When installing a new septic system, there are certain requirements and regulations that must be met before the system is able to be installed. Factors like determining the tank capacity, lawn size, and soil type are crucial during the installation process of your septic system. Similarly, the soil around your home must be considered, as there are several factors that go into deciding whether your yard is ready for the installation of a septic system and drain field.
Looking at the porousness and structure of the soil is very important. Over time, your soil structure changes from water leaving and re-entering the soil. Things like freezing and thawing also create pockets of air within the soil called pores as the soil expands and contracts. Porous soil is sought after when it comes to septic systems; these pores allow for downward movement of water through the soil to prevent blockages from happening. Ideally, you want porous soil where water can move freely, but not soil with large lone pockets where wastewater can become trapped and cause issues.
The soil’s texture says a lot about its composition. Whether the soil is full of clay, sand, or silt affects your septic system. You want to make sure the soil won’t absorb too much water; soils like clay become very heavy and wet with water, and won’t allow the passage of water through them. Typically, you want soil that is sandy with low clay content, or soil that is loamy and easily allows the passage of water without absorbing it.
The soil composition typically determines its drainage capabilities. Soil moisture levels should be measured before an installation to determine if your soil drains properly. Typically, a poorly-draining yard can be seen on the surface in the form of puddling or depressions. If you have a large puddle or a muddy area that doesn’t seem to dry up after rainstorms, you may have poorly-draining soil.
Something else to consider when determining if your yard is ready for a septic system is the slope of the location. While you want the water to easily move through the ground, you also want to make sure the soil has a chance to percolate and treat the wastewater through natural bacteria before it reaches the groundwater system. A steep slope, in this case, is bad because it causes water to run through the system too quickly.
To determine if your yard is ready for a septic system or discuss options that work for you, call Miller's Services at (804) 758-7100.
