💧 What Is a Soakaway and Do You Need One in Bournemouth?

If your garden or driveway regularly floods after heavy rain, or your drains struggle to cope with excess water, the problem might not be a blockage — you could need a soakaway system.

At 24 Hour Drain Unblocking, we help homeowners and businesses in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, Wimborne, and across Dorset with soakaway installation, maintenance, and repairs.

🌀 What Is a Soakaway?

A soakaway is an underground drainage solution designed to:

• Collect excess surface water (from roofs, driveways, or lawns).

• Store it temporarily.

• Slowly release it into the surrounding soil.

Soakaways are often built using rubble-filled pits or modern plastic soakaway crates, which allow rainwater to disperse naturally back into the ground.

For more background, see CIRIA’s guide on sustainable drainage.

⚠️ Signs Your Property Might Need a Soakaway

You may need a soakaway if you notice:

• Puddles forming on your lawn or driveway.

• Slow-draining surface water near gutters or downpipes.

• Flooding in your garden after heavy rain.

• Neighbours’ properties draining into yours.

In areas like Highcliffe, Mudeford, Southbourne, and Ringwood, heavy clay soils can make drainage more difficult — making soakaways an essential fix.

🛠️ Soakaway Installation & Repairs

• New Installations – A soakaway pit is dug and filled with rubble or soakaway crates. The size depends on property size and expected rainfall.

• Soakaway Repairs – Over time, soakaways can become clogged with silt, leaves, or debris. When this happens, water stops dispersing and flooding returns.

• CCTV Drain Surveys – Before installing or repairing, we recommend a drain survey to check the condition of existing pipes and connections.

For best practices, check UK Government SuDS guidance.

💰 How Much Does a Soakaway Cost?

Typical soakaway installation costs in Dorset range from:

• £500 – £1,000 for small domestic soakaways.

• £1,500+ for larger commercial or driveway soakaways.

Repairs and maintenance are usually cheaper, depending on accessibility and soil type.

For cost comparisons, see Checkatrade’s soakaway cost guide.

🏡 Why Choose a Local Bournemouth Soakaway Specialist?

• Fast response across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Highcliffe, and surrounding Dorset areas.

• 24/7 service for emergency flooding issues.

• Local knowledge of soil conditions in areas like Canford Cliffs, Branksome, and Wimborne ensures the right solution first time.

✅ Final Word

Soakaways are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to prevent flooding and protect your property from excess rainwater.

If you’re experiencing flooding or slow-draining surface water, get in touch with 24 Hour Drain Unblocking for expert advice and soakaway installation or repair in Bournemouth and Dorset.