Septic soil testing

Septic soil testing is a vital step for anyone who wants to install a septic system on their property. A septic system is a wastewater treatment system that consists of a septic tank and a drainfield. The septic tank collects and partially treats the wastewater from the household, while the drainfield disperses the effluent into the soil. The soil acts as a natural filter and removes harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients from the wastewater before it reaches the groundwater.

However, not all soils are suitable for septic systems. Some soils may be too sandy, too clayey, too shallow, too rocky, or too wet to support a septic system. These soils may not provide adequate treatment of the wastewater, or may cause the septic system to fail prematurely. A failed septic system can pose serious health and environmental risks, such as contaminating the drinking water, spreading diseases, and polluting the surface water.

That is why septic soil testing is required by the state of Colorado and most counties before installing a septic system. Septic soil testing is a process of evaluating the soil characteristics and the site conditions to determine the feasibility and the design of a septic system. Septic soil testing involves the following steps:

• Site evaluation: A soil tester visits the property and inspects the topography, vegetation, drainage, and potential sources of contamination. The soil tester also identifies the best location for the septic system and the drainfield, and marks the boundaries of the site.

• Soil sampling: The soil tester digs one or more holes or trenches on the site and collects soil samples from different depths. The soil tester also measures the depth to the seasonal high water table, the bedrock, and any restrictive layers that may affect the septic system performance.

• Soil analysis: The soil tester analyzes the soil samples in a laboratory or on-site, and determines the soil texture, structure, color, pH, organic matter, and percolation rate. The soil tester also classifies the soil according to the USDA soil classification system, and assigns a soil loading rate based on the soil type and the percolation rate.

• Soil report: The soil tester prepares a soil report that summarizes the findings and the recommendations of the soil testing. The soil report also includes a site map, a soil profile, and a soil log that describe the site and the soil conditions. The soil report is submitted to the local health department for review and approval.

Septic soil testing is not only a regulatory requirement, but also a smart investment for homeowners and property owners. Septic soil testing can help avoid costly and inconvenient septic system failures, and ensure the safety and quality of the water resources. Septic soil testing can also help optimize the septic system design and installation, and reduce the maintenance and operation costs.

If you are looking for a reliable and professional septic soil testing service in Colorado, you have come to the right place. We are a certified and experienced soil testing company that can provide you with high-quality and affordable septic soil testing. We have the knowledge and the equipment to perform various methods of septic soil testing, such as:

• Standard soil testing: This is the most common method of septic soil testing, which involves digging a hole or a boring on the site and collecting soil samples from different depths. The soil samples are then analyzed in a laboratory or on-site, and the soil report is prepared and submitted to the local health department.

• Wall septic soil testing: This is a newer method of septic soil testing, which involves digging a trench across the slope of the land and exposing the soil profile. The soil tester then examines the soil layers, texture, structure, color, and depth along the wall. The soil tester also measures the percolation rate of the soil by filling a section of the trench with water and observing how fast it drains. Wall septic soil testing has some advantages over standard soil testing, such as testing a larger area of soil, revealing more details about the soil profile, reducing the risk of soil disturbance and compaction, and being more cost-effective and efficient. Wall septic soil testing is not widely used, but it is accepted by some counties in Colorado, such as Larimer County.

• Soil probe testing: This is a less invasive method of septic soil testing, which involves inserting a soil probe into the ground and measuring the soil resistance and moisture. The soil probe testing can provide a quick and accurate assessment of the soil conditions, without digging any holes or trenches. However, soil probe testing may not be sufficient for some sites, and may require additional soil sampling and analysis to confirm the results. Soil probe testing is not accepted by all counties in Colorado, and may require a special permit from the local health department.

We are committed to providing you with the best septic soil testing service in Colorado. We will work with you to determine the most suitable and cost-effective method of septic soil testing for your site, and we will ensure that the soil testing is done in accordance with the state and local regulations and standards. We will also assist you with the soil report preparation and submission, and we will answer any questions or concerns you may have along the way.

Contact us today to schedule your septic soil testing, and get a free quote. We look forward to hearing from you and serving you.