Percolation Testing
BRE 365-compliant testing
Percolation testing to support septic tank and package treatment plant drainage field design. Site testing and reporting to satisfy planning and Building Regulations requirements.
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What is Percolation Testing?
Percolation testing assesses how quickly treated wastewater can soak into the surrounding ground. The results are used to determine whether a drainage field is feasible and to size the system appropriately.
Percolation testing is often required where a development cannot connect to a public foul sewer and instead relies on a septic tank or package treatment plant.
When do I need Percolation Testing?
Common reasons:
- New dwellings in rural locations
- Self-build projects
- Barn conversions
- Replacement septic tanks
- Package treatment plant installations
- Planning conditions
- Building Regulations approval
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How can GeoSmart help?
- Conduct on-site percolation testing
- Assess ground suitability for drainage fields
- Calculate Vp values
- Advise on drainage field sizing
- Support planning applications
- Provide foul drainage strategies
- Coordinate with drainage design requirements
Percolation Testing
POA
- Desktop review
- On-site testing
- Trial pit excavation
- Groundwater observations
- Calculations and reporting
- Design recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find the answer? Our team is here to help.
Percolation testing for foul drainage assesses whether treated wastewater can discharge into the ground via a drainage field. Infiltration testing assesses whether surface water can discharge via soakaways or other infiltration SuDS.In most cases, yes. Local Authorities and Building Control commonly require evidence that the ground can accommodate a drainage field.
Alternative foul drainage options may need to be considered, including different treatment solutions or discharge routes.
Typically one site visit plus reporting.
Additional services
- Foul drainage assessments and design
- Infiltration testing (BRE365)
- SuDS strategies
- Management and Maintenance Plans
- Construction Details
- Welsh SAB Applications
- Pre-development Enquiries
- Drainage Modelling
- Sewers for Adoption S104
- Sewer Diversion Design S185 Applications
We also provide reports for:
Flood Risk
Designed to assess flood risk from all sources with clear mitigation measures.
Flood Consequence Assessments >
Contaminated Land
Phase 1 contaminated land reports assessing whether a site has potential contamination, stating who or what is at risk and outlining solutions available.
What our customers have to say
“The service provided was efficient and friendly. From the first phone call to GeoSmart they provided a clear, professional approach to my request within the timescales advised. Great service and I would have no problem recommending”
“We are very pleased with the service provided by GeoSmart. Their reports have been used to assist with numerous planning applications and have always been delivered to budget and on-time, much to our clients’ appreciation. We look forward to working with GeoSmart on future projects.”
“Efficient and friendly service, GeoSmart provided a clear and concise report within the timescales advised. Great service and I would have no problem recommending”
“The service for a Phase 1 Contaminated Land Study was excellent, fast and efficient! GeoSmart were willing to assist despite the extremely tight timescale to work with. We will definitely consider using your services again”
“The service was great, fast and efficient. Everyone we talked to was very helpful and the details were well received by the planners”
“Great service! Extremely fast and the report was very detailed and well received by the planners. Many thanks GeoSmart, we will definitely use your services again”
“Everyone involved from initial approach to receipt of report was knowledgeable, efficient and focused”
“I would like to say that dealing with GeoSmart was a seamless experience from beginning to end – thank you for that”
“We were impressed by the speedy, well-informed service and personal contact that we received. The report was thorough and comprehensive. We will certainly use GeoSmart’s services in the future”
I was concerned to find out that my house was at a ‘moderate risk’ of groundwater flooding. I was unable to get any further information from anyone until I contacted GeoSmart. The staff I spoke to were friendly, helpful, efficient and extremely knowledgeable. The information provided was very site…
I now purchase GeoSmart’s Groundwater Flood Risk maps regularly – always a very speedy response to the both the initial request and, more importantly, delivery of the data! Excellent customer service too. The data is clear and extremely useful for flood risk assessments.
Brilliant customer service.