Soakaway Crates and Supplies

Soakaway drainage crates are modular plastic units that are used to create underground voids for the collection of excess surface water. They help store run-off during heavy rain before gradually dispersing it back into the surrounding ground or drainage systems, making them a vital component of a modern surface water drainage system.

When installed beneath a permeable surface, such as soil, drainage soakaway crates are able to temporarily store a quantity of surface water run-off, during a storm or sudden downpour, for example. The strong crates support the surface above as they’re wrapped in a special geotextile that lets water, but not soil, pass through. As they’re modular, they can be stacked up to ten high to create a larger underground void. Learn more about soakaway drainage crates.

The size and number of soakaway drainage crates you’ll require will depend on several factors, including your site’s size, soil type and rainfall data – and the more rainfall data available, the better. But don’t worry if it all seems very complicated, Drainfast offers a free take-off service to help you calculate the precise quantities you need – just contact our technical team for further guidance. Looking for some quick guidance? Learn more with our blog on calculating soakaway size.

Planning requirements will vary depending on your location and project scale. We recommend consulting a project engineer or your local authority to seek clarity and ensure your soakaway meets building regulations and any other local requirements.

Drainage soakaway crates are widely used beneath roads, pavements, car parks and across many commercial landscapes. They’re ideal for built-up areas where hard surfaces like concrete and tarmac increase runoff, and they are suitable for most civil, industrial or infrastructure projects as long as the proper ground conditions are present. They have increased in popularity as new ways are sought to deal with potential flooding issues.

Not always. Soakaway drainage crates rely on the surrounding ground being permeable for the system to work, so they’re not suitable for areas with heavy clay or poorly draining soil. A test is usually recommended to check if the ground on your site can safely disperse water before continuing with your installation.