Soakaways - Blocked

A soakaway is essentially a large pit or trench filled with rubble, plastic crates, or geotextile membranes. It collects water from gutters, land drains, or septic tanks and allows it to percolate slowly into the surrounding soil. Unlike a sewer connection, a soakaway relies entirely on the ground’s natural absorption rate.

Before digging, perform a simple :

If the top layer of stone or crates is clogged, a contractor can excavate the top 300mm (12 inches), remove the compacted silt, and replace it with clean, washed angular stone. blocked soakaways

In septic tank soakaways, bacteria in the effluent create a slimy, jelly-like layer called a biomat . While a thin biomat is beneficial for filtration, a thick one becomes impermeable, preventing any water from escaping. A soakaway is essentially a large pit or

If the ground is saturated, the crates are crushed, or roots have invaded, the only solution is excavation and replacement. This is expensive (often £3,000–£10,000+) and may require a new site if the original ground has failed. Before digging, perform a simple : If the

: The water gradually seeps through the membrane and into the ground, preventing the main sewer system from becoming overwhelmed. Common Causes of Blocked Soakaways Several factors can impede a soakaway's ability to drain:

A professional drain jetter can insert a high-pressure nozzle into the soakaway inlet. This blasts silt off the walls and agitates the bottom, allowing some water to escape. Note: This is a temporary fix for light silt, not for biomat or roots.