Percolation test method
A hole 300mm ² should be excavated to a depth 300mm below the
proposed invert level of the effluent distribution pipe. Where deep drains
are necessary the hole should conform to this shape at the bottom, but
may be enlarged above the 300mm level to enable safe excavation to be
carried out. Where deep excavations are necessary a modified test
procedure may be adopted using a 300mm earth auger. Bore the test hole
vertically to the appropriate depth taking care to remove all loose debris.
Fill the 300mm ² section of the hole to a depth of at least 300mm with
water and allow it to seep away overnight.
Next day, refill the test section with water to a depth of at least 300mm
and observe the time, in seconds, for the water to seep away from 75%
full to 25% full level (ie, a depth of 150mm). Divide this time by 150mm.
The answer gives the average time in seconds (Vp) required for the water
to drop 1mm.
The test should be carried out at least three times with at least two trial
holes. The average figure from the tests should be taken. The test should
not be carried out during abnormal weather conditions such as heavy rain,
severe frost or drought.
Drainage field disposal should only be used when percolation tests indicate
average values of Vp of between 12 and 100 and the preliminary site
assessment report and trial hole tests have been favourable. This
minimum value ensures that untreated effluent cannot percolate too
rapidly into ground water. Where Vp is outside these limits effective
treatment is unlikely to take place in a drainage field. However, provided
that an alternative form of secondary treatment is provided to treat the
effluent from the septic tank, it may still be possible to discharge the
treated effluent to a soakaway.
Below is a PDF detailing the test as advised by Klargester for further
information
SUB-SURFACE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
A septic tank system comprises not just of a septic tank, but also, includes the
subsurface drainage or irrigation system. The subsoil into which the drainage
system is fitted must be capable of absorbing the daily effluent discharge.
You must assess the condition of the ground and the nature of the soil.
BS EN 752-4 1998 advises that the floor area of the soakaway is the critical
parameter in the design of a treated effluent soakaway. British Standard 6297-
1983 advises details of methods of determining percolation rates and advises
carrying out the following percolation test to estimate the area of the drainage
trench and the length of the land drain. This test should be completed before
purchase or installation so that the suitability of the site and soil can be assessed
for sub-surface irrigation and effluent disposal. However, other factors should also
be taken into account, for example local knowledge about ground conditions,
water table levels and seasonal variations. The following information is provided
to aid your testing, or, please contact Drainstore.com direct.
PERCOLATION TEST PROCEDURE
Excavate a hole 300mm square to a depth 250mm below the proposed invert
level of the land drain. Where deep drains are necessary the test hole should be
the same dimensions at the bottom but may be enlarged above the 250mm level
to enable a safe excavation.
Fill the 300mm square section of the hole with water to a depth of a 250mm
(minimum) and allow the water to seep away overnight. Next day, refill the test
section with water to a depth of at least 250mm and observe the time taken, in
seconds, for the water to seep away completely.
Divide the time by the depth (mm) of water in the hole. The answer gives the
average time required for the water to drop 1mm (Vp in s). Take care, when
carrying out the test, to avoid abnormal weather conditions such as heavy rain,
severe frost or drought.
This test should be repeated at least three times, and an average calculated. If
any of the results are 50%+/- the average, carry out a further three tests and
calculate a further average.
A satisfactory result is an average value, Vp of 24s/mm or less. If the measured
values exceed this, then carry out further tests at a minimum of three different
locations on the proposed land drain route, or at least three tests on separate
days on the site proposed for the soakaway.
Where deep excavations are necessary a modified test procedure may be adopted
using a 300mm earth auger. Bore the test hole vertically to the appropriate depth
taking care to remove all loose debris.
Make water level observations referring to a fixed datum using a dipstick or some
suitable alternative water level indicator.
The value found In this way is called the percolation value (Vp in s) of the soil
and can be used to determine the area of drainage trench floors required to
disperse effluents. If the percolation value exceeds 140s then BS6297 considers
that the soil is not suitable for a soakaway system.
At =P x Vp x 0.25
At = Floor area (m2) of subsurface drainage trench
P = The number of persons served by the tank
Vp = The percolation value in sec/mm
The area determined should be used to calculate either the total floor area of the
drainage trench and therefore the length of land drain, or alternatively the floor
area of one or more shallow soakaways.
To obtain the linear pipe length, divide the drainage area (At) by the proposed
trench width (normally 0.6 metre or 0.9 metre).
Interpretation of Results
The following table provides typical irrigation trench length in metres assuming a
trench base width of 600mm.
Tank Capacity 2800 3800 4600 6000 7500 9000
No. of Persons 4 9 14 22 26 39
Rate of Fall, Vp
Required length of irrigation drain, in metres
(sec/mm)
0-5 9 19 30 46 54 81
6-10 17 38 59 92 108 162
11-20 34 75 117 183 217 325
21-24 40 90 140 220 260 390
25-30 50 113 175 275 325 487
Where the calculated result indicates the need for a drainage trench longer than
200 metres, serious
consideration should be given to the use of a more economic alternative sewage
treatment system such as a Klargester BioDisc. A BioDisc will produce a better
quality of effluent which, with permission, may be fed into a water course or open
culvert. Please contact us for further details.
We do suggest, irrespective of results and calculations, that a minimum trench
length of 30m is installed.
BS EN 752-4 1998 advises that it is not desirable to position a soakaway nearer
than 5m to a building, or position it so that ground beneath foundations is
adversely affected. Further that if, in the winter the groundwater level rises to
within 1m of the proposed invert level of the irrigation system, then sub-surface
irrigation should not be used.
IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGN
Your Klargester Certified Installer should be consulted regarding the design and
fabric of the sub surface irrigation system; the following guidance is offered.
BS EN 752-4 1998 advises that a sub-surface irrigation system should be very
carefully designed and constructed using porous or perforated pipes laid in
trenches with a uniform gradient not steeper than 1:200.
The trenches should be between 300mm and 900 mm wide and 2 m wide strips
of undisturbed ground should be maintained between parallel trenches. The pipes
should be laid on a 150mm layer of clinker, clean gravel or broken stone of 20-
50mm grade. The trenches should be filled with the same material to a level
50mm above the pipe and covered with plastic strip or geotextile material to
prevent the entry of silt.
The remainder of the trench can be filled with normal soil. Pipes should be laid at
a minimum depth of 500mm below the surface.
For longevity the soakaway should be designed with facilities for inspection and
maintenance. The life of a soakaway will be reduced if its waterways become
clogged by silt or floating material.
Access points enable the point of discharge of the drain to be viewed and material
cleared from the soakaway. Sub surface irrigation systems should have at least
two inspection points on each length of straight pipe i.e. at least at both ends.
We would also suggest that the drainage system should be constructed from
lengths of 110mm perforated clay or perforated rigid plastic pipe, preceded by
approximately 3 metres of unperforated pipe connecting to the septic tank outlet.
Corrugated pipes designed specifically for land drainage are not recommended.
The layout should ensure even distribution throughout the absorption field,
avoiding steep gradients on slopingsites. A closed circuit system is preferable.
