We here at 3DS Planning Consultants Ltd are now offering percolation testing as part of our expansive range of services in architectural design & planning.
Our team is fully qualified to carry out site assessments for wastewater treatment soil suitability testing. We have public liability insurance in place so you can rest easy when availing of this service.
What is a percolation test & why is it needed?
Percolation testing is for the purpose of determining the water absorption rate of soil in preparation for the building of a house. The results of a percolation test are required to properly design a waste water treatment system.
In its broadest terms, percolation testing is simply observing how quickly a known volume of water soaks into the subsoil of a 300mm x 300mm x 400mm hole. A full percolation test & site assessment report is required for new build planning permission as well as extensions that add additional bedrooms. With that in mind, it is also important in determining which waste water treatment system is right for you.
Types of Wastewater Systems
Traditional Septic Tanks
A conventional system consists of a septic tank and a trench or bed subsurface wastewater infiltration system, known as a drain field. A conventional septic system is typically installed at a single-family home or small business. A simply, yet effective design that has been in place for decades.
While this system is widely used, it might not be right for your site or build.
Mechanical Waste Water Systems
Mechanical treatment technologies use a series of tanks, along with pumps, blowers, screens, grinders, and other mechanical components, to treat wastewaters. Flow of wastewater in the system is controlled by various types of instrumentation.
Depending on your soil suitability and proximity to mass of water (Sea, Rivers etc) this system might be more suited to your needs.
Pure Flow Pods
Puraflo is an eco-friendly, modular wastewater treatment system.
The system uses a peat fibre biofiltre system making it one of the most sustainable wastewater treatment systems on the market with very little energy consumption.
Puraflo works in conjunction with your existing Septic Tank, Tricel Novo or Tricel Platinum (formerly Anua Platinum) where a higher level of effluent filtration is required before being dispersed into the ground.
Sand Polishing Filter
Sand polishing filter provides a dual function of polishing the effluent from a wastewater treatment system and disposing of the treated liquid into ground water.
This system is ideal for smaller sites with restricted areas, working underneath the filter box.
What you can expect from us
We will provide a full E.P.A.C.O.P site assessment report along with the necessary ordnance survey maps, drawing up a detailed percolation site layout map for submission with your planning application. As part of the test, we provide our own machinery hire for the day of the test, aerial photos with a drone and a collection of dated photographs of the date in progress. The drawings provided for the layout and construction of the new sewer system will be submitted in the planning and will provide those installing the system with sufficient information.
If you require further information, please do not hesitate in contacting us