Your septic system works effectively on how suitable the soil in your drainfield is. The effluent from the septic tank is channeled to the drainfield via perforated pipes where the soil filters and treats the wastewater to enter the groundwater. Its depth, permeability, and absorption capacity will determine the extent of its filtering ability, which is why soil assessment is vital during the installation or replacement of a septic system.
At Rooter Man Plumbing, we offer professional septic services, which include installation, pumping, and drainfield repair. In this article, we explain how soil type impacts the performance of septic systems and what to look for in drainfield soil.
Characteristics of Soil That Affect Septic Systems
1. Soil Permeability
Permeability is the ease with which water can pass through the soil. In any case, septic effluent must go through percolation in the soil to be treated. If the soil is very impermeable, then filtration of the effluent would be inadequate, leading to drainage problems.
2. Soil Density
The density of the soil affects both the flow of water and structural support of drainfield components. A moderately dense soil provides a balance between allowing effluent to percolate and supporting the drain field in a non-settling manner.
3. Absorption Capacity
This refers to the degree of the soil’s ability to hold and release water. A soil with moderate absorption capacity retains water sufficiently long for the treatment while draining well enough to avoid pooling and clogs.
4. Depth-To-Water Table
The distance between the land surface and the groundwater is crucial. This calls for the treatment and dispersion of effluent above the water table. A shallow water table creates the risk of untreated effluent reaching the groundwater.
5. Soil pH
The pH of the soil impacts microbial activity. Beneficial microorganisms in the soil facilitate the treatment of effluent. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions, or rather, 6.5-7.5 pH. A neutral pH favours efficient wastewater treatment.
What’s the Ideal Type of Soil for Septic Systems?
The ideal type of soil for use with a septic system is moderate drainage and permeability. When it drains too slowly, like in cases of sandy soil, things get rather tricky. These cases cause clogging in the drainfield, leading to backup and poor treatment. Conversely, when the soil drains too quickly, treatment time for wastewater may be too short, increasing the threat of groundwater contamination. Loamy soils, being rather even in content between sand, silt, and clay, are normally ideal for septic systems since they have moderate permeability and decent drainage.
Setting up or replacing a septic system should first involve conducting a soil percolation test to measure the rate at which water moves through the soil. This supportive test will help determine whether or not the soil will be appropriate for a septic system.
Septic System Services by Rooter Man Plumbing
If you’re thinking about setting up a septic system, let Rooter Man Plumbing take you through the entire process. Our septic experts will perform a soil percolation test and recommend an appropriate septic system design for your property. Here at Rooter Man Plumbers, we give you a full service that entails all such things as a thorough assessment of the soil, septic tank repair, cleaning, and pumping. For all your septic needs, reach out to us today.
How Does Soil Affect Your Septic System?
Your septic system works effectively on how suitable the soil in your drainfield is. The effluent from the septic tank is channeled to the drainfield via perforated pipes where the soil filters and treats the wastewater to enter the groundwater. Its depth, permeability, and absorption capacity will determine the extent of its filtering ability, which is why soil assessment is vital during the installation or replacement of a septic system.
At Rooter Man Plumbing, we offer professional septic services, which include installation, pumping, and drainfield repair. In this article, we explain how soil type impacts the performance of septic systems and what to look for in drainfield soil.
Characteristics of Soil That Affect Septic Systems
1. Soil Permeability
Permeability is the ease with which water can pass through the soil. In any case, septic effluent must go through percolation in the soil to be treated. If the soil is very impermeable, then filtration of the effluent would be inadequate, leading to drainage problems.
2. Soil Density
The density of the soil affects both the flow of water and structural support of drainfield components. A moderately dense soil provides a balance between allowing effluent to percolate and supporting the drain field in a non-settling manner.
3. Absorption Capacity
This refers to the degree of the soil’s ability to hold and release water. A soil with moderate absorption capacity retains water sufficiently long for the treatment while draining well enough to avoid pooling and clogs.
4. Depth-To-Water Table
The distance between the land surface and the groundwater is crucial. This calls for the treatment and dispersion of effluent above the water table. A shallow water table creates the risk of untreated effluent reaching the groundwater.
5. Soil pH
The pH of the soil impacts microbial activity. Beneficial microorganisms in the soil facilitate the treatment of effluent. They prefer slightly acidic to neutral conditions, or rather, 6.5-7.5 pH. A neutral pH favours efficient wastewater treatment.
What’s the Ideal Type of Soil for Septic Systems?
The ideal type of soil for use with a septic system is moderate drainage and permeability. When it drains too slowly, like in cases of sandy soil, things get rather tricky. These cases cause clogging in the drainfield, leading to backup and poor treatment. Conversely, when the soil drains too quickly, treatment time for wastewater may be too short, increasing the threat of groundwater contamination. Loamy soils, being rather even in content between sand, silt, and clay, are normally ideal for septic systems since they have moderate permeability and decent drainage.
Setting up or replacing a septic system should first involve conducting a soil percolation test to measure the rate at which water moves through the soil. This supportive test will help determine whether or not the soil will be appropriate for a septic system.
Septic System Services by Rooter Man Plumbing
If you’re thinking about setting up a septic system, let Rooter Man Plumbing take you through the entire process. Our septic experts will perform a soil percolation test and recommend an appropriate septic system design for your property. Here at Rooter Man Plumbers, we give you a full service that entails all such things as a thorough assessment of the soil, septic tank repair, cleaning, and pumping. For all your septic needs, reach out to us today.