Learn more about typical questions we receive below.
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For soil tests, we can usually give you a verbal answer before leaving the appointment. The soil report is usually ready within 4-7 business days. The design package is also generally ready to be submitted to local or state review agencies at the same time. However, state and local reviews may take 3-5 weeks to complete.
If you are planning to build a house, a soil test and design must be completed to apply for a County Sanitary Permit.
If you are creating a new lot, the soil test will often be required to show the new lot can support a system.
Soil tests may be necessary for replacement systems to find a new suitable location if one wasn’t designated on the original design, the site has been disturbed, or the existing soil report is unreliable.
It’s pretty simple. We need your contact information, the property information (address/parcel number/map), and a brief description of the project. We like to know ahead of time if it’s a new or replacement project so we can gather any existing records from the County and print property maps before arrival.
Yes, we ask that you be present. We generally only need 15-20 minutes of your time to go over the process, discuss any concerns you have, and explain what we are trying to accomplish. After that you are free to leave if you need to. The Soil Tester will usually be on site for 2-3 hours.
This ensures we are testing/designing in the correct location and allows us to see your future building plans (pools, ponds, pole barns, garages, driveways, etc.).
Once a system is designed, it cannot be easily moved.
Being present helps avoid extra costs and ensures you receive your soil test and design quickly.
No, we don’t send soil samples to a lab. All work is done on-site by a Certified Soil Tester. The test involves digging at least three soil pits where the new system will be placed. This usually requires a small backhoe or excavator to dig 4 to 8 feet deep.
The holes will be backfilled before we leave. We do our best to limit yard disturbance, but some disruption is unavoidable due to the nature of the work.
A design is almost always required before getting a permit to install a system.
If you aren’t building for a few years, you can wait to design the system. The soil test does not expire unless the area is disturbed. Most system designs are good for 2 years from the original date of approval.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not based on the number of bathrooms. The size is determined by the number of bedrooms, which estimates wastewater flow. This flow, combined with soil conditions, determines the system size.
Usually, no. The soil determines the type of system. A soil test will tell you what system can be designed. We aim to provide you with a cost-effective, long-lasting system.
“Fail” can be a misleading term. For soil testers, failure means a standard system cannot be installed due to site conditions.
Depending on the situation, there may be ways to fix the issue or we may seek special approvals. Sometimes, a holding tank is the only option. We explore all possibilities before considering a failure and have the expertise to obtain approvals for difficult sites.
This depends on your County. Check with your local zoning office or surveyor. If both lots are vacant and to be sold as buildable, a soil test is usually required for each.
No problem. A quick phone call usually helps us locate the area. You can also text or email us a map, screenshot, or drawing of the property.
We must have this information ahead of time to request utility locates (Digger’s Hotline) before digging.
Probably. Thick brush may be an issue. We may be able to advise you over the phone.
We do not test when frost is deeper than 6 inches. This usually means no testing from January to early March.
In mild winters, we may continue working.
Plan ahead, especially if selling your home or lot in winter. Most offers and loans require a completed soil test.
Contact us today for all your septic design and soil testing needs. We’re ready when you are.
