How Soil Type Affects Your Septic System

Different Features of Soil

Soils vary widely in their unique qualities. These characteristics determine whether your soil is ideal for your septic system or if you will occasionally experience issues. Permeability, density, and absorption are the main crucial soil characteristics that must be taken into consideration. 

• Permeability: Since a septic system deals with water, the soil's capacity to absorb and transfer it also plays a big role. If the soil is highly permeable, this is advantageous for the septic system, but if it gets excessive, this may cause the water to be insufficiently treated. In contrast, if the soil’s permeability is low, it will not treat the water in time, and this might end up in clogs and even backups.
• Density: An increased density of the soil also means it’s not very permeable. As we mentioned before, the permeability of the soil has a direct connection to the way water is absorbed and treated. As a result, If the density of the soil is high, there’s an increase in the chance of clogs, unpleasant smells, and backups. Depending on the permeability and density, you can schedule septic tank cleanings to avoid future problems.
• Absorption Capacity: This feature refers to the ability of soil to take in and hold onto wastewater. The ideal soil finds equilibrium between drainage and absorption. This way, the wastewater will be treated while avoiding overflow.

The Ideal Soil

A healthy combination of both granular, coarse, and sandy particles that promote optimal penetration into the soil as well as drainage is the ideal soil for septic systems, which falls around in the middle of the clay and gravel spectrum. This type of soil is referred to as “loamy soil." The exact composition of your soil can be known through soil testing.

How We Can Help

By knowing the composition and type of soil you have and scheduling regular septic maintenance, you can make more informed decisions regarding your septic system in the future. If you want septic tank installation for your property but aren’t sure whether your property is suitable, our professionals at New Era Plumbing & Septic are ready to help you. We are a septic company that can guide you so your septic system works in the most optimal way. Our professionals offer a variety of services, and we will do our best to ensure your septic tank works well through both our maintenance as well as repairs and installations. Call us today to schedule your appointment.