How To Install A Soakaway ?

If your garden turns into a pool frequently after rain falls, and you’re looking for how to install a soakaway, we’re here to help. Knowing how to install a soakaway is different from actually trying to do it yourself, as it requires professional tools and an experienced engineer to take care of it. We always explain to our customers the process of installing it before we do it. Our process starts with us inspecting the property, and choosing the location the soakaway is going to be installed, and it ends with us covering it and making it invisible. In this guide, we’re going to provide you with all the knowledge we have, from years of doing this job, and let you know if you can do it yourself.

When Do You Need A Soakaway?

Before installing a soakaway, it’s best to know if you actually need one. Often clients call us to install a soakaway when in reality, they need another service from us. If your drainage system is not connected with a central system then you need to connect it with a system that you create especially for your house, which is the soakaway system. Soakaway is an ideal choice if you check one of the cases below:

Water pools in the garden
Their driveway floods
Rainwater has nowhere to drain
Building an extension
Installing a new driveway
Replacing an old failed soakaway
Meeting Building Regulations

If you’re not sure if a soakaway is the right choice for you, give us a call at any moment and when it can guide you into choosing the best solution for you.

Things To Consider Before Installing A Soakaway

There are some things we consider before actually performing any installation of a soakaway, and it’s time you know it too. What we consider in advance before installing a soakaway include checking the soil, because soakaways best perform in sandy, gravel and loamy soil and have a poor performance in heavy clay and rocky ground.

We don’t suggest our customers install it when the soil material is clay, because it doesn’t absorb water. To evaluate if the soil is suitable for installing a soakaway we perform a Percolation test, and by that we determine if the soil dries fast enough. Our top performing soakaways are installed in the same level or below the level of the house, and we have built them at least 5 meters away, to avoid any structural damage in the house. So keep that in mind too.

Also things that you need to consider before heading into the process are rainwater soakaway regulations UK, that determine the distance the soakaway must meet from buildings, septic tanks or nearby trees. And another important thing would be calculating soakaway sizes correctly, in order to not have issues in the future.

How To Install A Soakaway? Step-by-Step-Guide

And now we’ll explain to you how to install a soakaway based on our 15 years of experience. Let’s head into it.

Step 1: Find the right location

To efficiently install a soakaway, we need to find the best location for our case. Based on rainwater soakaway regulations in the UK, we need to install it at least 5 meters away from the property, and even further if the site flows down back to the property. We need to make sure the area is clear of any drainage pipes, gas or water pipes, or electrical cables before installing the soakaway.

Step 2: Start digging the site

After correctly calculating your soakaway size, the next step would be to dig the hole. We suggest always dig the hole at least 6 inches more than the size of your soakaway, on all sides of the hole, including above and below it. You can dig it using tools like shovels, and if you have access, you can use more advanced tools that will finish the work faster, typically a mini digger.

Step 3: Add a filter (Our suggestion)

Even though it’s not essential, we recommend our clients to install a pre filter in the soakaway. In this way you prevent frequent blockages and make it last longer. All you need to do is maintain it and clean regularly, and no blockage will occur. You can give us a call and we can help you maintain it if you have any problem though.

Step 4: Make ready the hole

After digging the hole, make sure to remove all the rocks, roots or unnecessary stuff in there that can cause problems in the soakaway. And also make sure to make the bottom of it as smooth as it can get. When we install soakaways in domestic and commercial buildings we lay a 2cm pea shingle to lay the crates and about 15mm thick, and we suggest this to our clients too.

Step 5: Installing the crates

This is where the process gets a little too technical. To install the crates you’d need some specialised tools, without which we can’t work. First is the geotextile membrane, which we are going to use before installing the soakaway. We need this tool to line the hole and, and we need to fully wrap it in order to make its job properly. The geotextile membrane prevents dirt and clog from entering in the tank, which makes it accumulate more water and do its job better too. The second tool is the non woven geotextile membrane which we’re going to use after laying the hole. We need to tape it well around the crates and to make sure to cover the pipe entry and every outward face.

Step 6: Connect the pipes

So, there are different types of soakaways, and depending on the one that will fit the best for your case, they have a special section for rainwater to go, and if not we can let them next to the crates, but for this step we suggest you call a professional.

Step 7: Cover the ground

After properly installing the soakaway, we need to make sure to protect it by adding side and back fill to it. We need to make sure it is at least 6 inches to protect the soakaway crates. We can do this by using sand and pea shingle.

Our Last Advice For Installing A Soakaway

And after explaining how to install a soakaway from our experience, it’s time for advice. Installing a soakaway is a job that can be easy to understand, but it’s not as straightforward as it may seem. To install it you need to have good knowledge about how soakways work and how to choose the best one for your drainage system.

Calculating the size of a soakaways is another step during the process that requires it to be perfectly corrected, and there are things to keep in mind when calculating it. You’ll also need a bunch of specialised tools that you just can’t have at home, and need to make sure to follow all UK regulations before taking any action. That’s why it’s better to call a professional team to handle all of it.

We are an experienced team of engineers with years of installing soakaways for residents and business owners across London and Greater London.

We make sure to handle all UK regulations and laws, bring the most modern tools and handle the job with minimal disruptions, so that you don’t have to worry about anything and be relieved that everything is in good hands.

Call us today, and we’ll inspect your property, and cover everything we talked about. We come in under 40 minutes wherever you are located and bring solutions and relief for you.

You Need Help Installing A Soakaway ?

Contact Onsite contractors and plumbing ltd today. We are specialised engineers with years of experience and expertise, that can help you choose the right soakaway, calculate the size of the soakaway and install your soakaway within the same day of work.

FAQ:

What is a soakaway for a septic tank?

A septic tank soakaway (also known as a drainage field or leach field) is designed to safely disperse treated wastewater from a septic tank into the surrounding ground. Unlike a rainwater soakaway, it is specifically engineered to handle wastewater and must comply with strict environmental regulations. If you’re unsure which system your property requires or are planning installing a soakaway, our team can assess your site and recommend the right solution. Contact us today for expert advice and a free quotation.

Can I install a soakaway myself?

If you have the right knowledge, tools, and suitable ground conditions, it’s possible to install a small domestic soakaway yourself. However, successful installing a soakaway involves much more than digging a hole. You’ll need to carry out soil percolation tests, follow rainwater soakaway regulations UK, choose the correct types of soakaway, and ensure the system is correctly sized and positioned. Poor installation can lead to flooding and expensive repairs. If you’d rather have peace of mind, get in touch with us, as an experienced team for a professional installation.

How far should a soakaway be from a building?

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is how far should a soakaway be from a building. In most cases, soakaways should be installed at least 5 metres away from any property to reduce the risk of water affecting the foundations. The required soakaways distance from buildings may also depend on your site’s layout, soil conditions, and local regulations. If you’re unsure about the best location, contact us and we’ll help you design a compliant and effective soakaway system.

How do you make a soakaway in clay soil?

Installing a soakaway in clay soil can be challenging because clay absorbs water very slowly. Before beginning any installation, a percolation test should be carried out to determine whether the ground is suitable. In many cases, alternative drainage solutions may be needed if the soil doesn’t drain effectively. Whether you’re dealing with clay soil or a flooded garden soakaway, our drainage specialists can recommend the most effective solution. Contact us to arrange a site assessment.

How do you clear a blocked soakaway drain?

A blocked soakaway is usually caused by silt, leaves, roots, mud, or debris restricting the flow of water. Clearing the blockage may involve jet washing the drainage pipes, removing accumulated debris, or repairing damaged sections of the drainage system. In some cases, the soakaway itself may need replacing if it’s beyond repair. If your soakaway is overflowing or no longer draining properly, contact us for a professional inspection and fast, reliable repairs.

How do you calculate the size of a rainwater soakaway?

Calculating soakaway sizes involves several factors, including the size of the roof or paved area collecting rainwater, local rainfall levels, and how quickly your soil absorbs water. A percolation test is normally carried out before determining the correct size. Correctly calculating soakaway sizes ensures the system can cope with heavy rainfall and reduces the risk of future flooding. If you’d like help designing the right system for your property, contact us for expert guidance and a free quotation.

How deep does a soakaway have to be?

The required depth depends on the size of the soakaway, the ground conditions, and the amount of water it needs to manage. Most domestic soakaways are typically installed between 1 and 2 metres deep, although some may need to be deeper depending on the project. The depth should always be determined alongside the soakaway’s overall size and local ground conditions. If you’re planning installing a soakaway, contact us , we are experts for professional advice and will give you a tailored installation plan.

How long should a soakaway take to drain?

A properly designed soakaway should usually drain within 24 hours after heavy rainfall. If water remains for longer than this, it could indicate poor soil drainage, an undersized soakaway, or a blockage within the system. Regular maintenance helps keep your soakaway working efficiently and prevents unnecessary flooding. If your soakaway isn’t draining as it should, contact us as your reliable drainage specialists and we’ll identify the problem and provide the right solution.