When rainwater has nowhere to go, it collects around your property, causing soggy lawns, waterlogged driveways, or even flooding near foundations. Soakaways and land drains are simple but highly effective ways to manage this excess water.
DMI Draincare & Groundworks designs and install systems that keep your property safe from standing water and foundation damage, helping homeowners and businesses across Yorkshire improve their drainage efficiency.
What Are Soakaways and Land Drains?
A soakaway is an underground system that allows rainwater to slowly disperse into the surrounding soil rather than flooding the surface. It’s usually a gravel-filled pit or a modular crate system connected to downpipes or surface drains.
Land drains, on the other hand, are perforated pipes buried beneath the ground. They collect excess groundwater and redirect it to a suitable outlet, often a soakaway or drainage ditch.
Together, they create a complete water-management system, ideal for both domestic and commercial properties. If your garden or driveway holds water after rainfall, learn more about our land drain and soakaway drainage systems.
Why These Systems Matter
Without proper drainage, excess water can cause:
- Surface flooding around patios, gardens, or driveways
- Soil erosion that weakens foundations
- Damage to paving and tarmac from standing water
- Damp and mould problems inside the property
Installing land drains and soakaways prevents these issues before they become expensive to fix.
How Soakaways Improve Efficiency
- Promote Natural Water Disposal
Instead of directing rainwater to the public sewer, a soakaway allows it to return naturally to the ground, reducing strain on drainage networks. - Reduce Local Flood Risk
By managing stormwater locally, soakaways prevent run-off from overwhelming nearby drains — a key advantage in areas like York and Selby that often face heavy rain. - Low Maintenance, Long-Term Value
Once installed correctly, a soakaway needs very little maintenance and can last for decades if debris and silt are kept away with regular drain cleaning.
How Land Drains Boost Drainage Performance
Land drains are ideal for flat, poorly drained areas such as gardens, driveways, or farmland. They work by collecting water through small perforations along the pipe, preventing it from pooling on the surface.
Key Benefits:
- Rapid removal of surface and groundwater
- Prevention of root damage and soil instability
- Reduction in lawn waterlogging and plant rot
- Better structural integrity for patios, driveways, and foundations
Our team can integrate land drains as part of full drainage installations or larger groundworks projects for new builds.
When to Consider Installing Soakaways or Land Drains
You may need a professional inspection if you notice:
- Puddles that linger for hours or days
- Water marks on outside walls or driveways
- A spongy or soft lawn
- Water entering your garage or outbuildings
A quick CCTV drain inspection can help determine if the issue comes from blocked pipes, collapsed drains, or poor surface water management.
How We Design Drainage for Maximum Efficiency
Our engineers assess the soil type, water table, and property layout before recommending a system. This ensures your soakaway or land drain performs at peak efficiency all year round.
We often combine these systems with:
- Drain repairs to fix damaged or collapsed pipes
- Emergency drainage services for urgent flood prevention
- Drain maintenance to ensure long-term reliability
Why Homeowners Across Yorkshire Trust DMI Draincare
- Proven local experience in Selby, Goole, York, and surrounding areas
- Five-star reviews from satisfied customers (see our Google Reviews)
- Fully equipped for residential and commercial drainage
- Transparent pricing and free quotes for every job
Our local knowledge means we understand how Yorkshire’s clay soils and rainfall patterns affect drainage. That’s why our solutions are tailored, durable, and regulation-compliant.
Contact Us
If your garden or drive keeps flooding, you might need a soakaway or land drain. Our local engineers can assess and install the right solution quickly and effectively.
Call Us
Office – 01757 429296
Out of Hours – 07947978854
Email Us
info@dmidraincareandgroundworks.co.uk
Or request a free, no-obligation quote via our contact page.
FAQ: Soakaways and Land Drains
Do all properties need a soakaway?
No, but if surface water has nowhere to go, a soakaway is one of the most effective and eco-friendly solutions.
How long does installation take?
Most domestic soakaways or land drains can be installed within a few days, depending on ground conditions.
Can I connect a soakaway to my existing drainage system?
Yes, we can connect soakaways to existing pipes or install new runs as part of our drainage installations service.
How often should a soakaway be checked?
We recommend annual checks to prevent silt build-up and ensure efficient water flow.
