What is a soakaway?

An underground soakaway is a simple drainage structure designed to receive and absorb surface water from hard landscaping. Rather than letting rainwater pool or run off into the street, a soakaway catches it in a lined or unlined pit, usually filled with gravel, stone, or rubble, and allows it to percolate slowly into the soil beneath.

On residential properties in Cheltenham, soakaways are commonly installed beneath driveways, patios, and other paved areas to manage water runoff. They work by filtering water through the stone or gravel fill, which slows drainage and allows infiltration into the ground. This reduces pooling on surfaces, protects against localised flooding, and can help meet drainage regulations on properties where mains water connections are not suitable or available.

A properly installed soakaway requires adequate space, suitable soil conditions, and correct depth to function effectively. Local Building Regulations and environmental policies often require drainage provisions for new hard landscaping, making soakaways a standard part of driveway and patio construction. When paving contractors plan a project, they assess whether a soakaway is needed based on the surface area being covered and the site's existing drainage setup. Paving contractors in your area can evaluate ground conditions and recommend the right solution for your property.