Manage rainwater the smart way. CW Pipewise designs and installs soakaway systems that safely disperse surface water into the ground, helping to prevent flooding, pooling, and overwhelmed drains on your property.
A soakaway is a buried chamber (usually modular crates wrapped in a permeable geotextile) that collects rainwater from roofs, driveways, patios, and other hard surfaces. Instead of sending water into the mains, the soakaway lets it infiltrate the surrounding soil at a controlled rate—supporting SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) principles.
Quick benefits:
Reduces standing water and garden bogging
Eases pressure on combined sewers
Supports SuDS and good site drainage practice
Discreet, low-maintenance solution when designed correctly
We dig a pit in a suitable area, typically at least 5 metres from building foundations and positioned to suit gradients and pipe runs.
The void is created with purpose-made crates (for domestic installs) or clean graded stone for smaller applications.
We wrap the chamber in a permeable geotextile membrane to prevent soil ingress and long-term silting.
We connect rainwater downpipes or surface drains via silt traps/catchpits to protect the soakaway from debris.
Water collects in the chamber and gradually percolates into the surrounding soil.
Roof or driveway water currently discharges to ground and causes ponding or flooding
No surface water sewer available or economical
You’re renovating and want to separate roof water from a combined system
You’re adding a new driveway/patio and need SuDS-friendly drainage
Planning or Building Control have asked for on-site infiltration (subject to soil suitability)
A soakaway must be designed around your ground conditions:
Percolation / Infiltration Testing (BRE 365) – Determines how quickly water soaks into your soil and the volume your soakaway needs to hold.
Soil & Water Table – Heavy clay or a high water table can make soakaways impractical; we’ll advise alternatives if so.
Location Rules – Typically ≥5 m from buildings and a sensible distance from boundaries, services and trees (exact offsets depend on local guidance and site constraints).
Pre-Installation CCTV & Utility Checks – We trace and survey existing drains/services to set safe routes and connection points.
If infiltration isn’t viable, we can discuss attenuation systems with controlled discharge, or other compliant options.
It depends on the roof/hardstanding area and how quickly your soil absorbs water. We carry out infiltration testing (BRE 365) and design the crate volume accordingly.
Typically at least 5 metres from building foundations, with additional clearances from boundaries, services and trees as appropriate to your site.
Heavy clay often drains too slowly. We’ll test your soil; if infiltration is not viable, we’ll recommend alternative solutions (e.g., attenuation with controlled discharge).
Many domestic soakaways fall under permitted development, but local conditions apply. Where required, we’ll help with the necessary approvals/Building Regulations sign-off.
With correct design, silt protection and maintenance, a crate-based soakaway can last many years. Keeping gutters and silt traps clear is key.
Yes—if infiltration is suitable. We’ll use channel drains with silt capture to protect the soakaway from debris and sediment.
A soakaway infiltrates water into soil (wrapped in a permeable geotextile). An attenuation tank stores water temporarily and releases it slowly (wrapped in an impermeable liner) to a suitable discharge point.
Usually, yes—subject to ground conditions and available space for safe positioning and pipe runs.
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0208 087 1030
