Air Source Heat Pump Soakaway Installation
Frost-protected condensate soakaways for air source heat pump installations, installed to manufacturer guidance with minimal disruption.
Manufacturer-Compliant ASHP Condensate Drainage
Many air source heat pumps require a dedicated condensate drainage solution before the unit can be fully installed and commissioned.
During normal operation, especially in cold weather, an air source heat pump produces condensate during defrost cycles. This water must be discharged safely to prevent pooling, freezing, damage to the unit, or unsafe ice build-up around the property.
At GC Maintenance, we install air source heat pump condensate soakaways for homeowners and heat pump installers across Kent, London and surrounding areas.
- Site assessment
- Excavation and gravel bed
- Reinstatement where required
- Clean and tidy finish
Common Problems We Solve
If your heat pump installer has asked you to arrange a soakaway, we can help.
Installer Requested Groundworks
Heat pump installers needing a gravel soakaway completed before installation
Pooling Condensate
Condensate water collecting around the base of the outdoor unit
Unsafe Surface Discharge
Installations where water cannot discharge safely onto paving or hardstanding
Concrete Or Patio Below Unit
Concrete, slabs or paving that must be cut and opened to form the soakaway
Frost Protection Requirements
Manufacturer details requiring a frost-protected gravel bed below the unit
Homeowners Arranging Works
Groundwork left for the homeowner to organise before commissioning
Send a few photos and the heat pump model and we can usually price the job clearly before attending.
Our ASHP Soakaway Installation Service
Standalone groundwork for air source heat pump condensate drainage.
We check the proposed heat pump location, ground conditions, access and surface finish.
Where required, we cut and remove concrete, paving or slabs to form the soakaway area.
We excavate to the required depth, usually 600mm to 900mm depending on manufacturer guidance and ground frost requirements.
A suitable gravel bed is installed to allow condensate to drain away freely below the heat pump.
Where required, membrane is installed to help prevent soil contamination of the gravel bed.
We form the correct discharge point so the heat pump installer can connect the condensate downpipe into the soakaway.
Surrounding surfaces are reinstated neatly, and the site is left clean and tidy.
Why Does A Heat Pump Need A Soakaway?
Air source heat pumps remove heat from the outside air. During colder weather, frost can build up on the outdoor unit. The unit then carries out a defrost cycle, which produces water.
If this water is not drained correctly, it can:
- Freeze underneath the unit
- Create a slip hazard
- Saturate the surrounding ground
- Damage paving or concrete
- Affect the operation of the heat pump
- Delay installation or commissioning
A properly installed gravel soakaway allows the condensate to discharge safely into a frost-protected area.
Installed To Manufacturer Guidance
Different heat pump manufacturers have different installation details. Some specify a condensate downpipe into a gravel bed below the unit, while others may allow alternative drainage options depending on the site.
We can install soakaways for:
- Vaillant aroTHERM
- Mitsubishi Ecodan
- Samsung EHS
- Daikin Altherma
- Panasonic Aquarea
- NIBE
- Grant Aerona
- Ideal Logic Air
- Other air source heat pump systems
Where a manufacturer provides a specific drawing or installation detail, we can install the soakaway to suit that specification.
Ideal For Homeowners
Many homeowners are told by their heat pump installer that they need to arrange the soakaway or groundwork separately before the unit can be installed.
We make this simple. Send us:
- A photo of the proposed heat pump location
- The make and model of the heat pump
- A copy of any manufacturer soakaway drawing
- Details of the ground surface, such as grass, concrete, patio or paving
We can then provide a clear fixed price before work begins.
Working With Heat Pump Installers
We also work directly with renewable heating companies who need a reliable contractor to carry out the groundwork element of the installation.
Our team can attend before the heat pump installation date to prepare the condensate soakaway, leaving the site ready for the outdoor unit to be installed.
This is ideal for heat pump installers who do not want to carry out:
- Concrete cutting
- Excavation
- Spoil removal
- Gravel backfill
- Surface reinstatement
- Ground preparation
Why Choose GC Maintenance?
We already specialise in underground services, moling, excavation and reinstatement.
Our Area Of Operation
Based in South East London and Kent, we carry out air source heat pump soakaway installations across Kent, South London and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. It depends on the manufacturer, model, site layout and available drainage options. Some installations require a dedicated gravel soakaway, while others may be able to discharge to a suitable drain. We always recommend following the manufacturer’s installation guidance.
The depth is usually to protect the discharge from freezing. Some manufacturer details require the condensate to discharge into a gravel bed below the frost line so water can drain away safely during winter.
Sometimes, depending on the manufacturer’s guidance and site layout. However, some ground-mounted heat pumps specifically require discharge into a gravel bed. If the manufacturer has supplied a drawing, we recommend following that detail.
Yes. We can cut and remove concrete, paving or slabs to form the soakaway and reinstate the area afterwards where required.
Yes. We can work directly for homeowners or as a subcontractor for heat pump installation companies.
The cost depends on the size, depth, ground conditions, access, surface type and whether concrete cutting or reinstatement is required. We provide a fixed price before work begins.
Get A Fixed Price Quote Today
Need a soakaway installed before your air source heat pump installation? Send us a photo of the proposed heat pump location, the manufacturer and model, and any installation drawing your heat pump installer has provided.