Soil Testing

A soil test is required to determine what type of septic system will be necessary for your new or replacement septic system.  Perk tests are no longer allowed in Wisconsin. A "perk test" used to be performed by auguring holes in the ground, pouring water into them, and then timing how long it would take for the water to penetrate into the soil, therefore called a "percolation test" or just "perk test".  The problem with the perk test was that the only  factor being tested was how fast water would absorb into the soil. The soil test or properly called a "morphological soil analysis" that is done today actually analyzes the soil for many factors. A backhoe is used to dig at least 3 holes in the ground around the perimeter of the absorption area to allow for analysis of the soils.  A  certified soil tester must then analyze the soil conditions to determine what is referred to as a "limiting condition".  No water is used and the time of year such as a very wet spring or a very dry summer will have no effect on the outcome of a soil test. The "limiting condition" could be many things: groundwater, bedrock, a compacted or saturated zone. The bottom of the new system must maintain a minimum of a 3 foot separation above a limiting condition. This is why sometimes a mound may be necessary in sand or gravel soils if indications of periodic groundwater saturation are found. It has been determined through studies that 3 feet of proper unsaturated soil is necessary to adequately clean the septic effluent before it is safe to be absorbed into the groundwater.  A soil test will determine basically three things:

1.  What type of system is suitable for this location?  Will it be a conventional, perhaps a mound, or one of other systems available.  Many people are under the impression that only mound systems can be installed any more.  This is totally false!  The soil and site conditions on your property will determine the type and location of your new system. 

2.  Where will the system be located?  The site and slope conditions, and distance from many features determines where the system must be located.  Some common distances are a septic system must be located a minimum of 50 feet from a well, lake, or river; 10 feet from a house, 5 feet from your property line, and a minimum of 6 feet from an old septic system.  Slope conditions also have some limitations.

3.  How large of a system will be required? This is determined by two factors: How many bedrooms in the residence, and the soil conditions the system will be installed in.

All these factors are determined by a certified soil tester performing what is called a "Soil And Site Evaluation".  We encourage you to be present during the soil testing procedure so that we can explain and show you why and how many of these  factors are determined.  We also want to know of any future plans for buildings, driveways, and swimming pools so that we can locate your new system properly so as not to interfere with your plans.

JR's Excavating Offers:

Experienced Certified Soil Testers
Laser Equipped Survey Equipment
Accurate Computer Drawn Plot Plans

 

Please Note:  We do not install septic systems.  When hired for your soil test we strive only to get you the best possible system at the least cost.   Upon completion of all soil tests you will be provided with two computer generated original copies of the soil tests and plot plan that you can use to obtain quotes from an installer of your choice.