Soil Morphology and Engineer Design

Soil Testing & Septic Design Services Built for Your Land, Your Home, & Missouri’s Regulations

When installing a new septic system, the first and most important step is understanding your soil. At Apex Underground, we have soil scientists & engineers on staff to design systems based on soil morphology results and landtopography—the structure, type, and drainage capabilities of the land under your property.

Whether you’re building a new home on acreage or replacing an outdated system, our team manages the entire process from perc testing to engineered design plans—ensuring your septic system is safe, functional, and approved by local health departments.

Is Your Soil Septic-Ready? Why Soil Testing is Step One

What Is Soil Morphology—and Why Does It Matter?

Soil morphology refers to the composition, structure, and drainage properties of your land’s soil. Certain soil types—like heavy clay—don’t drain well and require engineered septic systems.

This matters because:

It determines whether your land can absorb and treat wastewater naturally
It affects what type of septic system you’re allowed to install
It’s required by state & federal agencies to ensure your system won’t contaminate groundwater or pose a health risk

That’s where our septic design team comes in.

When Do You Need to Call Apex Underground?

Signs You Might Need an Engineered Septic System

You’ll likely need a specialized system if you meet any or all of these items. Unsure if you do? Reach out to our team today. We’ll evaluate your land and let you know the best path forward—with no guesswork or surprises.

Patches of brown grass or dead spots over your septic area

Puddles or standing water in your yard, especially after rain

Water pooling around your drainfield even when it hasn’t rained

Septic smells or soggy patches near where your system is buried

Your system has backed up or failed multiple times in the past

Our Design Process: From Soil Test to Final Approval

1. Site & Soil Evaluation

We begin with a perc test (percolation test), now better known as soil morphology, to assess how your property handles water.

2. Custom System Design

Based on the test, a licensed septic engineer creates a system specific to your land’s drainage, elevation, & usage needs.

3. Permit & Plan Submittal

We handle the paperwork, working with county health departments and inspectors to get your plans approved.

4. Installation by Experts

Once approved, our in-house team handles the excavation and installation—we manage everything start to finish.

Turning Soil Data into Smart Septic Design

How Soil Science Drives Safer, Longer-Lasting Septic Systems

Soil reports aren’t just paperwork—they’re the blueprint for your system’s success. Once your site has been tested, Apex Underground works hand-in-hand with licensed septic engineers to interpret the results and design a system that’s built to last.

We evaluate key factors like:

Percolation rate – how quickly your soil can absorb wastewater
Soil texture – sandy, silty, or clay-heavy? It matters.
Depth to water table or bedrock – to protect groundwater
Slope and elevation – affects where and how we place tanks and drainfields

From these insights, we can recommend whether you need a conventional gravity system, low-pressure dosing system, or a fully engineered solution. And no matter the complexity, we’ll handle it from permitting to final inspections—keeping you informed and stress-free along the way.

The result? A custom septic system that works with your land, not against it.