Soakaways in Pimlico that stop pooling water and protect your garden and foundations. We design, test and install compliant systems for SW1 homes, with neat connections and inspection access.
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Standing water after heavy rain is a common frustration for Pimlico gardens and courtyards, especially around Dolphin Square and St George's Square. A correctly sized soakaway takes surface water away from patios, lawns and downpipes, reducing slip risks and damp issues. Fine Landscaping installs discreet drainage solutions that suit compact plots and shared access routes. We work across SW1 and nearby Victoria with minimal disruption.
Many homes here are Regency townhouses, mansion blocks and period conversions with limited external space and established landscaping. We regularly design systems for small rear gardens, lightwells and front areas where levels and existing drains need careful coordination. Whether you’re managing runoff from a roof, terrace or paved courtyard, we tailor the layout to your property’s constraints. Clients in the soakaways Pimlico area value tidy finishes and clear documentation.
Our process starts with a site visit, percolation tests where required, and sizing calculations to match your roof and hardstanding areas. We then install either modern crate systems or traditional rubble soakaways, add inspection chambers for future access, and connect pipework cleanly to existing drainage runs. Every job is built to meet Building Regs guidance, with careful reinstatement of paving and planting. Homeowners choose us for straightforward communication, reliable scheduling and workmanship backed by warranty.
Pimlico’s tight access, controlled parking and basement-level spaces demand careful planning and tidy logistics. We schedule deliveries and spoil removal to suit SW1 restrictions and keep communal areas clean. Ground conditions can vary across riverside streets, so we use percolation results and sensible oversizing where needed. Our team is familiar with working near Tate Britain and along routes served by Pimlico tube station, keeping disruption low.




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Costs vary with access, depth, soil permeability and the size needed. For SW1 properties, a small rubble soakaway might start around £1,200–£2,500, while a crate system with geotextile, pipework connections and an inspection chamber is often £2,500–£6,000+. Percolation testing, reinstatement of paving, and any upgrades to channels or downpipes can affect the final figure. We provide a clear, itemised quote after a survey.
Most installations take 1–3 days on site, depending on excavation depth, access for spoil removal, and how much paving or landscaping needs lifting and reinstating. A straightforward crate system in a small courtyard can be completed in a day or two, while larger systems or multiple connections may take longer. Percolation tests and design calculations are usually completed ahead of works, helping the installation run smoothly.
Soakaways and garden drainage works are often permitted development, particularly when they’re within your boundary and don’t alter the building’s external appearance. That said, rules can change for listed buildings, conservation areas, basement works, or where you’re altering highway drainage. We check the relevant constraints for your address in the City of Westminster, advise on any permissions, and ensure the design aligns with Building Regs guidance and best practice.
We provide a 10-year warranty on our soakaway installations, covering workmanship and the components we supply, such as crate units, geotextile wrapping, pipe connections and inspection chambers. The warranty applies when the system is used as intended and not damaged by later building works or unapproved alterations. We also explain simple maintenance steps—like keeping gullies clear—to help the system perform reliably over the long term.
Popular options include modern crate systems (high capacity in small spaces) and traditional rubble soakaways (useful where space and access allow). We can incorporate silt traps, rodding points and inspection chambers for easier maintenance, plus connect to channels or downpipes neatly. Design choices depend on percolation results, available depth, and proximity to foundations and boundaries. We’ll recommend the most suitable approach for your property and budget.
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