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The Perc Test

How a Percolation Test is Conducted

Percolation Test

Step 1: Take soil samples from a depth of 5 feet to determine the soil type. Soil with higher sand content is a better choice for drain fields.

Once a site is selected, dig three holes at different ends of the field, and conduct a perc test.

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Step 2: The width and depth of the holes are usually set by local or state regulatory bodies. Dig accordingly

The sides of the hole need to be roughened to expose the natural surface. Remove loose soil from the hole and fill up to 2 inches of it with gravel.

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Step 3: Fill the hole with at least 12 inches of clear water and keep it at that depth for 4 hours* to saturate the soil with water. This provides accurate results to the ‘perc test.’

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*Clay soils will require 12 hours of saturation time

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Step 4: Refill the hole to 12 inches in depth, and then the rate of absorption is measured.

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Observe the rate at which the water goes down per minute. Record time intervals in minutes against a drop in inches.

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Septic Perc may be used to restore percolation to drain fields in all sorts of conditions, including soil with high clay content.

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