Soakaway Crates | Soakaway Crate | Soakaways | Soak Away | Attenuation Crates

Soakaway crates, a vital component in modern drainage solutions, are designed to efficiently manage surface water, particularly in areas prone to flooding or heavy rainfall. These crates, also known as modular water storage cells, are used in the construction of soakaway systems, which aid in the controlled release of excess water into the ground. This category on build4less features an array of soakaway crates, each tailored for specific needs and capacities.

Types of Soakaway Crates

20 Tonne Soakaway Crates

A prominent type within this category is the 20 Tonne Soakaway Crate, measuring 400mm x 1m x 1m. These crates, offered by vendors like DAVANT, are designed to withstand substantial weight, making them ideal for installations under driveways, parking lots, or other areas subject to heavy loads. Their robust construction ensures longevity and reliability in water management. 

Selection Guidelines

Choosing the right soakaway crate involves considering several factors:

• Load Capacity: Ensure the crate can withstand the weight of the overlying soil and any surface load, especially in areas with vehicular traffic.
• Size and Scalability: Assess the area's size and the volume of water to manage. These crates are modular and can be scaled to fit various project sizes.
• Installation Environment: Consider the soil type and environmental conditions. In areas with dense clay, additional considerations for water dispersion may be necessary.

 Benefits of Soakaway Crates

• Prevents pooling & localised flooding – Soakaway Crates have buffers stormwater to protect paving, lawns, and foundations.
• Supports SuDS best practice – Soakaway Crates promote natural infiltration and help reduce pressure on drains.
• Low-maintenance once installed – Soakaway Crates have no moving parts; a simple, robust below-ground solution.
• Scalable & modular – Soakaway Crates add crates to match your roof/paved area and site constraints.
• Discreet finish – sits under lawns, gravel, or driveways with the right cover depth.
• Cost-effective – fast to handle and install compared to traditional rubble soakaways.

Applications of Soakaway Crates

• Residential: roof downpipes, patios, paths, garden landscaping, under-lawn storage.
• Driveways & hardstanding: beneath block paving or gravel (use driveway-rated crates and correct cover).
• Commercial & light industrial: courtyards, small car parks, loading areas (engineer-designed).
• Retrofit drainage upgrades: replace failed rubble soakaways with predictable storage capacity.
• Permeable paving sub-base integration, where specified by your designer.

Installation Tips for Soakaway Crates

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and your approved design.

• Excavate to the designed dimensions; keep sidewalls stable and base level.
• Blind the base with sharp sand or a suitable protection layer to prevent geotextile damage.
• Line the excavation with non-woven geotextile, leaving enough to wrap over the top.
• Assemble & place crates in the specified layout; interlock per guidance.
• Connect pipework (inlet, overflow/relief, and any inspection points) as detailed in the design.
• Wrap & seal the geotextile fully around the crates; tape overlaps neatly.
• Backfill & reinstate with selected material; achieve the required cover depth before trafficking.

Why Choose B4L (Build4Less)?

• Trade-trusted brands & specs: A curated range that covers garden installs through to driveway-rated systems.
• Value without compromise: Competitive pricing, frequent multi-buy options, and clear delivery info.
• Fast, nationwide delivery: Reliable UK coverage with brand-specific thresholds.