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A metal drainage grate, possibly installed by a drainage contractor, runs along the center of a surface made of red and brown brick pavers, designed to allow water to flow through efficiently.

Soakaways in Bournemouth

– Smart Drainz –

Installing & Maintaining Soakaways Throughout Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset & Wiltshire

Soakaways are essential drainage systems designed to manage excess water, thereby preventing flooding and waterlogging. These systems work by channelling water into a designated pit filled with porous materials, allowing it to gradually seep into the surrounding soil. At Smart Drainz, we handle the installation, maintenance and repair of both rainwater and septic soakaways for properties across Bournemouth, Southampton, Salisbury, Portsmouth and all other locations in Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, and Wiltshire.

This complements services such as 24/7 assistance with blocked drains and burst pipes, and CCTV surveys that map out and diagnose faulty systems, to make us a truly versatile drainage contractor and one-stop solution for all your drainage requirements.

Diagram of a septic tank system illustrating wastewater flow from a house to the tank. Features access risers, air vent, and treatment with gravel and sand layers. Arrows show evaporation, transpiration, and groundwater flow through soil and bedrock—ideal for understanding soakeaways.

Types of Soakaways We Install

  • Rainwater Soakaways: These systems are designed to manage surface water, such as rainfall, by diverting it away from buildings and paved areas.
  • Septic Soakaways: These are specifically constructed to handle wastewater from septic tanks, filtering and dispersing it safely into the ground.

Whether you need a rainwater soakaway for an urban home in Bournemouth or Southampton, or septic soakaway for a rural property outside of Portsmouth or Salisbury, we’re a drainage contractor with the expertise necessary to deliver effective and long-lasting solutions.

A construction site features a trench with an orange pipe partially covered by black material. Nearby, a drainage contractor's yellow bag filled with rocks sits alongside excavation equipment, hinting at upcoming trench work. Sunlit grass and soil frame the scene beautifully.
A drainage contractor masterpiece, this pit features five parallel orange pipes nestled in gravel, designed as effective soakeaways. The grassy surroundings and partial shadows from nearby trees add a touch of nature to this functional setup.

Why Are Soakaways So Important?

Soakaways play a vital role in maintaining a property’s drainage system, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall or poor soil drainage. They help to:

  • Prevent Flooding: By managing excess water, soakaways reduce the risk of flooding on your property.
  • Protect Foundations: Diverting water away from buildings helps to prevent structural damage caused by waterlogging.
  • Environmental Benefits: Soakaways promote natural water filtration, reducing pollutants before water re-enters the ecosystem.

The Science Behind Soakaways

Soakaways work on the principle of infiltration. The pit’s porous materials allow water to disperse gradually, reducing surface runoff and promoting soil absorption. For septic soakaways, an additional filtration layer ensures that only clean water is released into the surrounding area, making them an environmentally friendly solution.

How We Install Soakaways

At Smart Drainz, our soakaway installation process is meticulous and tailored to each property’s unique needs. Serving Bournemouth, Southampton, Salisbury and Portsmouth, we follow these key steps:

1. Initial Percolation Test:

This test determines soil permeability, ensuring the soakaway can effectively manage water. It also helps us calculate the size and depth required for optimal performance.

2. Planning & Design:

Our team designs soakaways to comply with regulations, ensuring they are positioned at a safe distance from building foundations and property boundaries.

3. Excavation & Installation:

We excavate the site and fill the pit with porous materials such as gravel or specialised soakaway crates. For septic soakaways, we incorporate additional filtration layers.

4. System Testing:

Once installed, soakaways are tested to confirm its efficiency in managing water flow.

A person in a green jacket is spreading gravel in a rectangular pit with a rake at an outdoor construction site. A red excavator and yellow construction vehicle, vital for the drainage contractor's work on projects like soakaways, are surrounded by piles of dirt and greenery.

Regulatory Considerations

Soakaway installations are governed by the Environment Agency and Building Regulations to ensure safety and environmental compliance. At Smart Drainz, we ensure all our installations meet these strict standards.

Key Points We Consider:

  • Location: Soakaways must be positioned at least 5 metres from any building.
  • Capacity: The system must handle the expected volume of water, determined through percolation testing.
  • Permits: Septic soakaways may require additional permits depending on local regulations.

We back all our soakaway installations with a 10-year guarantee, providing peace of mind for property owners in Bournemouth, Southampton, Salisbury and Portsmouth.

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Our Services

Installation & Maintenance

In addition to soakaway installation, Smart Drainz offers comprehensive maintenance and repair services to ensure your system remains functional for years to come.

Common Issues We Address:

Illustration of a U-shaped pipe partially filled with yellow liquid, featuring bold black outlines—ideal for visualizing concepts in sewage treatment plants.

Blockages:

Caused by debris, grease or silt build-up.

Icon of a stylized, curved pipe with two openings. The pipe, resembling an "S" shape, is outlined in black with a yellow inner section. Its simple yet bold design highlights issues like blocked drains using contrasting colors for emphasis.

Root Intrusions:

Tree roots can infiltrate and damage the soakaway system.

Icon of a toilet with a yellow roll of toilet paper on the floor beside it. The minimalist design, marked by bold black outlines, subtly hints at the expertise of a drainage contractor, perfect for addressing blocked drains efficiently.

Structural Damage:

Cracks, collapsed sections or displacement of materials.

Maintenance Services:

  • Regular inspections to assess the soakaway’s condition.
  • Cleaning and debris removal to prevent blockages.
  • Repairs and replacements for damaged components.

Whether you’re dealing with a rainwater soakaway or a septic soakaway, we’re a drainage contractor with the skill and equipment to keep systems in and around Bournemouth, Southampton, Salisbury and Portsmouth in top condition.

Types of Property We Serve

At Smart Drainz, we provide soakaway services for a wide range of properties including:

  • Domestic Homes: Managing rainwater and septic waste for residential properties.
  • Commercial Buildings: Ensuring efficient water management for offices, shops and other businesses.
  • Industrial Units: Handling large-scale drainage needs for factories and warehouses.
  • Farms: Installing septic soakaways for agricultural properties.
  • Schools & Hospitals: Providing robust systems for high-usage environments.

No matter the size or type of property, our team delivers tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.

Contact Us

Searching for a team capable of soakaway installation, maintenance or repair services? Contact Smart Drainz today on 03332 027129. As a trusted drainage contractor serving Bournemouth, Southampton, Salisbury and Portsmouth, we ensure soakaways are functioning optimally, granting peace of mind and protecting your property from water damage.

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