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info@smartdrainz.co.uk
03332 027129
A gravel trench with two orange drainage pipes leading into it, partially filled and surrounded by soil. A can of construction adhesive and a tool are visible on the right edge of the trench.

Soakaways

Smart Drainz installs and maintains soakaways across the South of England, providing effective solutions for managing surface water. Our expert team designs systems that reduce flooding risks and improve drainage efficiency for both domestic and commercial properties.

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

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

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

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

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.

- Smart Drainz -

Installing & Maintaining Soakaways in Bournemouth, Dorset & Across the South of England

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 seep into the surrounding soil gradually. At Smart Drainz, we handle the installation, maintenance and repair of both rainwater and septic soakaways for properties across the South of England, including Andover, Beaulieu, Bournemouth, Brockenhurst, New Forest, Portsmouth, Ringwood, Salisbury, Southampton, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, and Wiltshire.

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

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A man stands in a garden trench lined with white fabric and filled with drainage materials. A small orange excavator is parked nearby, and soil is piled on both sides of the trench.

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 a 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.

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
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A rectangular pit in the ground filled with gravel and five evenly spaced horizontal orange drainage pipes, surrounded by grass and vegetation.
A paved driveway in front of a suburban house, with a small excavator, a pile of gravel, traffic cones, and some wooden planks, indicating ongoing construction or landscaping work.

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.

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How We Install Soakaways

The Smart Drainz soakaway installation process is meticulous and tailored to each property’s unique needs.

  • 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 and jeans rakes gravel in a rectangular excavation site surrounded by dirt piles, preparing for drain re-lining. Nearby, a red mini excavator and a yellow dumper stand ready. Trees and a house complete the background scene.

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, Dorset and the wider South of England areas we cover.

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:

  • Blockages: Caused by debris, grease or silt build-up
  • Root Intrusions: Tree roots can infiltrate and damage the soakaway system
  • 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 top condition.

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Two large black plastic soakaway crates installed in a rectangular hole dug in a grassy area, with tools, a blue tarp, and a traffic cone nearby. Only a person's lower legs and feet are visible at the edge.
A large hole dug in front of a brick house reveals a partially buried septic tank with a pipe attached, surrounded by dirt, gravel, and construction materials.

Types of Property We Serve

Smart Drainz provides soakaway services for a wide range of South of England 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.

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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, we ensure soakaways are functioning optimally, granting peace of mind and protecting your property from water damage.

We operate across the South of England in key areas such as Andover, Beaulieu, Bournemouth, Brockenhurst, New Forest, Portsmouth, Ringwood, Salisbury, Southampton, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, and Wiltshire.

03332 027129

info@smartdrainz.co.uk