SOAKAWAY AND ATTENUATION TANK INSTALLERS
Attenuation Tanks & Soakaways
Control and manage stormwater runoff effectively with our professional attenuation tank and soakaway installation services. Our certified groundwork and drainage contractors design, supply, and install stormwater attenuation and soakaway systems that help prevent flooding, protect infrastructure, and comply with SuDS standards.
Trusted UK soakaway and attenuation tank suppliers
SUSTAINABLE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS
If you’re managing a construction project that needs reliable water management, our expert, Northampton-based team provides tailored stormwater solutions for both residential and commercial developments.
With decades of experience, we’re trusted nationwide for delivering efficient, environmentally responsible drainage systems that meet local council and planning requirements.
Why choose our systems?
Designed for flood prevention and site compliance
Sustainable, cost-effective, and low-maintenance solutions
Fully compliant with SuDS and UK building regulations
Installed by certified, experienced groundworks and drainage professionals
Contact us today for reliable, long-lasting rainwater management systems that protect your site and save you time, money, and hassle.
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What we can provide for you
WHY CHOOSE US
Expertise
With years of experience and a team of experts in water and gas management, we have the knowledge and skills to tackle complex projects and deliver results
Client-Centric
Your success is our priority. We work closely with you to understand your needs, offering personalised
solutions and exceptional customer service
Sustainability
We understand the importance of responsible resource management. Our solutions are designed with a
focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship
First choice for soakaway and attenuation tank installation
EXPERT WATER MANAGEMENT CONTRACTORS
Our team specialises in the installation of attenuation tanks and soakaway systems for all project types, from new housing developments to commercial builds. All installations are tailored to your site’s requirements, ensuring maximum performance and compliance with key standards and environmental regulations. Learn more about the difference between soakaways and attenuation tanks.
Our services include:
- Supply and installation of attenuation tanks and soakaways, including geo-cellular crates, stone-bed systems, and arch-based tanks
- Installation only – we supply lining materials and labour, you supply the fill media.
- Fully welded and guaranteed installations
- Design and product guidance, advising on layout, materials and capacity
- Independent third-party validation and testing, for compliance and peace of mind
- Nationwide UK coverage
Need help choosing the right water management system? Call us on 0330 058 3335 or fill out our enquiry form and we’ll be happy to help.
An attenuation tank stores excess rainwater during heavy rainfall and releases it back into the environment gradually, reducing the risk of flooding and sewer overflows. These tanks are commonly used in urban developments to manage surface water sustainably and prevent runoff into the main drainage system.
The cost of attenuation tank installation depends on several factors, such as the size of the tank and the materials used. Contact Catalogue Engineering today to learn more about our stormwater attenuation tanks and to receive a free quote for their installation.
A soakaway is a subsurface drainage system that allows rainwater to infiltrate naturally into the ground. Typically constructed using gravel or modular crates, soakaways are ideal for permeable sites and are often paired with attenuation tanks for maximum water control.
The cost of installing a soakaway system depends on numerous factors, including its size, design, and the materials used. Get in touch with Catalogue Engineering today to explore our soakaway options and receive a free quote for our services.
Most sites can accommodate attenuation tanks or soakaway systems, but suitability depends on several factors, including site size and layout, soil type and infiltration rate, and local rainfall patterns. We can assess your site and requirements before recommending the most effective stormwater solution for your requirements, whether that’s an attenuation tank, a soakaway, or a combination of both systems.
Professional Attenuation & Soakaway Installation Services
Protecting homes, commercial sites, and local infrastructure across the UK with certified, sustainable stormwater management systems.
Sustainable Surface Water Management for UK Construction
Heavy rainfall, urban development, and climate change put immense pressure on local drainage networks. When rainwater falls onto roofs, roads, and concrete driveways, it cannot soak naturally into the ground. Without proper water management, this excess runoff causes surface flooding, soil erosion, and severe structural damage.
At Catalogue Engineering, we design, supply, and install advanced attenuation tanks and soakaway systems tailored to your site's specific ground conditions. Whether you are developing a new housing estate, expanding a commercial facility, or upgrading site infrastructure, our groundwork specialists ensure your surface water is safely controlled and fully compliant with UK Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) standards.
Understanding the Difference: Soakaways vs. Attenuation Tanks
While both systems handle excess rainwater, they work in different ways depending on how quickly your soil absorbs water. For a deeper breakdown of these two systems, read our guide on attenuation tanks vs. soakaways.
1. Soakaway Systems (Infiltration)
A soakaway collects rainwater from gutters or surface drains and holds it underground in modular geocellular crates or clean stone beds. The water then slowly drains directly into the surrounding soil. Soakaways replenish natural groundwater reserves and require no connection to public sewers. They are ideal for sites with sandy, gravelly, or well-draining soil.
2. Attenuation Systems (Controlled Storage)
If your site sits on heavy clay or ground with poor permeability, water cannot soak away quickly enough. An attenuation system uses sealed or impermeable underground storage tanks. During heavy rainstorms, the tank holds peak rainwater and slowly releases it into a nearby watercourse or public sewer via a flow control device (such as a hydro-brake) at a safe, pre-agreed discharge rate.
| Feature | Soakaway System | Attenuation System |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Infiltrate water back into local ground | Store rainwater and release it slowly |
| Soil Requirement | Permeable (sandy, chalky, or loamy soil) | Works on all soil types (including heavy clay) |
| Sewer Connection | None required (zero sewer loading) | Controlled release to sewer or watercourse |
| Liner Type | Permeable geotextile fleece filter | Impermeable geomembrane barrier |
Our Step-by-Step Installation Process
Proper ground preparation is vital for a system designed to last over 50 years. We follow strict engineering guidelines to guarantee structural integrity and long-term performance.
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Site Assessment & Percolation Testing
Before digging, we conduct a site survey and percolation test (in line with BRE Digest 365) to measure how quickly water drains through your soil. This calculation determines whether a soakaway or an attenuation tank is necessary and tells us the exact tank volume required.
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Excavation & Sub-Base Preparation
Our earthworks team excavates the trench to the required depth and dimensions, allowing sufficient working space around the installation. The base of the excavation is levelled and blinded with a clean stone bedding layer to create a firm, smooth foundation.
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Geotextile / Geomembrane Lining
For soakaways, we line the cavity with heavy-duty permeable geotextile fabric to prevent dirt and silt from entering the crates while letting water flow out freely. For attenuation tanks, we lay an impermeable geomembrane and fully weld the seams to form a completely watertight seal, similar to our specialised prefabricated boxweld panels and containment liners.
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Crate Assembly & Pipework Integration
We assemble modular, high-load geocellular crates inside the excavation. We then connect the inlet pipes, outlet pipes, inspection chambers, and flow control valves. All joints are securely sealed to prevent leaks or silt buildup.
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Backfilling & Surface Restoration
The unit is fully wrapped and sealed. We backfill around the sides with selected aggregate or clean gravel, compacting it in layers to prevent ground settlement. Finally, the surface is reinstated to match your site layout, whether finished with topsoil, turf, or integrated with permeable paving solutions.
Compliance with SuDS & UK Building Regulations
Failing to manage surface water correctly can cause planning delays, council rejections, or costly remediation work. All our installations strictly adhere to UK standards, including:
Building Regulations Part H (Drainage and Waste Disposal)
Ensuring soakaways are positioned at least 5 metres away from building foundations and road edges.
SuDS Manual (CIRIA C753)
Aligning design, storage volume, and water treatment indices with national sustainable drainage guidelines, often integrated alongside sustainable urban solutions like green roofs and blue roofs.
CIRIA Standards & BBA Approvals
Using only heavy-duty, certified geocellular crates rated for pedestrian, vehicular, or HGV traffic loads.
Local Water Authority Approvals
Meeting discharge rate limits set by local councils and environmental agencies. Explore our official accreditations for full quality assurance details.
Applications Across Residential, Commercial, and Public Sectors
Our flexible underground storage systems cater to projects of all scales:
New Housing Developments
Managing rainwater runoff from roof valleys and residential driveways.
Commercial Car Parks & Retail Parks
Heavy-duty load-rated crates that sit safely beneath parking zones without sinking.
Industrial Warehouses & Logistics Hubs
Large-scale stormwater storage designed for extensive roof areas and hardstanding ground.
Highways & Infrastructure
Preventing standing surface water and hydroplaning risks on public roadways and footpaths.
Sports Pitches & Amenity Lands
Preventing severe waterlogging on golf course lakes, playing fields, and landscaped gardens.
Why Choose Catalogue Engineering?
Learn more about us and discover why groundworks and civil engineering contractors rely on our expertise across the UK.
Turnkey Contracting
We handle the complete process, from site inspection and tank design to supply, excavation, and final testing. View our latest water management case studies for recent site examples.
Heavy-Load Capabilities
We supply crates and tanks engineered for everything from light pedestrian garden areas to heavy HGV transport zones.
Guaranteed Watertight Fabrication
Our specialist welding team guarantees 100% watertight integrity on all lined attenuation tanks, incorporating skills used across our heavy-duty industrial pond liners.
Nationwide UK Coverage
Based in Northampton, our mobile groundworks teams serve projects across England, Wales, and Scotland.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a soakaway or an attenuation tank?
This depends on your soil's drainage capacity. If a percolation test shows your ground absorbs water quickly, a soakaway is usually the most cost-effective option. If you have heavy clay or a high water table, an attenuation tank is required to store the water and release it controlled into a sewer or stream.
Can attenuation crates handle vehicle loads?
Yes. Geocellular crates are available in different strength ratings. Light-duty crates are suitable for gardens, medium-duty crates handle domestic driveways and car parks, and heavy-duty crates can support 44-tonne HGVs and emergency service vehicles.
How long does an attenuation or soakaway system last?
When correctly wrapped in quality geotextile fabric and properly backfilled, high-density modular crates have an expected lifespan of 50 years or more.
Discuss Your Stormwater Project Today
Need advice, product guidance, or a free quote for attenuation tank or soakaway installation? Reach out through our contact page today.
Phone: 03300 583335 | Email: info@catalogue.engineering
Need assistance?
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Testimonials
Read what our clients have to say
I am pleased to recommend Catalogue Engineering for their exceptional installation of attenuation systems. Their adaptability to design changes, swift quotation process, and excellent communication ensure seamless project progress. Luke and his team stand out with a friendly and professional approach, combining technical expertise with a positive attitude. Their commitment to efficiency and collaboration has made them an invaluable partner, and we look forward to continuing successful projects together.
Another fine example of the outstanding works carried out by catalogue engineering , done with pride from radon membranes to attenuation tanks carried out on behalf of dtc construction over the least few years . Thanks to Ash / Luke and all involved.
Catalogue engineering are a great company, they carry out their works in a very professional, timely and efficient manner. I would highly recommend Catalogue Engineering for any water & gas management Solutions.
Thank you
Working with Jordan is a f***ing nightmare… nearly as bad as working with Luke….
Cherry Pipes has used Catalogue Engineering as an approved installer on their Attenuation offering for over 5 years. Their service and knowledge of the industry are second to none.
Catalogue Engineering are regularly employed to supply and install attenuation tank and gas membranes. Luke and Jordan are always on the end of the phone to ensure the install goes smoothly.
