How Long Does It Take to Install a Soakaway?

Slow Draining Pipes

If you’ve been experiencing standing water in your garden, slow-draining pipes, or an overloaded septic tank system, a soakaway could be the perfect solution. But one of the first questions homeowners and businesses in Dorset and the South Coast ask is: how long does it take to install a soakaway?

The answer depends on a range of factors, but understanding the process can help you set realistic expectations. At Pro Sewage Treatment, we’ve installed countless systems across Dorset, Hampshire, and surrounding areas — and we know that proper planning makes all the difference.

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What Is a Soakaway and Why Is It Needed?

A soakaway is a drainage solution designed to disperse excess surface water or wastewater safely back into the ground. It typically involves a system of trenches or crates filled with gravel or modular soakaway crates, which allow water to slowly filter into the surrounding soil.

Soakaways are commonly installed alongside:

Septic tanks – to handle treated wastewater.
Rainwater systems – to prevent flooding and pooling.
Driveways and patios – to manage stormwater run-off.

For homeowners in Dorset and the South Coast, where heavy rainfall and clay-heavy soil can be common, a well-designed soakaway is essential for effective drainage.

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Factors That Affect Installation Time

The duration of soakaway installation can vary depending on several site-specific factors:

Soil type – Free-draining soils (like sandy soil) are quicker to work with than heavy clay. Clay soil may require a larger soakaway system and additional preparation.
Size of the soakaway – Larger soakaways for commercial properties naturally take longer than smaller domestic systems.
Property layout & access – Easy access for machinery can reduce installation time. Restricted access may require manual digging.
Ground conditions – Existing drainage issues, tree roots, or buried utilities can delay the process.
Weather – Heavy rain can slow down excavation and installation.
Survey and design – Time must be allowed for percolation tests and system design before installation begins.

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Typical Soakaway Installation Timeframes

Although every project is unique, here’s a general guide to how long you can expect installation to take:

Initial survey and percolation test: 1–2 days
System design and approval (if required): 1–2 weeks
Excavation and soakaway installation: 1–3 days (depending on size and complexity)
Backfilling and finishing: 1 day

In most cases, a standard domestic soakaway in Dorset can be installed in 2–4 days once groundworks begin. Larger commercial systems may take up to a week or more.

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Preparation Before Installation

Before the physical work begins, several steps need to be completed to ensure the soakaway will function properly:

Site survey – A professional assessment of your property and soil conditions.
Percolation test – A mandatory test to measure how quickly water drains into the soil.
Design & planning – Determining the correct soakaway size and placement to meet building regulations.
Ground clearance – Removing vegetation, old drainage, or debris from the site.

Taking the time to get these steps right ensures your soakaway will last for decades without issues.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Once your soakaway is installed, ongoing care is minimal — but important:

Regular septic tank maintenance – Prevents solids from entering and blocking the soakaway.
Avoid driving over the soakaway – Pressure can damage underground crates or pipes.
Keep heavy planting away – Roots can infiltrate and block the system.
Watch for signs of problems – Pooling water, foul smells, or slow-draining fixtures may mean it is struggling.

Professional Soakaway Installation

Some homeowners consider installing a soakaway themselves. While this may be possible for very small rainwater soakaways, it’s not recommended for wastewater soakaways connected to septic tanks.

Here’s why professional installation is best:

Regulation compliance – Soakaways must meet strict building regulations and environmental standards.
Correct sizing – Professionals ensure your soakaway is big enough to handle the flow.
Specialist equipment – Excavators and percolation test equipment speed up the process.
Long-term reliability – Professional installation reduces the risk of costly failures.

At Pro Sewage Treatment, we combine local expertise with years of experience, ensuring yours is designed and installed to the highest standards.

How Pro Sewage Treatment Can Help

If you’re based in Dorset, Hampshire, or the South Coast, our team is here to provide a complete service:

Site surveys and percolation testing
design and installation
Septic tank installation and maintenance
repairs and replacements

Conclusion

For most domestic properties in Dorset and the surrounding areas, you can expect the process to take just a few days once work begins, with additional time needed for surveys and planning.

A properly installed soakaway is a long-term investment in your property’s drainage, protecting your home or business from flooding, foul odours, and costly repairs.

Get in touch with Pro Sewage Treatment today for expert installation and drainage solutions across Dorset and the South Coast.

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