in gravel and soil, forming the secondary treatment stage for wastewater from a septic tank or sewage treatment plant. As the partially treated effluent flows through the network, oxygen within the soil allows aerobic bacteria to break down remaining contaminants and organic matter. This natural filtration process ensures clean, safe dispersal of water into the surrounding ground without causing pollution or flooding.

Drainage fields are essential for maintaining compliance with the General Binding Rules, ensuring your foul water system operates safely and sustainably. Properly installed and maintained systems help protect groundwater quality and prevent costly environmental issues.

Soakaways vs Drainage Fields

Although often confused, soakaways and septic drainage fields serve distinct purposes within off-mains drainage systems. A soakaway is a contained pit or geocellular crate system designed to collect surface water runoff from roofs, driveways, or hard surfaces. This stored water then slowly infiltrates into the ground, preventing waterlogging and reducing pressure on the local stormwater system.

By contrast, a drainage field handles foul water from septic tanks or treatment plants. Instead of storing runoff, it disperses pre-treated effluent evenly across a wide area of ground. This distinction is crucial for compliance:

  • Foul Water → Drainage Field
  • Surface Water → Soakaway

Keeping these systems separate prevents contamination and ensures both operate efficiently within environmental guidelines.

Drainage Field Installation

As an experienced drainage contractor, Smart Drainz designs and installs systems tailored to the ground conditions and waste output of your property. Every installation is carried out to Environment Agency standards, ensuring long-term reliability and full compliance.

Our installation process includes:

  • Site Survey & Percolation Testing – Assessing soil porosity to determine suitable drainage field layout and pipe depth.
  • System Design – Calculating effluent loading and designing the correct distribution network to achieve even dispersal.
  • Excavation & Pipe Laying – Installing perforated pipes in clean, graded gravel to promote oxygen flow and prevent blockages.
  • Backfilling & Landscaping – Covering and restoring the site to minimise disruption while allowing natural filtration to occur.
  • Testing & Certification – Verifying correct operation and providing documentation for compliance and property records.

Smart Drainz ensures all drainage field installations are engineered for dependable, long-term performance.

Drainage Field Repairs

Over time, the performance of drainage fields may suffer due to silt build-up, root intrusion, or collapsed pipework. As a trusted drainage contractor, Smart Drainz provides professional diagnostics and repairs to restore efficiency and prevent environmental damage.

  • Common issues we address:

    • Hydraulic Overload – Caused by excessive water input or poor percolation
    • Pipe Blockages – Often due to sludge or root infiltration
    • Structural Damage – Crushed or misaligned pipes affecting flow distribution
    • Soil Compaction – Restricting air movement and bacterial activity


  • Our repair process includes:

    • CCTV Survey & Assessment – Identifying the root cause of failure
    • Jetting & Flushing – Clearing blockages and restoring flow
    • Pipe Replacement or Lining – Using durable materials to reinforce the system
    • System Rebalancing – Adjusting flow and load distribution for even treatment

These targeted repairs help extend the lifespan of your system and maintain compliance with environmental standards.

Drainage Field Maintenance

Routine maintenance helps prevent blockages, odours, and flooding by keeping your system clear and functioning efficiently. Our maintenance services are designed to ensure ongoing compliance and system longevity.

Our maintenance services include:

  • Annual Inspections – Checking for leaks, pooling, and performance irregularities
  • System Flushing – Clearing silt and biofilm from distribution pipes
  • Flow Monitoring – Ensuring effluent is evenly distributed across the network
  • Filter Cleaning – Maintaining inlet and outlet filters to prevent clogging

Scheduled servicing by an experienced drainage contractor safeguards your system’s reliability and prevents costly failures.

Aerial view of a Gothic cathedral with a tall spire set amidst lush greenery and surrounded by a quaint town. Among the historic buildings, a modern sewage treatment plant discreetly enhances the picturesque scene, nestled under fluffy clouds in the vibrant sky.

Contact Smart Drainz

Call now on 03332 027129 or send an enquiry to arrange a site survey and consultation with a qualified drainage contractor. We’re here to ensure your property’s wastewater treatment system remains safe, efficient, and fully compliant for years to come.