Utah's Premier Company for Complete Wastewater Treatment Systems
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Before you call to schedule your perc test,​
Click Here​
for things you'll need to know.
PERC TESTING
A percolation test, commonly abbreviated to perc test, determines the soil on a property’s ability to absorb water. Before conducting a perc test, we make sure that every lot is a candidate for one. We will look at slope, lot sizing, proximity to open water, setbacks, and known problems in the area. It's likely we've done perc tests on neighboring lots and can tell you a whole lot about the nature of the soil in the area.
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A hole is opened up in the soil, and water is placed in the hole for several hours to see how much water the soil can take over a given period of time. This test typically takes two days, but the duration can vary based on the soil’s drainage properties.
Most soils in Northern Utah will be suitable for some type of septic system. Soils with faster drainage properties, like sandy soils, or those that don’t drain water at all, such as clay soils, may require an alternative system.
AOS has conducted thousands of perc tests over the years. We know soils, and always ensure that they’re yielding the anticipated results. Due to their importance in the wastewater treatment system design and installation process, every perc test is conducted by AOS owner Ben Witt. In the state of Utah, the standard to get certified for perc testing is low, so it's critical that you schedule a perc test with experienced experts.
The perc test is the basis for the entire septic design. A test conducted improperly can result in an undersized system, which will fail prematurely, or an oversized system that can cost thousands in unnecessary expenses.
There's no point in a perc test if a lot is too steep or has other prohibiting factors.
Before scheduling your perc test, find out if your lot has:
When planning a perc test for a septic drain field, an ideal lot is a large, flat area with deep topsoil and no open or ground water present. If that sounds like your lot, it’s likely ready for a perc test. Click here to schedule your test with AOS or fill out the form below.
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If your lot doesn't meet these criteria, give us a call. As our name suggests, we offer alternative solutions for challenging lots that may fit your needs. Check out our page for alternative systems here to learn more.
