How much does soakaway repair cost?

Costs depend on what's wrong and what's needed to fix it. Clearing a blocked soakaway with high-pressure jetting typically costs £150 to £300. Repairing damaged pipework runs £300 to £600. Full soakaway replacement - including excavation, new crates, pipework, and backfilling - usually costs £700 to £1,500 for a standard residential system. We'll diagnose the problem first and give you a fixed quote before any work starts.

How do I know if my soakaway has failed?

The main signs are water pooling on your lawn or driveway after rain, water taking more than 48 hours to drain away, soggy or waterlogged ground near the soakaway location, bad smells from the drainage area, and gutters overflowing even when they're not blocked. If you're seeing any of these, your soakaway likely needs attention.

What causes a soakaway to fail?

Common causes include silt and debris blocking the inlet pipes, the soakaway crates collapsing under ground pressure, tree roots growing into and blocking the system, the soakaway being undersized for the roof area it serves, poor soil percolation (especially in clay soils), and age - older rubble-filled soakaways eventually compact and lose capacity. We'll identify the specific cause before recommending any work.

Can a blocked soakaway be repaired, or does it need replacing?

It depends on what's causing the problem. If the blockage is in the pipework feeding the soakaway, high-pressure jetting often clears it completely. If the soakaway itself has collapsed or is full of compacted silt, replacement is usually the only option. We always try the less invasive fix first - there's no point digging up your garden if jetting will solve the problem.

How long does a soakaway last?

A properly installed modern soakaway using plastic crates should last 20 to 30 years or more. Older soakaways filled with rubble or gravel typically last 10 to 15 years before they compact and lose effectiveness. Most premature failures happen within the first five years and are usually due to poor installation or incorrect sizing rather than age.

Do I need planning permission to repair or replace a soakaway?

Generally, no. Repairs and like-for-like replacements don't usually require planning permission. However, soakaways must comply with building regulations - they need to be at least 5 metres from any building and properly sized for the roof area they serve. If you're installing a new soakaway in a different location, you may need building control approval. We'll advise on what's required for your specific situation.

Why won't my soakaway work in clay soil?

Clay soil has very poor percolation - water can't drain through it effectively. A soakaway in clay essentially becomes a water tank that never empties. This is why percolation testing is essential before installing a soakaway. If you have clay soil, alternative drainage solutions like connecting to the surface water sewer (with water company permission) or installing a larger attenuation system may be needed.

What is a percolation test?

A percolation test measures how quickly water drains through your soil. It involves digging a test hole, filling it with water, and timing how long it takes to drain. The results determine whether a soakaway will work on your land and, if so, how large it needs to be. We carry out percolation tests before any soakaway installation to make sure the solution will actually work.

Can tree roots damage a soakaway?

Yes. Tree roots are attracted to the moisture in drainage systems and can grow into pipes and soakaway crates, causing blockages and structural damage. If tree roots are the problem, we can clear them with specialist cutting equipment. However, unless the tree is removed or root barriers installed, they'll likely grow back over time. We'll explain your options and the long-term implications.

How long does soakaway repair or replacement take?

Clearing a blocked soakaway with jetting typically takes 1 to 2 hours. A full soakaway replacement usually takes a day for a standard residential system - longer if it's under a driveway or patio that needs reinstating, or if access is difficult. We'll give you a realistic timeframe when we quote.

Will my insurance cover soakaway repairs?

It depends on your policy and what caused the failure. Some home insurance policies cover drainage repairs, particularly if the damage was caused by tree roots or sudden collapse rather than gradual deterioration. We can provide the reports and documentation needed to support an insurance claim if your policy covers the work.

Soakaway repairs & Installation

Fix drainage problems at the source. Stop water pooling for good.

Diagnose why your soakaway has failed

Clear blockages with high-pressure jetting

Repair damaged pipes and connections

Full replacement when repair isn't possible

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Why choose OneFlow?

based on 180+ Google reviews

No callout fees

You only pay for the work itself. We don't charge to inspect your soakaway, diagnose the problem, or give you a quote. If we can't help, you don't pay.

Fixed pricing

We quote a fixed price before we start. No hourly rates, no surprises based on what we find underground. The price we agree is the price you pay.

Proper diagnosis first

We don't guess. We inspect with CCTV, test drainage rates, and identify exactly what's causing the problem before recommending any work. No unnecessary replacements.

10-year guarantee

Every repair we complete is guaranteed. If the problem comes back due to our work, we return and fix it free of charge.

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Problems identified and fixed - properly

We find the cause, not just the symptoms.

98%

Of customers would recommend us.

3000+

Jobs completed last year alone.

Reliable service when you need it most

A failed soakaway causes real problems - water pooling on your lawn, flooding near your property, damp issues, and that sinking feeling every time it rains.

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We find out why it's failed

Soakaways fail for different reasons - blocked pipes, collapsed crates, silt buildup, tree root damage, or simply being undersized for your property.

Repair where possible, replace when necessary

Not every failed soakaway needs digging out and replacing. Often, jetting the pipework and clearing blockages restores full function.

Why choose a local team?

See how we compare to the big brands.

The big names

What you often get with the big names.

"You need a new soakaway" - without proper diagnosis

Quotes that double once they start digging

No percolation test, no proper sizing

Problems return within months

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OneFlow

What you get when you call us.

Full inspection before any work is recommended

Fixed pricing that doesn't change mid-job

Percolation testing to ensure the solution actually works

Proper installation that meets building regulations

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Drainer of the
year 2025

The Drainage Awards

What our customers say

Real reviews from real customers.

“Called at 6am with sewage coming up through the shower. Engineer arrived before 8, fixed it within the hour. Can't thank them enough.”

— James T, Southampton

“Third company I'd tried that week. The other two never showed. OneFlow answered, turned up same day, and actually fixed it. Should have called them first.”

— Michelle R, Brighton

“No messing about. Showed me the camera footage, explained what was wrong, gave me a price, and got on with it. Exactly how it should be.”

— David H, Portsmouth

“Blocked drain on Christmas Eve. Thought we'd be stuck for days. They came out that evening and sorted it. Absolute lifesavers.”
‍

— Sarah K, Guildford

“We've used them for three rental properties now. Always answer the phone, always turn up, always fair on price. Hard to find.”
‍

— Mark L, Bournemouth

“Engineer was honest and said we didn't need half the work another company had quoted for. Saved us hundreds. We'll use them every time now.”

— Karen W, Winchester

“Toilet blocked on the morning of our daughter's birthday party. They had someone here within the hour and sorted it before the guests arrived.”

— Rachel M, Crawley

“Other companies quoted over the phone then doubled it on arrival. OneFlow quoted £180, charged £180.”
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— Tom S, Bournemouth

“Drainage issue had been misdiagnosed twice by other firms. OneFlow found the real problem in ten minutes with their camera. Fixed the same day.”

— Angela D, Eastbourne

“Rang at 11pm expecting to leave a voicemail. Actual person answered. Engineer here by midnight. Didn't think companies like this still existed.”

— Chris B, Woking

FAQs

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