It is easy to forget about some parts of our properties that we cannot see. Let us be honest, we cease to remember these areas until they stop doing their job, particularly the soakaway. These unsung heroes of drainage do their job quietly, letting rainwater seep safely into the ground. However, over time, even the best systems can run into trouble. They can become blocked, inefficient, or even fail completely. That is when the idea of refurbishing soakaways comes into play.
But what does that really involve? How do you know when refurbishment is a smart option and not just delaying the inevitable replacement? And is it always worth the time and cost? Let us unpack what refurbishing a soakaway means, what is typically involved, how to tell whether it is the right move for your home, business or building site, and how A Drainage Company can help you resolve this problem.
What is a Soakaway, Exactly?
Before we go into refurbishing soakaways, it could help to understand what a soakaway actually is and discover what its functions are.
If you have never seen one, that’s the point. They are underground. A soakaway is essentially an underground drainage system designed to handle excess rainwater. It allows water to slowly seep into the surrounding soil rather than run off onto roads, footpaths, or sewers. Soakaways are most often used in gardens, driveways, and commercial premises to reduce surface water flooding.
The following are some of the different types of soakaways:
- Rubble-filled pits – Older soakaways often consist of a pit filled with rubble or coarse stone
- Modular crate systems – Newer systems tend to use plastic crates with high void space, surrounded by geotextile membranes to prevent clogging
- Perforated pipes or trenches – Sometimes used for larger areas or in agricultural settings
Whichever type you have got, they all serve the same purpose: to soak up rain and send it back into the earth.
The Ultimate Question: Why Do Soakaways Need Refurbishment?
It can be a huge puzzle for many, but the main reason why soakaways need attention is that they block up.
Perhaps you are wondering what the causes can be when refurbishing soakaways. Most of the time, things like leaves, soil, silt, and even cooking fats can find their way in and build up. Tree roots are another common culprit. They are drawn to moisture and can invade or crush parts of the system. And sometimes, the surrounding ground gets so compacted or saturated that it just stops draining properly.
Some of the telltale signs that your soakaway might be failing include:
- Water pools on the surface after heavy rain
- Slow-draining gutters or gullies
- Damp patches near the soakaway location
- Overflowing drains or manholes nearby
When these signs pop up, refurbishing soakaways is often a smart alternative to full replacement—restoring flow without the hefty bill or major disruption.
Fixing the Problem: What Happens During a Soakaway Refurbishment?
Refurbishing soakaways is not just a matter of giving the system a poke and hoping for the best. It is a structured process, but not as intimidating as it sounds. Here is how it usually plays out:
Step 1. Figuring Out What is Going On
You cannot fix what you have not diagnosed properly. So this usually starts with inspecting the soakaway system—checking for blockages, damage, or signs that refurbishing soakaways may be required.
- A camera survey to look inside the pipes
- A percolation test to see how well the soil is still draining
- A visual inspection for silt, roots, and structural issues
This step is all about understanding whether refurbishment is viable, or whether you are looking at a full replacement.
Step 2: Get to the System
Most soakaways are underground, so refurbishing soakaways usually means digging. If it is an older system, this can involve shifting a lot of rubble and soil. With modern crates, it tends to be a bit cleaner. Either way, excavation gives access to the parts that need attention.
Step 3: Clean It Out
This is where refurbishing soakaways involves a proper clear-out. Think: removing silt, debris, roots, and anything else blocking the system.
- High-pressure jetting to blast out debris
- Manual removal of silt or compacted soil
- Clearing out any invasive roots or organic buildup
Sometimes, it is a small job. Sometimes, it is a weekend worth of digging and flushing.
Step 4: Fix What is Broken
If parts of the system are damaged, they get replaced. This might mean:
- Cutting out and replacing a cracked pipe
- Swapping out collapsed crates
- Adding root barriers or new filters
Refurbishing soakaways is rarely a full rebuild, just careful work on what is worn out, clearing blockages or replacing damaged parts.
Step 5: Make It Future-Proof
Once it is working again, it makes sense to stop the same thing from happening again anytime soon. That could involve:
- Installing silt traps to stop debris from getting in
- Wrapping crates in membrane to keep soil out
- Rerouting drainage around root-prone areas
It is about building in a bit of resilience so you are not back at square one in two years.
When Refurbishment Makes Sense, and When It Does Not
Not all soakaways are worth saving. Some systems are too old, too small, or just not up to the job. So, how do you know?
It is probably worth refurbishing if:
- The system is not ancient and was built with some care
- The issue is mostly a blockage, not a total collapse
- The surrounding ground still absorbs water reasonably well
- You would rather avoid ripping up driveways or landscaping
Perhaps it is not worth it if:
- The system’s over 30 years old and clearly failing
- The ground is totally waterlogged or unsuitable
- Roots have wrecked half the structure
- It was never big enough to cope with the water load anyway
In those cases, your money’s better spent on a clean start with a new system.
Refurbishing Soakaway? A Drainage Company is Here to Help!
Refurbishing soakaways is not something most people do every day, but we do. At A Drainage Company, we have helped countless homeowners, landlords, and site managers across the UK get their drainage systems back on track without unnecessary disruption.
Our way of working is pretty straightforward. We start by taking a proper look: no guesswork, no rushing in with spades. With tools like CCTV cameras and ground tests, we get a clear understanding of what is going on beneath the surface.
If your soakaway can be salvaged, we will roll up our sleeves and handle everything: digging it out, clearing the blockages, repairing what is damaged, and adding a few touches to help prevent future problems, like silt traps or protection from root intrusion.
But if it turns out a full replacement makes more sense, we will be honest with you. No scare tactics, no upselling: just clear advice so you can make the right decision for your property.
Suggested read: Emergency Drain Unblocking Services in Luton – What You Need To Know
Frequently Asked Questions on Refurbishing Soakaways
How long should a soakaway last?
Around 20 to 30 years with decent soil and some basic maintenance.
Can tree roots wreck a soakaway?
Yes, roots love moisture and often grow into pipes or systems, eventually blocking or breaking the, one common reason for refurbishing soakaways.
Can I connect a soakaway to a sewer to help it drain faster?
No, soakaways are for surface water only. Connecting them to foul drains is usually illegal without permission.
Should a planning permission be needed for refurbishing soakaways?
In most cases, no. But check with your local authority if you are in a conservation area, near water, or on sensitive land.
Can a blocked soakaway cause problems inside my house?
Definitely! If water cannot escape, it can build up around your foundations and lead to dampness or water ingress—making refurbishing soakaways essential.
Final Thoughts
Refurbishing soakaways is not glamorous, and it is rarely the kind of job anyone looks forward to. But if your system’s in trouble and the conditions are right, it can be a smart way to get things flowing again.
The key is getting a proper look at what is going wrong. Once you have got that clarity, it is easier to make the right decision: refurbish what you can, replace what you must, and plan ahead for better drainage down the line.