Soil
texture determines how quickly wastewater will be absorbed
in the drainfield. The ability of soil to absorb water
is known as soil
percolation. Soils containing a balance of coarse
and fine particles are the best types for drainage,
or percolation, of wastewater. Soil
containing a high amount of clay is not a good choice
for siting a septic drain field. In
specifying the size and type of absorption field (drain
field, leach field, seepage pits) a soil percolation
test or "perc test" should be performed.
To
perform a perc test, identify the most-likely location
on the lot for placement of the septic drain field,
dig a hole about 5 ft. deep. If groundwater immediately
fills in the hole a different location or field design
must be considered.
Summer
months and periods of dry weather are times when the
groundwater table is at its lowest level. Test results
done during these periods will not necessarily reflect
year-round conditions.
After
digging the hole, pour 5 or more gallons of water into
the hole. Make note of the time it takes for the water
to drain from the hole. A one-inch drop in water level
in three minutes is considered very good. If the water
drains very slowly or remains in the hole with no drop
in level by the next morning, the soil percolation is
considered bad and will require soil exchange or other
special design measures.
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to solve hardpan conditions in clay soil.
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Seep Is the Choice of Professionals
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