Field Septic System

The design of the septic drain field is determined by the size of the dwelling that it serves and the soil conditions.

Soil conditions are tested by with a percolation test or perc test. An engineer or licensed designer is required to work with the local governing agency to design a system that conforms to the specifications.

In a properly designed septic absorption field the level of usage of the system, site characteristics such as slope, rock, groundwater level, and soil percolation rate have all been considered. Barring mistakes a field may last from 10 to 20 years. But it's easy to ruin or shorten the life of a drain field.