Soakaways play a crucial role in managing surface water runoff from roofs, driveways, patios, and other impermeable areas. Instead of allowing rainwater to overwhelm local drains or cause flooding, soakaways store and gradually disperse it back into the ground through natural infiltration.
Properly designed and installed soakaways are now a requirement under UK Building Regulations (Part H) and form an essential part of modern Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). Whether for a new build, renovation, or drainage upgrade, soakaways protect your property, reduce environmental impact, and help you remain fully compliant with planning and environmental standards.
At Clearmasters, we provide tailored soakaway systems designed for your soil type, rainfall rate, and property layout. Using advanced modular crate technology and geotextile membranes, our systems deliver long-lasting performance, minimal maintenance, and maximum efficiency.
Whether you need a domestic soakaway installation or a commercial surface water management system, Clearmasters deliver end-to-end service from design and testing through to excavation and installation. With over 30 years of drainage expertise, we ensure your soakaway is designed to perform efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with environmental standards.
Installing a soakaway system is essential whenever surface water cannot safely drain into the mains sewer or when flooding, pooling, or excess runoff is a problem. They are particularly important in rural or high-rainfall areas where sustainable drainage is required by local authorities and the Environment Agency.
Our engineers design and install bespoke soakaway systems to suit your property layout and soil type, ensuring optimal performance and full compliance with SuDS regulations.
Every soakaway must be carefully designed and tested to ensure it performs correctly for the property and soil type. Before installation, Clearmasters carry out a percolation test (also known as an infiltration test) in accordance with Building Regulations Part H. This measures how quickly water drains through the soil, helping us calculate the correct size, depth, and design of the soakaway.
Our engineers use these results to create a bespoke drainage solution that manages rainfall safely and efficiently while meeting SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) requirements. This design-led approach prevents future issues such as flooding, silt build-up, or system failure, and ensures your soakaway provides decades of reliable performance.
By investing in a professionally tested and designed soakaway, you ensure long-term drainage efficiency, environmental compliance, and value for money.
The cost of a soakaway installation depends on a range of factors including the size of the area being drained, the permeability of the soil, and how accessible the site is for excavation and machinery. Each property is unique, so our team provides a bespoke quotation based on your specific requirements, ensuring the system is both cost-effective and fully compliant with drainage regulations. We carry out a detailed assessment before any work begins, allowing us to recommend the most suitable and efficient solution for your site.
Investing in a professionally installed soakaway saves money long-term by reducing flood damage, erosion, and maintenance costs. Our systems are designed for maximum durability and require minimal upkeep when installed correctly.
Clearmasters provide free, no-obligation site surveys and transparent quotes. Our experienced team will assess your site and recommend the most cost-effective solution to meet both your budget and compliance needs.
Every soakaway installation is unique, but our process ensures compliance, efficiency, and lasting performance for domestic and commercial clients alike.
We conduct detailed soil assessments and infiltration (percolation) testing in accordance with Building Regulations Part H to determine the correct soakaway size and location.
Using test results, we design a bespoke soakaway system with the correct capacity and discharge rate, fully compliant with SuDS guidelines.
Our experienced groundworks team excavates the soakaway area to precise dimensions, ensuring correct depth, levels, and safe working conditions.
We install modular soakaway crates wrapped in non-woven geotextile membranes to prevent silt ingress and ensure efficient infiltration.
The soakaway is connected to roof downpipes, drains, or channels to collect runoff effectively while maintaining correct gradients for flow.
Once installed, the system is tested for performance before backfilling with permeable materials to promote drainage and stability.
With over 30 years of experience in drainage and groundworks, Clearmasters provide trusted, fully compliant soakaway installations throughout Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, and London. We combine expert design with precision installation to deliver systems that perform year after year.
Whether you need to upgrade an old rubble soakaway or design a new system from scratch, we provide end-to-end project management with minimal disruption and maximum value.
With proper installation and maintenance, a soakaway can last over 30 years. Keeping gutters and drains clear helps prevent blockages and extends lifespan.
Soakaways are generally classed as permitted development, but larger commercial systems or installations near watercourses may require approval.
Free-draining soils such as sand or gravel are ideal. Clay soils may need larger soakaways or additional drainage design considerations.
Slow-draining gullies, standing water, or waterlogging near the soakaway area usually indicate silt build-up or failure that needs investigation.
Yes. We frequently upgrade older systems with modular crate soakaways that are cleaner, more efficient, and SuDS-compliant.
The correct size is determined by roof area, rainfall, and soil type. We calculate the exact capacity needed using percolation tests and design data.
