Soakaways Havant Hampshire !!top!! 90%
Parts of Havant, particularly near Langstone, Emsworth, and the Hermitage stream, lie within Flood Zone 2 or 3. Here, soakaways can fail because winter water tables rise close to the surface. A percolation test (a BRE 365 test) is mandatory before installation to confirm that the ground can absorb water within 24-48 hours.
Combined with the area’s average annual rainfall of approximately 700-800mm, and the increasing frequency of intense downpours attributed to climate change, many Havant properties face surface water pooling, soggy lawns, and even foundation damage. In new developments—such as those around the former Knowle Brickworks site or on infill plots—planning authorities like Havant Borough Council now routinely require sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), with soakaways being the first option where ground conditions permit. soakaways havant hampshire
Modern best practice in Havant favours geotextile-wrapped, modular crate systems over the old rubble pits. These offer higher void space (up to 95%) and reduce sediment clogging, a critical advantage given the fine silts present in many Havant gardens. Parts of Havant, particularly near Langstone, Emsworth, and
To ensure that a soakaway is effective and functions properly, it's essential to design and install it correctly. Here are some key considerations: Combined with the area’s average annual rainfall of
At , we don’t just dig holes; we design drainage solutions. We specialize in installing high-capacity soakaway crates and French drain systems specifically engineered to bypass heavy clay layers and disperse surface water efficiently. Whether you are in Leigh Park, Bedhampton, or Rowlands Castle, we have the solution for your soil type.
For new extensions or changes of use, Part H of the Building Regulations requires soakaways to be located at least 5 metres from any building and designed to handle a 1-in-100-year storm event plus 40% allowance for climate change—a standard that many old Havant soakaways do not meet.
Standard soakaways often fail here because the water cannot percolate through the clay fast enough, leading to flooding, soggy lawns, and eventual system failure.