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A septic perc test is done by drilling a hole into the ground, filling the hole with water, and testing to see how long it drains. While simple, the test itself provides a great deal of information about your yard. The last thing you want to do is skip a perc test only to discover your yard doesn’t drain sewage effectively.

If your well pump is running continuously (meaning without turning off or stopping), it's a sign that your well pump is starting to break down. The length of time your well pump should cycle is dependent on many factors, like the tank size, pressure setting, and even the amount of water in your well. Generally, your well pump should cycle, or go from running to not running every few minutes.

The ideal depth of a septic drain field is 18 to 36 inches below the surface. The trenches must be deep enough to allow proper wastewater distribution and filtration while remaining shallow enough for oxygen to reach the soil, promoting bacterial activity that helps break down contaminants. In areas with high groundwater or poor drainage, shallower systems like mound drain fields may be required.

The pressure in a well pressure tank should be set 2 to 3 PSI below the pump's cut-on pressure. The cut-on pressure is the lower number in the pressure setting (e.g., the '30' in 30/50 PSI) and is the point at which the pump starts. The cut-out pressure is the higher number, where the pump stops.

For example:

• If your pressure switch is set to 30/50 PSI, the tank pressure should be 27-28 PSI.

• If your pressure switch is set to 40/60 PSI, the tank pressure should be 38 PSI.

Common pressure settings for household applications include 20/40, 30/50, and 40/60 PSI. The difference between the cut-on and cut-out pressure is typically 20 PSI.