Can you put a septic system in clay soil?

The way the lagoon is designed the effluent leaves the home to the septic tank where it gets pre-treated, then passes through a filter to the bottom of the lagoon. If your ground has high clay soils or massive clay, the lagoon is perfect for those types of soil.

Will red clay soil perc?

Clay soils have notoriously slow percolation speeds of 0.1 inch or less per hour. These soils easily become waterlogged, and plant roots can suffocate as a result.

How do you drain a clay soil garden?

Lay perforated plastic pipes in each trench, cover with a 23cm gravel layer and then replace soil and plants. Alternatively, you could substitute a 25cm layer of stone chippings, topped with 5cm of gravel for the pipes. Raising the soil level will help to improve drainage and help the soil warm up quickly in spring.

Can you put a soakaway in clay soil?

It should be noted that soakaways rarely work on heavy clay soils. This is defined as upper level of the groundwater that is naturally held within the soil, sub-soil or bedrock. It is not uncommon for the water table to rise during the wet months of winter and to fall during the allegedly drier summer months.

Is Clay bad for septic?

Clay soils with poor drainage will, therefore, have a reduced capacity to absorb effluent from a septic system, and will not be able to process wastewater effluent efficiently. The result is a reduced performance of the septic system, or even system failure, which can cause effluent to pool on the surface.

What kind of soil is best for a septic system?

Clay soils
Soil Permeability Sandy soils feel gritty and can allow air and water to move rapidly through the soil. Clay soils are sticky and very dense, restricting the movement of air and water. The soils best suited for wastewater treatment are mixtures of sand, silt, and clays referred to as loamy soils.

Will water drain through clay?

Clay particles are very small. Unlike sand, you can’t see them without a microscope. Luckily, they bind together to form small lumps, which are visible. These lumps give the soil an open structure, which allows water to drain, air to get in and roots to thrive.

How do you fix poor drainage in clay soil?

Adding plenty of organic matter also helps with drainage by improving soil structure and water infiltration. Spread a layer of compost, leaf mold, or aged manure 3 to 4 inches deep over your planting beds in fall or spring, and dig the organic matter in to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.