Soakaways and Surface Water Drainage in Dorset
Surface-water soakaways, attenuation systems and drainage solutions for commercial developments and domestic properties
Dorset Drainage Services installs soakaway and surface-water systems designed to manage rainfall and return water to the ground at a manageable rate.
From commercial development drainage to replacement domestic soakaways, we can assess the intended application and install an appropriate below-ground system.
Commercial Surface-Water Drainage
Managing surface water is an important part of site and development drainage.
Applications can include:
- Commercial developments
- Industrial sites
- Car parks
- Residential developments
- Roof drainage
- Extensions
- Hard landscaping
- Roads and access areas
- Domestic properties
Modern Modular Soakaways
Traditional soakaways may use open stone, while modern systems can use modular underground crates offering a large storage void within a relatively compact structure.
These systems temporarily hold incoming surface water and allow it to infiltrate into surrounding ground over time. Depending upon product specification and system design, installations can be selected for different surface-loading requirements.
Correct Sizing Matters
A percolation test may be required to help determine the appropriate system size and depth.
A soakaway needs to be appropriate for:
- The area being drained
- Expected rainfall
- Ground infiltration
- Available space
- Installation depth
- Ground conditions
- Proposed loading above the system
Failed or Blocked Soakaways
An existing soakaway may become less effective because of sediment, root ingress, ground conditions, age, insufficient original capacity, changes to the site or increased impermeable area.
Problems may present as overflowing gutters, standing water or surface-water drainage that no longer clears effectively. We can investigate the drainage arrangement and advise on appropriate remedial work.
Rainwater Harvesting
Where appropriate to the project, rainwater can also be collected for reuse rather than simply discharged. Above- or below-ground rainwater harvesting tanks can be considered as part of a wider approach to site surface-water management.
From Ground Assessment to Installation
A typical project may involve:
- 01Reviewing the drainage requirement
- 02Assessing available area
- 03Ground/percolation assessment where required
- 04Sizing the system
- 05Excavation
- 06Installing crates or drainage media
- 07Connecting surface-water pipework
- 08Backfilling and reinstatement
Planning a development or new hardstanding?
Send us your drawings or drainage information and speak to the team about the proposed surface-water arrangement.
Domestic Soakaways
We also install and replace soakaways serving houses, extensions, garages and other domestic surface-water systems. Where an existing system has failed, the problem should be investigated rather than simply increasing pipework or diverting water elsewhere without understanding the cause.
Coverage
Soakaway and surface-water works across Dorset and the South Coast
We undertake surface-water drainage projects throughout Dorset and surrounding areas, including commercial developments and domestic properties.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Soakaways & Surface Water
What does a soakaway do?
It receives surface water and allows it to infiltrate gradually into surrounding ground.
What are soakaway crates?
They are modular cells creating underground water-storage capacity before infiltration.
How is soakaway size determined?
Factors include drainage area, expected rainfall, ground conditions and infiltration. A percolation test may be required.
Can you replace a failed soakaway?
Yes. The existing system can be assessed and replacement options discussed.
Do you install rainwater harvesting?
Yes. Rainwater harvesting can be considered alongside surface-water drainage.
Can soakaways be used for commercial sites?
Yes. The design needs to reflect the drainage area, ground conditions and loading requirements above the system.
Enquiries
Tell us about your surface-water project
Provide the site details, area being drained and any drawings or percolation information already available.
Request a Quote
Need a better way to manage surface water?
Talk to us about soakaways, attenuation, failed systems and rainwater harvesting.