Soakaway Installation

How do soakaways work?

Soakaways help control waterlogging through a series of five main stages, as detailed below. With a soakaway installed on your property, you'll notice a dramatic reduction in the amount of water that pools and sits on the ground's surface thanks to the following system.

1. Water Collection

Rainwater or surface water is collected from areas such as building roofs, driveways, or paved surfaces.

2. Water Diversion

The collected water is directed towards the soakaway system through gutters, downpipes, or channels.

3. Water Infiltration

The water enters the soakaway system, usually a specially constructed pit or trench filled with permeable materials like gravel or aggregate.

4. Water Absorption

The water gradually seeps into the surrounding soil, aided by the permeable materials in the soakaway, which allow for efficient drainage.

5. Water Dispersion

Once the water infiltrates the soil, it disperses naturally, benefiting from the soil's ability to absorb and retain water, preventing flooding and waterlogging in the area.

Overall, soakaways provide a sustainable and effective method of managing excess water, allowing it to be evenly absorbed by the soil. They offer an unobtrusive way to manage waterlogged ground and can be installed in just one day.

Where can soakaways be installed?

After assessing your property, and the specific drainage difficulties you're facing, we will carry out your soakaway installation in the most efficient location for achieving the best results. Here are some of the areas where soakaways can be most beneficial.

Soakaways for Driveways

Installing a soakaway beneath your driveway will allows for effective drainage of surface water, preventing pooling and improving the overall durability of the driveway surface.

Soakaways for Patios and Gardens

Soakaways can be placed beneath your patio or garden to manage excess water and prevent waterlogging, ensuring a dry and manageable outdoor space.

Roof Soakaways

Soakaways can be installed to collect and manage rainwater runoff from your roof. This helps prevent water from overflowing uncontrollably or causing damage to the property's foundation.

Soakaways for Downspouts and Gutter Systems

Installing a soakaway at the end of a downspout or gutter systems will help capture and disperse rainwater efficiently. This can minimise the risk of water damage to your property.

Soakaways in Low-Lying Areas

If certain sections of a residential property are prone to water accumulation or are situated in a flood-prone region, installing soakaways in those low-lying areas can help mitigate the risk of flooding and prevent water-related issues.

Why bother with a soakaway?

Flooding around your property can be inconvenient – especially if large pools of water make it difficult to walk around without getting wet or threaten to ruin the garden.

However, soakaways solve more than just cases of inconvenience – they also offer valuable protection to your home. How so? Find out below:

• Excessive water accumulation can weaken the structural integrity of your home's foundation over time. The soil around the property may become saturated, leading to soil movement, foundation settling, or even structural cracks in the building.
• Without a soakaway, uncontrolled water runoff can cause erosion of the soil, particularly in sloped areas. This erosion can affect the stability of landscaping, driveways, and walkways, leading to potential safety hazards.
• Without proper drainage, moisture may penetrate the walls, floors, and structures of the property. This can result in dampness, mould growth and rotting wood – potentially leading to costly repairs.
• Insufficient drainage can negatively impact the health of plants and trees, surrounding the property. Excessive water accumulation can drown plants, damage their roots, and promote the growth of fungal diseases.

As you can see, the benefits of installing a soakaway and ensuring proper drainage at your property spread far and wide – from saving money on potential building repairs, to protecting the trees by your home.

No matter where you're noticing flooding and waterlogging around your property, get in touch to find out how rainwater soakaway installation can help. We'll be able to install a soakaway in just one day, and they're so subtle you'll barely even notice it's there.

Want to find out more about soakaways? Read our full guide to soakaway drainage.

Otherwise, for a personalised quote, or more information, give the team at Greenstar a call on 01202 355 344 or send us a message via our contact form.