Soakaway Cleaning, Repair & Installation

When your soakaway stops working properly, it doesn’t take long before small drainage issues turn into bigger, more disruptive problems. Standing water, slow drainage, and even localised flooding can all point to a blocked or failing system.

At BlockBusters, we specialise in diagnosing, cleaning, repairing, and installing domestic and small commercial soakaways. Whether you’re dealing with a minor blockage or a completely failed soakaway drainage setup, our local experts provide a complete, end-to-end solution so you don’t have to worry about it.

What Is a Soakaway and Why Do They Fail?

A soakaway is an underground drainage solution designed to disperse water back into the ground safely.

There are two main types:

• Rainwater soakaways, which collect water from gutters, driveways, and surface drainage via soakaway pipes
• Septic tank soakaways, which disperse wastewater from septic systems through a drainage field

Modern systems often use soakaway crates, creating void space that allows water to gradually soak into the surrounding soil. 

Why Soakaways Become Blocked

Over time, all soakaway systems are vulnerable to failure.

For rainwater soakaways, the most common causes include:

• Silt, leaves, and debris entering the soakaway drain
• Build-up within soakaway pipework
• Ground compaction reducing drainage efficiency

For septic tank soakaways, issues often stem from:

• Excess sludge or solids entering the drainage field
• Poor maintenance of the septic system
• Soil saturation preventing proper absorption

In both cases, the result is a blocked soakaway that can no longer disperse water effectively.

Soakaway Cleaning and Unblocking

In many cases, issues can be resolved without excavation. Our team may use high-pressure water jetting to clear soakaway pipework and flush out debris from the system. This process helps restore flow and remove built-up debris that’s preventing water from draining properly.

We can:

• Jet clean soakaway pipes and drainage channels
• Backwash systems to dislodge compacted debris
• Inspect the condition of your soakaway drainage system

In many cases, this process is enough to restore performance within a few hours. This is particularly effective for domestic soakaway systems handling rainwater, but can also support septic systems where pipework is obstructed.

Soakaway Repairs and Maintenance

When cleaning isn’t enough, targeted repairs can extend the life of your system.

We provide:

• Repairs to damaged or collapsed soakaway pipework
• Clearance of heavily silted systems
• Upgrades from older rubble-filled soakaways to modern soakaway crate systems

Septic Tank Soakaway Repairs

For properties with a septic tank soakaway, repair work often needs to consider the wider system.

We can:

• Assess drainage field performance
• Identify whether issues stem from the soakaway or the septic tank
• Carry out repairs that restore proper wastewater dispersal

This joined-up approach ensures you’re not fixing one issue while another remains hidden.

New Soakaway Installation and Re-Excavation

If your soakaway has failed completely, we’ll recommend a long-term solution.

Re-Excavating Existing Soakaways

Where possible, we excavate and rebuild your current soakaway, replacing ineffective materials and restoring drainage capacity.

Installing a New Soakaway

If relocation is required, often due to modern regulations, we can design and install a new soakaway system.

Our soakaway installation service includes:

• Correct positioning away from buildings
• Installation of high-capacity soakaway crates
• New soakaway pipework connections
• Full compliance with current drainage standards

For septic tank soakaways, we ensure the drainage field is correctly designed to handle wastewater safely and efficiently.

Maintaining Your Soakaway

Ongoing maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs. For rainwater soakaways, keep your gutters and downpipes clear, prevent debris from entering your soakaway pipes, and avoid heavy loads over the soakaway area. For septic tank soakaways, empty your septic tank regularly, avoid disposing of unsuitable waste into the system, and monitor for early signs of drainage issues. Regular checks help keep your soakaway drainage system performing as it should.

What to Expect with Costs

The cost of soakaway work depends on several factors, including the type of system (rainwater or septic tank soakaway), the extent of blockage or damage, the job needed, and your ground conditions.

For septic systems, costs may also relate to the condition of the tank itself and any required maintenance. To make things easier, BlockBusters offers a free claims management service. We can:

• Liaise directly with your insurer
• Provide detailed reports
• Manage the claim from start to finish

Why Choose BlockBusters?

With over 40 years of experience, we’ve seen and solved every type of soakaway issue.

• Our team are specialists in soakaway drainage and repair
• We utilise advanced jetting and excavation equipment
• Our full-service solutions cover you from cleaning to installation
• We help you with your Insurance claims
• We offer 24/7 emergency call-outs

Get Your Soakaway Working Again

If you’re dealing with a blocked soakaway, slow drainage, or a failing system, acting early can save you time, stress, and money. Call BlockBusters today to book an inspection or discuss your options.

We’ll identify the issue, explain the solution clearly, and get your soakaway system back to full working order, quickly and professionally.