How to Restore a Failing Soakaway System in Rural Properties
- Drain Unblocker
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
By Aquablast Drain Services Ltd – Serving Somerset, South Gloucestershire & South Wales
If your septic tank or drainage system is showing signs of flooding, slow drainage, or pooling water in your garden, the problem may not be the tank itself — it could be your soakaway system.
A failing soakaway can cause contamination, property damage, and even legal issues under UK environmental regulations.
At Aquablast Drain Services Ltd, we specialise in diagnosing and restoring failing soakaway systems across the South West, using environmentally safe and cost-effective solutions.
This guide explains what a soakaway does, why it fails, and how professional restoration can return your system to full working order.
What Is a Soakaway System?
A soakaway (also called a drainage field) is a network of perforated pipes buried underground. It disperses the treated liquid effluent from your septic tank into the surrounding soil, allowing it to filter naturally.
A correctly functioning soakaway ensures:
Proper wastewater disposal
No surface flooding or odours
Compliance with Environment Agency General Binding Rules
However, with time and lack of maintenance, even well-installed soakaways can start to fail.
Common Signs of a Failing Soakaway
Recognising early warning signs can prevent more serious problems later.
Water pooling or soggy patches above the drain field
Drains or toilets emptying slowly
Gurgling noises when flushing or draining
Foul odours around the tank or garden
Septic tank filling faster than usual
Algae or unusually green grass over the soakaway area
If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to act quickly before contamination spreads.
Learn more about Septic Tank Services and system maintenance options.
Why Soakaways Fail
Several issues can cause a soakaway to stop functioning properly.
Blockage or Sludge Build-Up
Solids and fats that escape from the septic tank can accumulate inside the soakaway pipes, reducing the ability for effluent to percolate through the soil.
Soil Compaction or Saturation
If the surrounding ground becomes compacted or permanently saturated with rainwater, wastewater cannot disperse effectively.
Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots can penetrate the perforated pipes, blocking or breaking the system.
Age and Deterioration
Older soakaways, particularly those installed before 2000, may use outdated materials that degrade or clog over time.
Incorrect Design or Installation
Inadequate drainage depth, insufficient field size, or poor soil permeability often lead to early failure.
For a full diagnosis, book a CCTV Drain Survey to identify the root cause before repair.
Professional Soakaway Restoration by Aquablast Drain Services Ltd
Every soakaway restoration begins with a detailed site assessment. Our engineers use advanced diagnostics and restoration methods tailored to your soil type, drainage field size, and septic tank design.
1. Inspection and Diagnosis
We start with a CCTV drain inspection to assess the extent of blockages, pipe conditions, and soil saturation levels.
2. High Pressure Jetting and Flushing
Our High Pressure Jetting equipment removes grease, sludge, and biofilm from soakaway lines, restoring natural flow.
3. Aeration and Bio-Restoration
In some cases, introducing oxygen and biological treatments helps re-activate soil bacteria and improve percolation.
4. Root Cutting and Pipe Rehabilitation
If roots or cracks are detected, we perform mechanical root cutting and, if necessary, non-dig relining repairs to restore pipe integrity.
5. Replacement or Redesign (If Required)
Where existing soakaways are beyond repair, we design and install new systems in line with Environment Agency standards.
Explore our Drain Repairs & Relining Services for long-term solutions.
Preventing Future Soakaway Failure
Simple maintenance and care can significantly extend the lifespan of your soakaway system.
Empty your septic tank at least every 12–18 months
Avoid flushing fats, oils, wipes, and chemicals
Keep trees and shrubs at least 10 metres away from the drain field
Direct roof and surface water away from the area
Use septic-safe cleaning products to maintain bacterial balance
For routine inspections and servicing, contact our Septic Tank Maintenance Team.
Legal and Environmental Considerations
Under the Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules, any system that discharges directly into ditches, streams, or groundwater must be upgraded to a compliant soakaway or treatment plant.
Failure to maintain or repair a failing soakaway can result in environmental penalties or enforcement action.
Aquablast Drain Services Ltd ensures every restoration meets current Environmental Permitting Regulations (England and Wales) for safe and sustainable wastewater disposal.
Areas We Cover
Our rural drainage engineers provide soakaway restoration services across:
Somerset: Weston-super-Mare, Wells, Glastonbury, Bridgwater, Taunton, Cheddar
South Gloucestershire: Thornbury, Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Marshfield
South Wales: Cardiff, Newport, Abergavenny, Monmouth, Pontypool
We are fully equipped to reach even the most remote rural properties, farms, and holiday parks.
Why Choose Aquablast Drain Services Ltd
More than 25 years of drainage experience in the South West
Licensed waste carrier – Environment Agency approved
Modern, compact jetting and inspection equipment
Non-dig restoration and relining technology
24-hour emergency service for rural properties
Trusted, family-run local business
Call 0800 097 8255 or Contact Us Online for expert soakaway inspection and restoration.
Summary
A failing soakaway is more than an inconvenience — it’s a risk to your property, health, and the environment.
Professional restoration by Aquablast Drain Services Ltd can restore flow, extend your system’s life, and ensure full environmental compliance.
Whether you need inspection, jetting, relining, or complete replacement, our team provides reliable, eco-friendly solutions throughout Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and South Wales.
Visit our Septic Tank Services Page to learn more or schedule your restoration service today.
📞 Contact Us Today
Aquablast Drain Services Ltd
📍 Serving Bristol and surrounding areas
📞 0800 097 8255
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