Why it matters more than the finish
Water that can't get away finds the weakest point available. That is usually the edge of the surface, the joint against a wall, or the base itself — and once water is in the base, movement and settlement follow. A beautiful surface with poor drainage is a short-lived surface.
The three routes
Whichever route is used, water must not be discharged onto the public highway — that moves the problem onto the pavement and the road.
- Through the surface: a permeable build-up lets rain pass through and soak into the ground below, the way a gravel drive does.
- To a soakaway or attenuation feature: the surface sheds water into a stored, structured void that releases it slowly.
- To a drain: a channel drain or gully collects water and takes it to a suitable outfall. This is priced separately from the surface, because the run, the excavation, the bedding, the connection and the outfall all have to be worked out for the individual site.
What we look at during your assessment
- Where the water goes now when it rains hard.
- Existing falls and whether they run towards the property.
- Inspection chambers, manholes and any drains already on the plot.
- Levels against the property, including the damp-proof course.
- Whether there is room for a soakaway, and where the outfall would be.
What your proposal should answer
- Which drainage method is being used and why.
- Whether channel drainage is included, and over what length.
- Whether connections to an existing drain or outfall are included.
- What is not included, so nothing arrives later as a surprise.
If we can't see enough on the day
Sometimes the answer isn't obvious from the surface — a blocked drain, a hidden run or a soakaway that has already failed. In that case we say the estimate is incomplete and arrange the check that resolves it, rather than guessing a figure.