Flooded yards, overflowing septic tanks, and waterlogged plots are among the most common construction problems in Ghana — and most of them are caused by drainage systems that were installed without testing the soil first. A drainage borehole or soakaway system only works if the soil can absorb the water. Testing before you install saves you from expensive failures.
Types of Drainage Boreholes in Ghana
Soakaway borehole
A vertical borehole — typically 150–300mm diameter and 5–15m deep — filled with gravel or aggregate to allow water to percolate into the surrounding soil. Used for roof drainage, surface water, and greywater disposal on residential and commercial properties across Ghana.
Drainage borehole system
Multiple soakaway boreholes connected by perforated pipes to distribute drainage load across a wider area. Used where a single soakaway cannot handle the volume of water, or where the soil has limited permeability.
French drain with borehole
A trench filled with aggregate and perforated pipe that collects surface water and directs it to a soakaway borehole. Widely used in Ghana for driveways, gardens, and building perimeters prone to waterlogging.
Directional & horizontal bore drilling for drainage
Used to install drainage pipes under roads, driveways, or structures without excavation. AquaProbe provides directional and horizontal bore drilling for drainage pipe installation across Ghana.
Why You Must Test Before Installing a Soakaway in Ghana
Ghana's soils vary enormously — from highly permeable lateritic gravels in the Eastern Region to almost impermeable clays on Accra's coastal plains. A soakaway installed in impermeable clay will simply fill up and overflow — causing the exact problem you were trying to solve.
The Percolation Test — What It Is and How It Works
A percolation test (also called a soakaway test or infiltration test) measures how quickly water soaks into the soil at your specific site. It is conducted in a trial pit or borehole at the proposed soakaway location:
- A trial pit or borehole is dug to the proposed soakaway depth
- The hole is filled with water and allowed to pre-soak for 24 hours
- Water is added to a standard level and the rate of fall is measured over time
- The percolation rate (Vp) is calculated in seconds per millimetre
- The soakaway is designed based on the measured percolation rate and the drainage load
AquaProbe conducts percolation tests as part of our site investigation service. We provide a written report with the percolation rate and recommended soakaway design — so your drainage contractor has the data they need to install correctly.
When is a Borehole Soakaway Needed in Ghana?
- New residential or commercial buildings without connection to municipal drainage
- Properties with recurring waterlogging or surface flooding
- Septic tank overflow management
- Roof and surface water drainage in areas with impermeable hardstanding
- Industrial or commercial sites with large surface water volumes
- Sites where traditional soakaway pits have failed
Soakaway Borehole vs Traditional Soakaway Pit
Traditional soakaway pits (wide, shallow excavations filled with rubble) are commonly used in Ghana but have significant limitations — they occupy a large surface area, can collapse, and are difficult to maintain. Soakaway boreholes offer several advantages:
- Small footprint — a 200mm borehole takes up almost no surface space
- Deeper penetration into permeable strata — more effective drainage
- Can be installed where excavation is not possible
- Easier to inspect and maintain
- Multiple boreholes can be installed and connected for higher capacity
Need a soakaway or drainage borehole in Ghana?
Request a quote this month and save up to 50%. Tell us your location and drainage issue — we'll advise and quote same day.
Get my 50% off quote →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a soakaway borehole cost in Ghana?
Soakaway borehole costs in Ghana depend on depth, diameter, number of boreholes, and fill material. Request a quote from AquaProbe this month and save up to 50%.
How deep should a soakaway borehole be in Ghana?
Soakaway boreholes in Ghana are typically 5–15m deep, depending on the depth at which permeable soil or gravel is found. The percolation test determines the optimal depth for your specific site conditions.
Can AquaProbe install drainage boreholes near me in Ghana?
Yes. AquaProbe provides soakaway borehole drilling and drainage borehole services across all 16 regions of Ghana. WhatsApp us your location and we'll confirm availability same day.
What is directional bore drilling used for in Ghana?
Directional bore drilling (also called horizontal directional drilling or HDD) is used to install pipes or cables underground without excavation — under roads, driveways, buildings, or water features. AquaProbe provides directional bore drilling services for drainage pipe installation, utility crossing, and cable laying across Ghana.