Flooded gardens, standing water after heavy rain, or persistent damp around your property are more than just seasonal annoyances, they are often signs of poor surface water drainage. One of the most effective and long-lasting solutions is a soakaway. Designed to safely manage excess rainwater, soakaways help protect your home, garden, and foundations by allowing water to drain naturally back into the ground rather than pooling on the surface or overwhelming drains.
A soakaway is an underground drainage system that collects rainwater from roofs, driveways, patios, and hard landscaping, then slowly disperses it into surrounding soil. This controlled release reduces the risk of flooding, erosion, and water damage, while also supporting sustainable drainage practices that align with modern building regulations and environmental standards.
Understanding how soakaways work, and whether your property needs one, is essential for homeowners, landlords, and developers alike. Factors such as soil type, water table levels, property layout, and rainfall patterns all influence how effective a soakaway will be and how it should be designed. When installed correctly, a soakaway can provide decades of low-maintenance protection against surface water problems.
At DMI Draincare & Groundworks, we specialise in the installation, repair, and maintenance of soakaways across Selby, Goole, York, and the wider Yorkshire area. Whether you’re dealing with recurring waterlogging, planning a new build, or upgrading an existing drainage system, this guide explains what soakaways are, how they work, and when they are the right solution for your property — helping you make informed, practical decisions with confidence.
What Is a Soakaway?
A soakaway is a simple underground system that helps manage excess rainwater. It collects water through a pipe or drain and allows it to slowly soak into the surrounding soil.
Soakaways are often used for:
- Gardens and lawns
- Driveways and patios
- Roof guttering and downpipes
- Surface water drainage systems
Installed correctly, a soakaway reduces the risk of flooding, protects your foundations, and keeps your garden usable all year round.
How Does a Soakaway Work?
A typical soakaway is made up of:
- A perforated crate or rubble-filled pit
- Inflow pipes from gutters or drains
- A filtering membrane to prevent soil contamination
Rainwater enters the soakaway through the pipework. Instead of pooling on the surface or overloading the drains, it gradually disperses into the ground.
If your property doesn’t connect to a mains surface water sewer, a soakaway is often the best (and required) option.
Signs You Might Need a Soakaway
If you notice the following, you should consider a professional assessment:
- Rainwater collecting on your lawn or drive
- Slow-draining gutters or gullies
- Soggy patches or waterlogged turf
- Localised flooding after heavy rain
- Nearby drains overflowing
These issues may point to a blocked or failed soakaway—or the need to install one in the first place.
We offer drainage surveys to locate and diagnose problems fast, and full drainage system installation if needed.
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Soakaway?
Most domestic soakaway systems fall under permitted development, meaning you usually won’t need planning permission. However, this depends on the:
- Property location
- Ground conditions
- Whether you’re in a flood risk zone
Our experienced team can advise and ensure any work is compliant with Building Regulations and Environment Agency guidance.
How Long Do Soakaways Last?
A professionally installed soakaway can last 20–30 years or more. However, over time, they can become blocked with silt, debris or roots.
If your existing soakaway is failing, we offer:
- Soakaway repairs
- New system design and installation
- Full drainage and groundworks packages
We also carry out CCTV drain surveys to inspect underground drainage.
Why Choose DMI Draincare for Soakaway Work?
We’re a local, Yorkshire-based company with a proven track record. Customers across Selby, Goole, and York trust us because we:
- Offer free quotes
- Provide honest advice – no upselling
- Are fully insured and certified
- Handle everything from start to finish
- Have 5-star reviews from real customers
Every soakaway we install is built to last and tailored to the needs of your property.
Get in Touch Today for a Free Quote!
Think you might need a soakaway? We’ll inspect the problem, explain your options, and provide a no-obligation quote.
Call Us:
Office – 01757 429296
Out of Hours – 07947978854
Email Us:
info@dmidraincareandgroundworks.co.uk
Or use our contact form and we’ll call you back.
FAQ on Soakaways
1. Can I install a soakaway myself?
DIY soakaways often fail due to poor sizing or ground conditions. We recommend professional installation to ensure proper drainage and longevity.
2. Will a soakaway fix garden flooding?
Yes, in many cases. A correctly designed soakaway can resolve surface water issues in gardens, drives, and patios.
3. How do I know if my soakaway is blocked?
If water backs up in drains or pools near the soakaway, it may be blocked. We offer CCTV drain inspections to confirm.
