Setting Up

The permeameter is typically stored in a carrying case that includes the permeameter, augering equipment, a hole brush, and a collapsible water jug. Once you are on site and located, the first step is to open the case and assemble the augering tool. There are two bits; one is for making (augering) the hole, which has 2 tapered "arms" extending from the canlike portion (which collects the cuttings), while the other looks like a can with the bottom intact, but a cut has been made in the bottom and a piece bent out from the bottom, which is used to create a flat bottom in the hole. First assemble the rod and handle. The first bit is attached to the rod with a pin and clip. Then the hole is started and deepened in roughly 6-in. (15-cm) increments to allow for cuttings expansion in the collection portion. Stop a few inches (roughly 6 in. or 15 cm) short of the desired first test depth and finish the hole with the second bit. The normal augering bit creates a tapered hole so initially you are just excavating the outer edges of the hole with this "sizing" bit, but as you go deeper, you will be excavating the entire hole. Remove the bit and the cuttings from the collection can.

Remove the sizing bit and attach the brush to the rod, and brush the bottom of the hole once (twice if really clay-rich and sticky, you can tell this from...