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Before any septic tank or soakaway goes in, a percolation test proves whether the ground will drain. We match you with up to 3 verified local specialists for BRE 365 testing and drainage field design.
Free · No obligation · Under 2 minutes
A percolation test digs trial holes and times how fast water soaks away, giving the Vp value that decides whether a drainage field is viable and how big it must be. Getting this right is what stops a new system failing early.
Required for Building Regs
Building Regulations require the drainage field to be sized from a percolation test, and Building Control will normally expect to see the result before approving a new septic tank.
Typical cost
Varies with the number of trial holes and site access
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- Qualifications & insurance checked
- Matched to up to 3 vetted specialists — not the whole market
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We match you with up to 3 verified local specialists — never more — and send their quotes by email, so you compare a shortlist instead of fielding calls from a dozen firms.
What's involved
Percolation Testing & Drainage Field Design
Trial holes are dug and pre-soaked, then the fall in water level is timed to calculate the Vp value.
From the Vp result, specialists design a correctly sized drainage field, or advise a treatment plant where the ground will not percolate.
A documented test supports your Building Regulations submission for a new septic tank installation.
FAQs
Percolation Testing & Drainage Field Design questions
What is a percolation test?
A percolation test measures how quickly water soaks into the ground. Trial holes are timed to calculate the Vp value, which determines whether a drainage field is viable and how large it must be.
What if my ground fails the test?
If the soil percolates too slowly or too fast, a traditional drainage field will not comply. The usual answer is a sewage treatment plant discharging to a watercourse.
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