Georgia Septic Installer Practice Test

What is the percolation rate measured in?

1. Gallons per minute

2. Minutes per inch

3. Inches per foot

4. Feet per day

The correct answer is: Minutes per inch

The percolation rate is a critical factor in assessing the suitability of soil for septic system installation. It measures how quickly water moves through the soil, which is essential for determining the effectiveness of a septic drain field. The correct unit of measurement for the percolation rate is in minutes per inch. This indicates the time it takes for a specific volume of water to percolate through a vertical column of soil. For example, if the percolation rate is measured as 30 minutes per inch, it means that it takes 30 minutes for one inch of water to seep through the soil. This measurement helps installers determine how well the soil can absorb the effluent from a septic system, which directly influences the design and layout of the system, including the size and depth of the drain fields. Understanding this concept ensures that the septic system functions correctly and prevents environmental contamination. Other options like gallons per minute, inches per foot, and feet per day do not accurately describe the percolation rate as they relate to different aspects of fluid movement or flow rate but do not convey the essential information regarding how rapidly water penetrates soil, which is crucial for septic design.