QA

Quick Answer: How To Read Perc Test Results

What is a good perc test reading?

The ideal slope for a soil absorption area is between 2 and 15 percent. But if a soil morphology report isn’t available a common practice in many states is to do a soil percolation test. For soils to effectively treat effluent, percolation rates must be between 10 and 60 minutes per inch of percolation.

What is considered a good perc rate?

A good perc rate for a septic system is between 1 and 30 minutes per inch. Between 30 and 60 minutes per inch might require hydraulic analysis for installing a septic system. Anything under 1 minute per inch or over 60 minutes per inch is not an ideal perc rate.

What is a good soil absorption rate for septic?

From the DOH manual, the soil described above has an allowable application rate of 0.3 gallons per day per square foot of absorption field. 360 gallons per day ÷ 0.3 gallons per day per square feet = 1,200 square feet of absorption area.

How do you calculate PERC?

The percolation rate is calculated for each test hole by dividing the time interval used between measurements by the magnitude of the last water level drop. This calculation results in a percolation rate in terms of minutes per inch.

What is a Level 3 soil report?

A Level 3 Soil Survey is a test to determine if your soil is suitable for on-site sewage management system (a septic system). The tests evaluate a soils ability to percolate (“perc”) wastewater from a septic tank.

What does it mean if land doesn’t perk?

NO PERC, NO HOUSE On rural sites without municipal sewage systems, a failed perc test means that no house can be built – which is why you should make any offer to purchase land contingent on the site passing the soil and perc tests.

Which soil has the highest percolation rate?

Percolation rate of water is different in different types of soil. It is highest in the sandy soil and least in the clayey soil.

What is a fast percolation rate?

Percolation Rate by Soil Category Sandy soils usually have very high percolation rates, measured in the range of 1 to 8 inches or more per hour. That means sandy soils dry out very quickly, heat up very quickly and do not hold nutrients for very long.

What is a low percolation rate?

> Percolation rate is the rate at which movement of water occurs. When soil has a high percolation rate it will hold water for a very short period of time . When the percolation rate is low, soil holds water for more time.

Should a leach field be level?

The water level should always be at the level of the drain line connecting the septic tank to the leaching field. If the water level is higher than the drain line, it means that the leaching field cannot hold any more water and it is backing up into the septic tank.

How deep are drain fields buried?

A typical drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36 inches.

What size rock should I use in a leach field?

Size of Gravel Pieces of clean, washed rock broken into pieces about one and half inches in diameter work best, according to the Eco-Nomic website. Gravel suppliers refer to it as drain rock.

What is the unit of percolation?

The most commonly used unit for expressing percolation rate is minutes per inch (mpi).

How do you do a perc test yourself?

Soil Percolation Test Step 1: Dig Hole. Dig a hole at least 12” in diameter by 12” deep, with straight sides. Step 2: Fill Hole with Water. Fill the hole with water, and let it sit overnight. Step 3: Refill Hole with Water. Step 4: Measure Water Level. Step 5: Measure Drainage Every Hour.

What is a Level 4 soil report?

Level 4 – A very detailed soil study that consists of backhoe pits and/or percolation tests in the area of the drain field. A site that requires Level 4 testing usually has soil limitations that require the installation of an advanced, alternative septic system.

How much is a perk test in GA?

Perc testing typically costs $750 to $1,850 or $1,300 on average. On the high end, you might pay as much as $3,000 depending on local regulation and the size of the leach field or infiltration basin needed. A basic assessment costs $150 to $300 for a hand dug hole without specialized equipment.

How do I get certified to install septic tank in GA?

Certified Lists: Review the certification requirements for individuals and companies. Study for the exam(s). Contact your County Environmental Health Office to schedule your exam. Complete the application(s) and bring them to your county. If starting a new company, pay your company certification fee.

How much does a septic system cost?

On average, the cost of installing a new septic tank system is $3,900. The price ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 for a typical 1,250-gallon tank, which is an ideal size for a three- or four-bedroom home. This cost is inclusive of the tank itself, which costs $600 to $2,100 or more, depending on the type.

What is an alternative to a septic system?

Mound systems work well as alternatives to septic tanks when the soil around your home or building is too dense or too shallow or when the water table is too high. Although they are more expensive and require more maintenance than conventional systems, mound systems are a common alternative.

What means unimproved land?

By definition unimproved or raw land does not have added improvements. If you are planning to build, you’ll need to budget for a septic system or sewer hookup and utility connections. Plus, you’ll owe annual property taxes even if the land isn’t improved. When considering a purchase of any land, do your homework.