What is the most effective method for conducting a percolation test?

Filling the holes with water overnight is considered the most effective method for conducting a percolation test because it ensures that the soil becomes fully saturated prior to measuring the percolation rate. By allowing the soil to soak overnight, you are providing a more accurate representation of how the soil will behave under usual conditions. This pre-saturation is important because it removes air pockets and allows for a true reading of how quickly water will move through the soil, which is essential for assessing its suitability for absorption fields in septic system design.

While conducting tests during dry weather is important for consistency, it does not specifically enhance the effectiveness of the test itself compared to the pre-saturation process. Measuring water levels every hour may provide useful data, but it is less effective if the soil has not been properly saturated first. Using a standard soil probe is a useful tool for collecting soil samples or assessing texture and density, but it does not directly affect the percolation capabilities of the soil in the same way that an overnight saturation does. Therefore, filling the holes with water overnight ensures a accuracy in the testing process that is paramount for reliable results.