How Georgia’s Soil Types Affect Your Septic System: Clay, Sand & Loam

Every septic system in Georgia is built on one essential foundation: the soil beneath it. And as a company that has spent decades working with Middle Georgia’s land, through excavation, grading, soil work, and licensed septic installation, we’ve seen firsthand how much your soil type impacts the lifespan and performance of your system.

Whether you're building a new home or replacing an ageing septic setup, understanding your soil is the first step to getting a system that works safely and efficiently.

At Area Solutions, this is part of every evaluation we do.

1. Clay Soil: Slow Drainage and Extra Design Requirements

Clay-heavy soil is widespread across central Georgia. Because clay drains slowly, it can cause septic systems to overload or become saturated quickly.

Common Issues With Clay Soil

• Very slow percolation

• Drain field oversaturation

• Potential for sewage backup

• Requires larger drain fields or advanced treatment

What We Recommend

For clay-heavy land, our team typically installs:

• Pressure dosing systems (for even distribution)

• Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) are used when the soil is highly restrictive.

• Expanded drain fields when space allows

As a licensed septic installer in both Georgia and South Carolina, we design these systems in accordance with local county regulations and the site’s soil profile.

2. Sandy Soil: Fast Drainage, Higher Groundwater Risk

Sandy soil absorbs water quickly, sometimes too quickly. While fast drainage sounds good, it can let wastewater move through the soil before harmful bacteria are removed.

Concerns With Sandy Soil

• Effluent drains too fast

• Higher potential for groundwater contamination

• Special filtration or treatment is often needed

Our Approach

For sandy sites across Middle Georgia, we may recommend:

• ATUs for cleaner, safer effluent

• Chamber systems for controlled dispersal

• Drip irrigation-style drain fields

3. Loamy Soil: The Best Soil for Septic Systems

Loam is a balanced mix of sand, silt, and some clay. It drains well and filters well, making it ideal for septic systems.

Why Loam Works Best

• Excellent absorption

• Strong filtration

• Works with most standard septic designs

If your soil evaluation shows loam, a traditional gravity system may be all you need.

4. Why Soil Testing Is Essential in Georgia

Before any septic system is installed, a county evaluation or private soil test is required. At Area Solutions, we handle the excavation and soil exposure needed for proper testing. We also ensure compliance with all septic system regulations in GA.

A soil evaluation looks at:

• Soil texture (clay, sand, loam)

• Soil depth

• Drainage rates

• Water table levels

• Rock or restrictive layers

These results determine precisely what type of system the county will permit.

5. Quick Guide: Georgia Soil Types Septic System Match

Soil Type	Primary Concern	Best System Options
Clay	Slow drainage	Pressure dosing, ATU, expanded drain field
Sand	Too-fast drainage	ATU, filtration upgrades, chamber systems
Loam	Balanced soil	Standard gravity system

Why Area Solutions Is the Right Team to Evaluate Your Soil

Area Solutions is more than a licensed septic installation company; we are land specialists. With 40+ years of combined experience between Owen Skelly and Steve Renfroe, we understand Georgia soil at a level only longtime excavation and grading contractors can.

We are: 

1. State-licensed septic installers (GA & SC)

2. Certified by the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission

3. Fully insured

4. Experienced in excavation, grading, and land prep 

5. A family-run company serving Middle Georgia with integrity

Before we install any system, we make sure it is the right system for your land, not just one that fits the minimum requirements.

Conclusion

Understanding Georgia soil types ensures your septic system is designed to last. Soil isn’t something you can change, so your system must be designed around it.

If you’re planning a new installation or replacing an old system, Area Solutions can perform the soil assessment, excavation, and complete installation from start to finish.

Need help with soil evaluation or septic installation? Area Solutions is ready to serve Middle Georgia.