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Soakaway Repair and Replacement in Bournemouth and Throughout Dorset
Excessive rainfall may cause soakaways to clog, which can also lead to flooding. If you’re experiencing problems with your existing soakaway system, our experts are here to help!
At Canford Drains, we have rectified a wide array of soakaway issues for both commercial and domestic clients in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas in Dorset. Our skilled drainage engineers can repair or replace your soakaway system to prevent any further problems with flooding and waterlogging.
Get in touch with Canford Drains today on 01202 880202 or fill out our Contact Form to arrange a callout. Our services are available throughout Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding areas in Dorset.
What is a soakaway – and how does it work?
Soakaways are durable, resilient drainage systems designed to remove water from your property. They are often installed to prevent flooding, waterlogging and standing water.
In the simplest terms, they are holes dug into the ground that are covered over with turf. The holes are filled with coarse stones and rubble. This creates small pockets that are free from soil and earth, which allows water to flow away from your property, through the stone-filled holes and into the earth.
Soakaways are designed so that the excess water is diverted beneath ground level, although not deep enough to damage any nearby structures. Instead, the water is absorbed quickly and safely by the soil.


How do soakaways become blocked?
When silt, leaves and other debris is washed into the soakaway, this can prevent it from collecting rainwater to be percolated into the soil. This problem may not be immediately apparent, but many customers call us once they notice water pooling out at surface level.
How can you unblock soakaways?
What if my soakaway can’t be unblocked?
If it is not possible to unblock your soakaway, we will then need to excavate a new soakaway (or the same soakaway, after tracing) – and then install a brand new soakaway system.
All soakaway systems must be located at least five meters from the wall of a building and a minimum of two and a half meters from the boundary. This will help prevent damage to the wall and rainwater flowing into any neighbouring properties.