Unblocking a soakaway can range from a quick DIY fix to a major excavation project, depending on where the blockage is located. Because soakaways are essentially underground holes or crates designed to let water seep into the earth, a "blocked" soakaway often means either the pipes leading to it are clogged or the ground itself is saturated . JDP UK +1 Step 1: Identify the Location of the Blockage Before digging, check if the issue is actually in the pipework leading to the soakaway rather than the soakaway itself. Surface Water Gulleys: Check the gulleys where rainwater enters the system for leaves, silt, or debris. Silt Traps: If your system has a silt trap (a small chamber designed to catch sediment), empty it by hand or with a scoop. JDP UK +1 Step 2: Clearing the Pipes (DIY Methods) If water is backing up but the ground around the soakaway isn't waterlogged, the blockage is likely in the connecting pipes. Drain Rods or Snakes: Insert flexible drain rods or a drain snake into the pipe from a gully or inspection chamber to physically push through or break up blockages like leaves or silt. High-Pressure Hose: Use a standard garden hose or a pressure jet to force water through the pipe to dislodge sediment. Enzyme Cleaners: For organic buildup (common in septic tank soakaways), specialized bacterial products like Roebic K570 can help break down sludge without damaging the environment. Carlow Tanks +4 Step 3: Unblocking the Soakaway Itself If the ground above the soakaway is boggy or "lush," the soakaway itself is failing. Drainage Superstore +1 12 sites How to unblock a soakaway crate - JDP May 3, 2019 —
Guide: How to Unblock a Soakaway A soakaway is a simple yet essential drainage feature designed to manage surface water by allowing it to percolate slowly into the surrounding soil. When it blocks, you will notice standing water, foul smells, or damp patches near the drainage area. ⚠️ Important Safety Warning: Before beginning, ensure you are not dealing with a main sewer line. Soakaways typically handle rain/grey water. If the water smells like sewage or contains waste, call a professional immediately.
Phase 1: Diagnosis & Preparation Before attempting to unblock the soakaway, you must locate the blockage.
Locate the Inspection Chamber: Find the manhole or inspection cover nearest to the soakaway. Lift the cover. Check Flow Levels: how to unblock a soakaway
If the chamber is dry, the blockage is likely upstream (between the house and the chamber). If the chamber is full of water, the blockage is downstream (between the chamber and the soakaway).
Check the Outlet: If the chamber has an inlet (water coming in) but no outlet flow, the soakaway or the pipe leading to it is blocked.
Phase 2: Unblocking Methods Method A: The Manual Clear (For accessible pipe blockages) If the blockage is in the pipe leading to the soakaway crate/pit: Unblocking a soakaway can range from a quick
Use Drain Rods: Insert drain rods into the inspection chamber toward the soakaway. Gentle Pressure: Push the rods forward until you feel resistance. The "Screw" Motion: Attach a screw or plunger head to the end of the rods. Twist and push gently to break up the debris or pull it back toward you. Retrieval: Do not simply push the blockage into the soakaway; this will cause future issues. Try to hook the debris (roots, leaves, silt) and pull it back into the chamber for removal.
Method B: Jetting (For silt and grease build-up) High-pressure water jetting is highly effective for clearing silt and fat build-up inside the pipes.
Hire a Jetting Hose: You can hire domestic high-pressure jetting attachments for a standard pressure washer or hire a professional drain jetter. Insert and Blast: Feed the hose down the pipe leading to the soakaway. The high pressure will break up silt and flush it through. Surface Water Gulleys: Check the gulleys where rainwater
Note: This works best if the soakaway structure itself is still sound; otherwise, you are just adding water to a failed pit.
Method C: The "Soakaway Rescue" (For silted-up pits) If the soakaway pit itself is filled with silt (common in older rubble-filled soakaways), it is difficult to unblock without excavation. However, you can try: