Perforated pipe – Soakaway systems
Expert soakaway design options
We can manufacture perforated pipe to fit any situation – using pipe systems, vertical rings or a combination of the two. Our extensive range of fabrications includes elbows, T’s, shafts and pump chambers. Pipe is available in 0.3m to 3.6m diameter and gauge range from 1.5mm to 4.0mm. Standard length is 7m but pipe can be made in any length from 3m to 12m to suit your needs.
We determine the suitability of a design by understanding the capacity of the soil to infiltrate water (the ‘infiltration coefficient’). We check the existing or historic groundwater levels to make sure the invert of the intended soakaway is at least 1m below and we also look at the plan area available for the soakaway unit.
SuDS
Full design service using the latest software
Easy to maintain
Pre-fitted with access shafts and ladders
Choice
Pipe systems or vertical rings
Versatile
0.3m to 3.6m diameter pipes
Applications:
- Dispose of stormwater from buildings
- Paved areas
What Is a Soakaway System?
A soakaway system is an underground infiltration structure that receives surface water runoff and allows it to percolate into the surrounding ground. Soakaways are a key component of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), providing both attenuation and volume reduction by returning water to the natural water table rather than discharging it to sewers or watercourses.
In the UK, soakaway systems are governed by BRE Digest 365 for design methodology and must satisfy Building Regulations Part H drainage requirements. Before specifying a soakaway, infiltration testing to BRE 365 standards is required to confirm the site’s ground permeability. ViaCon’s steel soakaway tanks are engineered to maximise infiltration surface area while providing structural performance that plastic crate alternatives cannot match.
Steel Soakaway Tanks vs Plastic Crate Systems
Traditional plastic crate soakaways rely on geomembrane wrapping and offer limited structural capacity — often requiring concrete surround protection when installed beneath trafficked areas. ViaCon’s corrugated steel soakaway tanks deliver inherent load-bearing performance rated to highway loading standards, with perforated or open-jointed construction that maximises contact between stored water and the surrounding permeable strata.
With design lives exceeding 100 years (compared to 25–50 years for typical plastic systems), steel soakaways represent a genuine whole-life cost advantage. Installation is faster — a complete soakaway system can typically be assembled in 1–2 days — and the 100% recyclable steel construction supports net-zero carbon targets. For sites requiring combined attenuation and infiltration, our soakaway tanks integrate with ViaCon Storm attenuation solutions and underground drainage networks.
Soakaway Applications and Design Support
ViaCon soakaway systems serve developments across every sector: residential estates, commercial retail parks, industrial distribution centres, schools and public infrastructure. Our engineering team provides full design support — from initial infiltration test interpretation through to detailed hydraulic calculations, ensuring the soakaway system meets both planning conditions and adoptability requirements.
For projects where ground conditions vary across the site, soakaways can be combined with rainwater harvesting to capture water for reuse where infiltration is limited. View completed installations: deep-depth high-volume soakaway and SuDS at Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
Steel: The smarter choice
The strength and sustainability of steel provides durability and lifespan advantages for construction projects.
ViaCon Storm Solutions
anage and store stormwater to mitigate the challenges of increased rainfall or drought due to climate change.
Case studies
Discover the full range of real-world implementations and sustainability benefits of ViaCon solutions and expertise.
Welcome to the ViaCon design toolkit
We have put together a selection of useful tools, calculators, information and downloadable resources to help you find what you need quickly and get the most out of your ViaCon system.
Contact your local ViaCon representative
A soakaway system is an underground drainage solution designed to effectively manage stormwater runoff. It collects rainwater from surfaces like buildings and paved areas and allows it to gradually soak (infiltrate) into the surrounding ground in a controlled manner, which is a key principle of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
We offer highly versatile and customized solutions to fit any situation. This includes systems built from:
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Perforated Pipe Systems: Available in diameters from 0.3m to 3.6m.
-
Vertical Rings: An alternative configuration for different site constraints.
-
Combination Systems: A hybrid of pipes and rings for complex designs.
Pipes can be made in any length from 3m to 12m to perfectly suit your project’s needs.
We provide a full design service using the latest software. To ensure the design is suitable and effective, we analyze three key factors:
-
Soil Capacity: We determine the soil’s ability to absorb water (the infiltration coefficient).
-
Groundwater Levels: We check that the base of the soakaway will be at least 1 meter above the highest known groundwater level.
-
Available Space: We assess the physical area available for the soakaway unit.
Our systems are designed for easy maintenance. They can be pre-fitted with access shafts and ladders, allowing for straightforward inspection and cleaning to ensure optimal performance throughout their lifespan.
They are primarily used to manage and dispose of stormwater runoff from impermeable surfaces, such as the roofs of buildings and large paved areas like car parks, roads, and driveways.
Choosing ViaCon means you get a fully supported, versatile solution. We offer a complete design service, a wide choice of system types and sizes, and products that are engineered for easy maintenance. Our expertise ensures you get an effective SuDS solution tailored to your specific site.
- Perforated Pipe Systems: Available in diameters from 0.3m to 3.6m.
- Vertical Rings: An alternative configuration for different site constraints.
- Combination Systems: A hybrid of pipes and rings for complex designs.
Pipes can be made in any length from 3m to 12m to perfectly suit your project’s needs.
” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How do you ensure a soakaway design is right for my project?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”:”Answer”, “text”: “We provide a full design service using the latest software. To ensure the design is suitable and effective, we analyze three key factors:- Soil Capacity: We determine the soil’s ability to absorb water (the infiltration coefficient).
- Groundwater Levels: We check that the base of the soakaway will be at least 1 meter above the highest known groundwater level.
- Available Space: We assess the physical area available for the soakaway unit.