Soil and Perc Testing Explained
Living outside city limits and away from public services has its benefits. However, it also comes with some complications. One problem that must be solved before a structure can be built on a rural plot is what to do with the sewage produced. Dealing with sewage away from sewers and treatment facilities isn’t difficult but requires some special considerations.
The best way to deal with sewage on a rural building site is with a septic tank. Septic tanks collect the sewage produced in the home or business and naturally process it so that the effluent can return to the environment. Before installing a septic system, the site must pass one important perc or percolation test.
What Is Soil and Perc Testing?
When a home or building is permitted outside the city limits, plumbers will do some math to determine how much sewage a facility or home will produce. The total effluent will be influenced by things like: - Number of showers or baths
- Number of toilets
- The capacity of sewage-producing equipment like washers or dishwashers
- Any other industrial or commercial considerations
After the plumbers know how much waste must be returned to the environment, they need to know how fast the effluent can flow into the surrounding soil. To do this, they will perform a perc test.
A percolation test is done by digging a hole of known volume in the soil of the proposed septic system site. The hole is filled with water, and a timer is set for a day or two. After the time has passed, the plumbers will measure how quickly the water receded. Based on their calculations, they can determine if the soil profile can handle the demands of a septic tank.
Why Is Soil and Perc Testing Necessary?
Having acceptable soil is essential before a structure can be placed on a plot of land. If the soil fails the perc test, no septic system can be installed, so potential buyers need to be aware of this information before they finalize their contracts. Suppose septic tanks are installed in soils that fail the perc test. In that case, the site will flood, and the groundwater will be polluted by the structure’s sewage, exposing people and wildlife to potentially dangerous situations. Additionally, perc tests are required by law. Skirting regulations could result in fines or condemnation of the property. Why Do Sites Fail Soil and Perc Tests?
Many homes in the US are hooked up to septic systems. Septic systems’ versatility makes them desirable as an alternative to hooking up to the sewer system. However, there are circumstances when the soil will fail the perc test and prevent construction on the plot of land. Some of the reasons a property may fail the soil and perc tests are:
- High water table
- Swampy area
- Steep slopes
- Too much clay or rock in the soil
- Shallow soils
- Proximity to marshes, swamps, or wetlands
About Capital City Septic Services
Capital City Septic Services specializes in septic tank installation and service. Their hard-working teams handle every step of site preparation, making them the only contractor a homeowner needs for their septic system. Call today for septic tank services in Tallahassee, FL.
