What Are the Building Regulations for Soakaways in the UK?

If you’re planning to install a soakaway, one of the first things to understand is whether it needs to meet building regulations.

In the UK, soakaways are commonly used to manage surface water from roofs, driveways, and drainage systems. While they may seem straightforward, there are specific rules around where and how they should be installed.

These regulations are designed to protect your property, neighbouring land, and the wider environment.

Do Soakaways Need to Comply With Building Regulations?

Yes - in most cases, soakaways must comply with UK Building Regulations.

The key guidance comes from:

Approved Document H (Drainage and Waste Disposal)

This document sets out how drainage systems, including soakaways, should be designed and installed to ensure they function safely and effectively.

If you are building a new property, extension, or installing a new drainage system, your soakaway will usually need to meet these requirements.

Key Rules for Soakaway Installation

While every site is different, there are some core rules that apply to most soakaway installations in the UK.

Minimum Distance From Buildings

A soakaway should typically be installed at least 5 metres away from any building.

This helps prevent water from affecting the foundations of your home.

Distance From Boundaries

Soakaways should also be positioned away from property boundaries (usually at least 2.5 metres).

This reduces the risk of water affecting neighbouring land.

Location Away From Roads

Soakaways should not be placed too close to roads or structures where water could undermine surfaces or cause damage.

Ground Suitability (Percolation Test)

Before installing a soakaway, the ground must be tested to ensure it can absorb water. This is usually done using a percolation test, which measures how quickly water drains through the soil.

If the ground does not drain well (for example, heavy clay), a soakaway may not be suitable, and alternative drainage solutions may be required.

Not Suitable for All Wastewater

Soakaways are typically used for surface water (rainwater from roofs and driveways). They are not suitable for untreated sewage.

If you are installing a septic tank, the drainage system must be designed correctly - often using a drainage field rather than a simple soakaway.

Planning Permission vs Building Regulations

These two are often confused. In many cases planning permission is not required for a soakaway, but building regulations still apply.

For example, installing a soakaway as part of a new build or extension will usually require building control approval, even if planning permission is not needed.

Additional Considerations

When installing a soakaway, there are a few other important factors to keep in mind.

Avoiding Watercourses

Soakaways should be positioned so they do not pollute nearby watercourses such as streams, rivers, or ditches.

Correct Sizing

The soakaway must be sized correctly based on:

Roof area or surface area draining into it. Rainfall levels. Ground conditions

Undersized soakaways are one of the most common causes of drainage failure.

Professional Installation

A properly designed soakaway takes into account:

Ground conditions

Drainage calculations

Correct positioning

Long-term performance

Using experienced contractors ensures the system complies with building regulations and works as intended.

What Happens If Regulations Are Not Followed?

If a soakaway is installed incorrectly, it can lead to:

Flooding around the property

Damage to foundations

Drainage failure

Issues when selling the property

Potential enforcement from building control

Fixing a poorly installed soakaway is often more expensive than installing it correctly in the first place.

Soakaway Installation in Staffordshire and Surrounding Areas

If you are planning a soakaway installation and want to ensure it meets UK building regulations, it is always best to seek professional advice. We are experienced contractors working across Eccleshall, Stafford, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire and Shropshire, and can assess your site, carry out ground testing, and install a compliant drainage system.

Final Answer: What Are the Building Regulations for Soakaways?

Soakaways in the UK must comply with Approved Document H, including rules around distance from buildings, ground suitability, and correct design.

Following these regulations ensures your soakaway works properly, protects your property, and avoids future problems.