Formerly known as PERC testing, a Soil Test for private sanitary use designates a location for the drainfield component of a septic system.
To designate a drainfield location, a site with original, undisturbed soil is required. At least three soil borings are dug with a mini excavator, a rubber-tracked machine about seven feet wide. These holes often range roughly three to more than eight feet deep, unless a limiting factor is observed. Our soil tester gets into the holes to closely observe (and often hand texture) the soil characteristics, including structure and color. After the holes are evaluated, they are backfilled the same day.
The soil layers determine the system type, depth, and square footage. These are typically a Conventional (in-ground), At-grade, or Mound. A conventional system requires 3-foot minimum of suitable soil conditions before *limiting factors. There are many, with a few examples being *unoriginal soils, *bedrock, *mottling, or *groundwater. At-grades and Mounds artifically create soil absorption systems when limiting factors are present in the layers.
If suitable soil conditions are unavailable for a drainfield, or there is limited space on the property, with consideration to setback requirements, the evaluation would designate a Holding Tank without a drainfield.
Soil testing is weather-dependent, with most testing happening during the spring, summer, and fall months. The best testing conditions are when the soil layers are relatively dry. Snow cover can make it challenging to determine contours and elevations or possible soil disturbance, and frost can adversely affect an accurate evaluation of the soil’s structure and color. Either of these factors can affect the accuracy of a soil evaluation for a proper functioning system.
Specific site information is needed before testing can occur. Depending on how the intended septic system will be used, the information we’d request varies for residential or commercial use, if an existing system needs replacing, or if it is an entirely new build.
If you’re looking for an estimated cost for the installation of a septic system, please send us a copy of your Soil Evaluation Report, or schedule your soil test with us. This report is required before a POWTS installer can submit a sanitary permit through the state or county.
Please contact us for further information, or if you have questions about any portion of this process!