Drainage in Eastbourne | What is a Soakaway and What Does it Do?
Not all properties in Eastbourne can support a conventional drainage system. Older developments, limited access points and sites in clay-heavy ground conditions can make it difficult, or impractical, for us to connect to public drainage. In some cases, modifying existing pipework could be too disruptive, costly or not fit for purpose.
When facing these challenges, alternative solutions are required.
This is where a soakaway system can become essential. The dependable team at M. Jaques Groundworks and Surfacing can install soakaways to manage surface water run-off naturally and effectively, perfect for situations where our traditional drainage options aren’t as viable.
Learn more about soakaways in our latest blog post.
What is a Soakaway?
A soakaway is an underground structure that we design to collect and disperse excess surface water into the surrounding soil. Instead of channelling water into sewers, it allows water to slowly soak back into the ground. Some sites in Eastbourne can support a standard drainage installation, but others might require something different.
A soakaway typically consists of a pit, filled with clean and coarse gravel or modular soakaway crates. Water flows into this pit through a pipe, then filters through the material and gradually drains into the subsoil. This process reduces surface water build-up and helps to prevent flooding or pooling around buildings and paved areas.
How Soakaways Differ to Conventional Drainage
Unlike a standard drainage system that transports water to offsite locations such as public sewers, soakaways can manage water onsite. This can produce practical benefits for properties in Eastbourne, particularly in areas where public drainage access is limited or if the ground conditions are considered variable by your contractor.
Conventional systems rely on gravity-fed pipes, inspection chambers and connections to the main network. In contrast, soakaways provide a self-contained and environmentally friendly solution that reduces strain on local drainage infrastructures in the Eastbourne area.
For many homeowners and businesses, a soakaway is also a more cost-effective way to handle water run-off without the need for complex pipe installations or having to wait for local planning approvals.
Why Choose a Soakaway?
Eastbourne’s coastal climate and varied ground composition can lead to drainage issues, especially in compacted or impermeable soils. A properly installed soakaway can help prevent standing water, reduce erosion and protect nearby structures from water-related damage.
You might benefit from a soakaway if:
- Your property cannot connect to the main drainage network
- You experience surface water pooling after heavy rain
- Your garden or driveway remains waterlogged
- Your existing drainage system cannot be extended or modified
The team at M. Jaques Groundworks and Surfacing can assess all sites in Eastbourne individually. Our contractors can perform percolation tests to determine the soil suitability and to calculate the correct soakaway size for optimal performance once it has been installed.
The Soakaway Installation Process
Our groundwork contractors always follow a straightforward, and more efficient process, when installing soakaways in Eastbourne:
- Site Assessment – We evaluate your land and check for a potential drainage restriction prior to making a decision
- Excavation – If a soakaway works better, the pit is excavated to a required depth for effective water dispersal
- Base Preparation – The base is levelled and prepared with a layer of clean aggregates to complete our preparation
- Crate or Gravel Installation – Modular soakaway crates and gravel are installed to create a void for water storage
- Connection and Backfilling – The soakaway is then connected to a drainage inlet and backfilled by our personnel
All installations comply with UK building regulations, and with all local environmental guidelines, to ensure long-term performance.
Drainage Services in Eastbourne
At M. Jaques Groundworks and Surfacing, we specialise in a practical range of drainage solutions for homes and businesses in Eastbourne. Whether you are developing a new site or want to upgrade an existing property, we provide tailored advice and professional installations.
We understand the importance of surface water management and dealing with the challenges faced by local properties. By choosing soakaway systems, you can ensure sustainable drainage that supports both your land, and the wider environment, while keeping conditions sanitary.
Contact our team today to discuss your drainage needs in Eastbourne, or to arrange a prompt site survey for a new soakaway installation.