Soakage Testing
We provide a range of tankers from two to four thousand gallons, meaning whatever size A Better Service Limited can supply the needed amount of water for your soakage testing.
What is Soakage Testing?
Soakage testing, or percolation testing, is required on sites where it is intended to use a soakaway drainage system.
The test establishes the rate of ground absorption of a known amount of water. It guarantees that soakaway drainage is planned and designed correctly and that the ground is suitable for a soakaway.
A soakaway is usually installed in areas where there is no capacity for surface runoff to be disposed of in existing sewers, or watercourses.
What is a Percolation Test?
A percolation test allows you to determine how quickly soil absorbs and disperses water. This test must be undertaken before any soakaway drainage systems are installed.
The test involves digging a hole or a series of holes and filling it with water. Following which, measurements are taken to establish the length of time it takes for water to drain. Once you have this measurement, you can establish how absorbent the soil is.
A soakaway drainage system cannot be installed if the soil is not absorbent as it will be ineffective.
Importance of Accurate Soakage Testing
There are many reasons why soakage testing should be carried out for a soakaway drainage system to be effective:
Prevents Flooding
Reduces Environmental Impact
Adhere to Regulatory Compliance
Cost Efficiency
Soakage Testing Process
In order to effectively install soakaway drainage, the following testing process must be undertaken:
Site Assessment
We work alongside partner Percolation testing companies who will attend the site to evaluate the type of soil and proximity to existing sewers and/or watercourses
Digging Test Pits
Test pits are designed to simulate the space that a soakaway drainage system would occupy
Water Filling
Water fills the pits in a manner that represents the amount that a soakaway drainage system may receive. This is the part of the process that we provide at ABS
Observation and Measurement
Next, you must measure the rate at which the water is absorbed by the surrounding soil
Calculating Absorption Rate
Our partner companies will then calculate the absorption rate of the soil to determine how quickly the soil can absorb and disperse the water
Analysing Results
Finally, based on the absorption rate, our partner company can determine whether the location is suitable for a soakaway drainage system
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Serving Communities within the South of England and Wales
At A Better Service, our mission is to provide communities within the South of England and Wales with the best possible service for all their wastewater management needs – so we can all work together to clean up Great Britain.
We offer both domestic and commercial wastewater services in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, London, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Surrey, Wiltshire, and Wales.
Contact Us
Please complete our enquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch. We aim for a same day response within working hours.
Should you need to speak to us sooner, contact us on 0118 934 0104.