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Soakaways & Attenuation Systems
Surface water problems don't just cause puddles. They can create slip hazards, damage building fabric, overwhelm drainage networks, and trigger repeated flooding around entrances, car parks, loading bays, and landscaped areas.
Rated 4.9 on Google
ICE Drainage installs and repairs soakaways and attenuation systems across London and the Home Counties, supporting commercial property teams, hospitality sites, and facilities management with practical, compliant surface water solutions.
If you need more information about any of our drainage services, please contact a member of our team today. You can either email us at contactus@icedrainage.co.uk or call our support team at 0203 870 1067.
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By asking you a few questions either via phone or email I can immediately provide a realistic estimation of the cost.
Our soakaways & attenuation systems treatment process
Step 1 Contact
To book a free, no-obligation survey appointment, either give us a call on 0203828 7719 or email us on contactus@icedrainage.co.uk.
A member of our friendly support team will reach out to discuss your requests and provide an estimated cost for your Soakaways & Attenuation Systems service.
If necessary, our technicians will visit the site to review the current situation.
Step 2 Quote
Adhering to all health and safety protocols, our technicians will assess the state of your property. They will then conduct a risk assessment to avoid unforeseen issues arising during the works.
Our team will make tailored suggestions concerning the best service for your situation and address any concerns or queries. You will receive a free, comprehensive quote for your Soakaways & Attenuation Systems service.
Step 3 Works
Our qualified technicians will arrive promptly, fully uniformed with ID badges, ready to begin the work.
The service will be completed in accordance with the survey, adhering to all health and safety rules. We aim to maintain a safe working environment for all parties at all times.
Our team will review and document the completed work, making sure you're pleased with the job. We promise to leave your property safe and clean.
Step 4 After care
Here at ICE Drainage, we go the extra mile to ensure all clients are satisfied.
Our dedicated customer service team strive to converse with every client following the Soakaways & Attenuation Systems service to make sure all expectations have been met.
You'll also be given the opportunity to write a Trustpilot review.
Emergency Hotline
0203 870 1067
Helpline open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
When calling please have
the following ready:
- Your Name
- Company Name (if applicable)
- Site Postcode
- The problem you're having
- Email Address
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Soakaway & Attenuation System Installation FAQs
The basics
What is an attenuation system?
It's a system that temporarily stores surface water and releases it slowly, reducing the risk of flooding downstream.
What is a soakaway?
It's a structure that allows surface water to soak away into the ground gradually, rather than draining straight into a sewer.
Can these systems help meet planning conditions?
Yes, many planning approvals require proper surface water management, which these systems can help satisfy.
Technologies used
How do you decide which system is right for my site?
This depends on ground conditions, site size, and any planning requirements, we can advise after assessing your site.
Do I need a percolation test before installing a soakaway?
Yes, this confirms the ground can absorb water at the right rate for a soakaway to work properly.
On the day
How long does installation take?
It depends on the size and type of system, from a couple of days to longer for larger projects.
Why choose us?
- Cater to a wide variety of drainage situations
- Nationwide coverage, available 24/7
- Cater to commercial and domestic clients
- Free survey provided prior to quotation
- Emergency response team
- Offer a bespoke service designed to suit all your needs
- All technicians hold professional health and safety qualifications
What is a soakaway?
A soakaway is an underground system that collects surface water and lets it soak into the ground. Soakaways are commonly used where there's no suitable surface water connection, where you need to reduce runoff and pooling, and where the ground conditions allow infiltration.
Soakaways can be built using different methods, such as modular crate systems or traditional aggregate-filled pits, but the principle is the same: store water temporarily and disperse it safely.
What is an attenuation system?
An attenuation system stores surface water and releases it at a controlled rate. This helps prevent flooding further downstream and reduces pressure on drainage networks.
Attenuation is commonly used when infiltration isn't suitable due to poor ground conditions, when discharge needs to be restricted to a set flow rate, when you're managing larger catchments such as car parks, roofs, or yards, or when a site needs to meet planning or drainage strategy requirements.
Attenuation solutions can include tanks, oversized pipe runs, or other storage structures, usually paired with a flow control device.
When you might need a soakaway or attenuation system
These systems are often needed when you're experiencing standing water in car parks, service yards, or loading bays, regular pooling near entrances and walkways, flooding after heavy rainfall, overloaded gullies or surface water drains, runoff issues from roofs or hardstanding, or drainage problems linked to site changes or refurbishments.
If the issue keeps coming back, it's usually a sign the existing surface water drainage is undersized, blocked, incorrectly graded, or not designed for current rainfall patterns and site use.
Commercial applications
We commonly support hotels and leisure sites with large roof areas and car parks, restaurants and pubs with external areas that need to stay safe and usable, facilities management teams responsible for multi-site maintenance, commercial buildings with recurring surface water complaints, and schools and public buildings with waterlogged grounds and hardstanding.
The goal is to keep your site safe, operational, and protected from avoidable water damage.
Our approach: assess, design, install
Surface water systems need to be designed properly, not guessed at.
1) Site assessment
We review where water is collecting and where it's coming from, the ground levels and falls, the existing gullies, channels, and pipework, the soil type and infiltration potential for soakaways, and any constraints such as utilities, access, or trading hours.
2) Recommendation: soakaway versus attenuation
We recommend the most suitable option based on what's achievable and maintainable on your site. If infiltration is viable, a soakaway may be the simplest solution. If it isn't, an attenuation system with controlled discharge may be needed instead.
3) Installation and reinstatement
We install with long-term performance in mind, using correct excavation and base preparation, a suitable geotextile or membrane where required, correct connections from gullies, channels, or pipework, sensible access for inspection and maintenance, and practical reinstatement of surfaces where agreed.
Repairs and upgrades to existing systems
Not every site needs a full replacement. We can help with soakaways that have failed and no longer infiltrate due to silt, collapsed or damaged pipework feeding the system, poorly designed systems causing water to back up, and upgrades where site changes have increased runoff. If a system keeps failing, we'll explain why and propose a realistic fix.
Keeping it working
Soakaways and attenuation systems can fail if they aren't protected from silt and debris. We often recommend silt traps or catch pits upstream, accessible inspection points, regular gully and channel drain cleaning, and clear handover guidance for your FM or site team. This helps protect the asset and avoid expensive failures.
Minimising disruption on live commercial sites
Most sites can't afford downtime. We can plan work around trading hours for hospitality sites, access windows and permits on FM-managed sites, quiet periods and shutdowns, and safe segregation and site rules. If out-of-hours work is needed, we'll advise on what's practical.
Why choose ICE Drainage?
- A commercial-first approach for hospitality and FM
- Coverage across London and the Home Counties
- Practical, maintainable solutions for surface water management
- Clear communication and sensible recommendations
- Credentials including Safe Contractor, SSSTS, and Constructionline Gold
ICE Drainage is a specialist service expansion of ICE Cleaning, a leading sewage cleaning company in the UK.
Book soakaway and attenuation system installation
If you need soakaway installation, an attenuation system, or repairs to existing surface water drainage, ICE Drainage can help.
Contact ICE Drainage today to discuss your site on 0203 870 1067.