Expert Soakaways & Storm Lines In Bicester, Oxfordshire

Think of a soakaway as a natural way to get rid of rainwater from your roof, driveways, and other hard surfaces. It's essentially a pit or a system of crates buried underground, often filled with rubble, that allows collected surface water to slowly filter back into the surrounding soil. You might need one if your property isn't connected to a public surface water sewer, or if you're looking for an environmentally friendly way to manage your rainwater runoff, reducing the strain on public drainage systems. They're especially common in rural areas or on new builds where sustainable drainage is a priority.

When rain falls onto your roof or paved areas, it’s collected by gutters and downpipes, then directed into the soakaway. The soakaway unit itself – usually a chamber, crates, or a pit – holds this water. From there, the water gradually seeps out through the sides and bottom into the surrounding ground. This process mimics natural drainage, replenishing groundwater and preventing water from pooling on the surface. The goal is to get rid of the water effectively and safely, without overwhelming local drainage or causing flooding.

Yes, both deal with rainwater, but in different ways. A soakaway is an on-site solution designed to disperse rainwater back into the ground directly on your property. It’s a self-contained system. A storm line (often called a surface water drain) is a pipe system that collects rainwater and carries it away from your property to a larger public surface water sewer or a different approved discharge point, like a river or a larger soakaway system. So, a soakaway keeps the water on your land to filter into the ground, while a storm line pipes it off elsewhere.

There are usually clear signs if your rainwater drainage isn't working as it should. Look out for water pooling excessively on your driveways, patios, or around the base of your house after it rains. You might notice your garden becoming waterlogged for longer periods than normal. For storm lines, slow draining gullies or overflowing manholes after heavy rainfall can be a big clue. If you spot any of these issues, it's worth getting them checked out quickly to stop potential water damage to your property's foundations or garden.

Absolutely, yes. Managing surface water has rules, especially when it comes to soakaways. You need to make sure your system complies with Building Regulations (Part H, specifically). This involves factors like the soakaway's size, its distance from buildings and boundaries, and ensuring the ground is suitable for it to work effectively. For storm lines connecting to public sewers, you’ll usually need permission from your local water authority. It’s always best to chat with drainage experts like us; we can help navigate these rules and make sure any installation or repair meets all the current standards.