Q: What is a soakaway and do I need one?
A:
A soakaway is an underground system designed to collect and disperse rainwater into the ground, rather than letting it run into sewers.
You’ll likely need a soakaway if:
• You’re adding a new roof or large paved area
• Surface water can’t drain naturally
• You're not connecting to a mains stormwater drain
It’s a common requirement for extensions, rural projects, and new builds. We’ll advise whether you need one based on your site and project type.
Q: What are SUDS and why are they important?
A:
SUDS stands for Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems. These are techniques used to manage surface water in a way that mimics natural drainage, helping reduce flood risk and pollution.
SUDS can include:
• Soakaways
• Permeable paving
• Swales or shallow ditches
• Attenuation tanks
• Green roofs
SUDS are now often required for new developments and extensions, especially where hard surfaces are being added.
Q: Do I need a drainage design for my project?
A:
Yes — most planning and building warrant applications require clear information on how:
• Rainwater (roof drainage) will be handled
• Foul water (wastewater) will be dealt with
• Surface water from driveways or patios will drain
We prepare basic drainage layouts as part of your design package. If your site needs a more technical design (e.g. soil percolation testing or hydraulic calculations), we’ll coordinate with a specialist and oversee the process.
Q: How much does a drainage or soakaway design cost?
A:
Costs vary depending on the site conditions and complexity. As a guide:
• Basic drainage support (within our drawings): Included in your fee
• Third-party soakaway or SUDS design: £700 – £2,500
• Percolation testing or flood assessments: Quoted case by case
We’ll always quote the cost before any external service is instructed and include it in your cost breakdown.
Q: Can I connect to existing drains instead of installing a soakaway?
A:
Possibly — but it depends on:
• Whether there’s an existing stormwater connection available
• Local authority preference (natural drainage is usually encouraged first)
• Site conditions and project type
We’ll assess this early and advise on the best (and most compliant) option for your project.
Q: What if I’m in a rural area or flood risk zone?
A:
In rural or high-risk areas, you may need:
• SEPA registration for private foul water treatment
• Drainage impact assessments
• Flood risk reports or attenuation designs
We can guide you through the process and coordinate any required third-party input to ensure full compliance with planning and building standards.