Skip to content
Browse TradespeopleSearch verified local tradespeopleFind by LocationExplore trades near any UK postcodeSnap and FixNewUpload a photo, get an instant diagnosisWhat's Wrong With My House?Guided diagnosis for common problemsLive MapSee what's happening near you right nowAsk a TradespersonNewGet free advice from professionals
Cost EstimatorGet price ranges for any jobTrade Price IndexAverage costs across all tradesCost LeaderboardsCheapest and priciest areas in the UKCompare CitiesSide-by-side pricing between townsHome Problem Guides267 common issues explainedPlanning PermissionCheck if your project needs approvalCost GuidesDetailed breakdowns by trade
How It WorksFor Tradespeople
List for FreeLog In
Fix SoonCommon in SepRecommended trade: Groundworker

Soakaway Not Working

A soakaway that is not absorbing water, causing surface flooding or water backing up in drains.

What Is Causing This?

  • 1Soakaway filled with silt and no longer porous
  • 2Surrounding clay soil not absorbing water
  • 3Soakaway undersized for the volume of water it receives

How Urgent Is This?

Fix Soon

This should be fixed in the coming weeks. Leaving it may allow the problem to worsen and cost more to repair.

What Needs to Be Done

A groundworker will excavate and inspect the soakaway, clean or rebuild it with fresh aggregate, or install a larger replacement if needed.

How Much Will It Cost?

£1,366 – £5,000

National average estimate

Labour: £933 – £3,333 | Materials: £433 – £1,667

Enter your postcode for a local price estimate

Prices are estimates based on typical UK rates. Actual costs depend on the specific issue, accessibility, and your location. All quotes from tradespeople on Tradesfolk are completely free.

Find a Groundworker

Enter your postcode above to find local groundworkers, or browse all groundworkers.

Find a Groundworker

Want a More Accurate Diagnosis?

Upload a photo of the problem and our AI tool will give you a detailed diagnosis, estimated cost, and connect you with local tradespeople.

Try Snap and Fix

Still Not Sure? Ask a Tradesperson

Post your question and get free advice from verified professionals who deal with this every day.

Ask a Question

How to Prevent This

Keep leaves and debris from entering the soakaway. Have it inspected every few years. Ensure downpipes have leaf guards.

Related Problems

Standing Water in Garden After Rain

Pools of water remaining on the lawn, patio, or paths for days after rainfall.

Driveway Not Draining

Water pooling on the driveway surface or running toward the house instead of draining away.

Blocked Outside Drain

An external drain or manhole cover with standing water, overflowing, or draining very slowly.

Other Groundworker Problems

Standing Water in Garden After Rain

Pools of water remaining on the lawn, patio, or paths for days after rainfall.

Driveway Not Draining

Water pooling on the driveway surface or running toward the house instead of draining away.

Foundation Cracks

Cracks visible in the foundation walls or signs of foundation movement such as doors sticking and walls cracking.

Land Sloping Towards House

The ground around the property slopes toward the building, directing rainwater against the walls and foundations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes soakaway not working?
Soakaway filled with silt and no longer porous. Surrounding clay soil not absorbing water. Soakaway undersized for the volume of water it receives.
Is soakaway not working serious?
This should be fixed in the coming weeks. Leaving it may allow the problem to worsen and cost more to repair.
How much does it cost to fix soakaway not working?
Typical costs range from £1,366 to £5,000 depending on severity and location. Get a free quote from a local groundworker on Tradesfolk.
Groundworker PricesCost EstimatorFind a GroundworkerSnap and FixAll Home Problems