Septic System drain field repair
How septic systems work Causes of septic drain field failure Why you should have your septic tank pumped Hardpan soil conditions and failing septic systems Bacteria and the septic system Order septic system products from West Wind Marketing
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MEGA-BIO
SEPTIC SEEP

Glossary of terms related to septic systems
absorption
bacteria
biomat
cesspool
drain field
hardpan
leachfield
percolation
seepage pit
septic system
septic tank

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Soil Percolation

Soil texture determines how quickly wastewater will be absorbed in the drainfield. The ability of soil to absorb water is known as soil percolation. Soils containing a balance of coarse and fine particles are the best types for drainage, or percolation, of wastewater. Soil containing a high amount of clay is not a good choice for siting a septic drain field. In specifying the size and type of absorption field (drain field, leach field, seepage pits) a soil percolation test or "perc test" should be performed.

To perform a perc test, identify the most-likely location on the lot for placement of the septic drain field, dig a hole about 5 ft. deep. If groundwater immediately fills in the hole a different location or field design must be considered.

Summer months and periods of dry weather are times when the groundwater table is at its lowest level. Test results done during these periods will not necessarily reflect year-round conditions.

After digging the hole, pour 5 or more gallons of water into the hole. Make note of the time it takes for the water to drain from the hole. A one-inch drop in water level in three minutes is considered very good. If the water drains very slowly or remains in the hole with no drop in level by the next morning, the soil percolation is considered bad and will require soil exchange or other special design measures.

MEGA-BIO™ is a mega dose industrial-strength bacteria formulation designed specifically for drainfield remediation. It digests grease and organic solids and restores balance to the biomat.

SEPTIC SEEP™ is a chemical soil conditioner used to treat septic systems with overgrown biomat layers and is the only product that can treat hardpan conditions caused by high clay content in drain field soil.


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