Septic Soil Testing
Percolation and absorption trench testing to correctly size on-site sewage systems for rural and acreage properties without reticulated sewer.
Sizing your on-site sewage system correctly
Properties without access to reticulated sewer rely on an on-site sewage system — commonly a septic tank with an absorption trench, evapotranspiration bed, or other land application area. Before council will approve one, most jurisdictions require a percolation (percolation/absorption) test to determine how quickly the soil on your site can absorb effluent.
Soiltester carries out on-site percolation testing, soil profiling to the relevant depth, and assessment of site conditions such as slope, groundwater depth and proximity to waterways or bores. The results feed directly into the design of your absorption trench or land application area, sized specifically to your soil’s absorption rate and expected wastewater flows.
Getting this test right the first time avoids an undersized system that fails prematurely, or an oversized one that adds unnecessary cost to your build.
What's included
- ✓ On-site percolation / absorption rate testing
- ✓ Soil profile investigation to design depth
- ✓ Site assessment (slope, groundwater, setbacks to waterways and bores)
- ✓ Report suitable for council on-site sewage facility (OSSF) applications
- ✓ Recommendations to support your wastewater system designer
Who this service is for
Rural and acreage landholders, owner-builders and developers on properties without reticulated sewer who need a percolation test to support a septic or on-site sewage system application.
Related questions
What's the difference between septic soil testing and effluent disposal design?
Septic soil testing measures how your soil absorbs effluent (the percolation rate); effluent disposal design uses that data — plus site conditions — to design the actual land application or disposal area.
How does soil type affect my septic system?
Sandy soils generally absorb effluent quickly but offer less filtration; clay soils absorb slowly and may need a larger disposal area or an alternative system such as an aerated wastewater treatment system (AWTS).
Building on a block without reticulated sewer?
Get your percolation test done early so your septic system design doesn't hold up your approval.