K-4 for Base and Construction
K-4 sand is a highly permeable aggregate engineered for septic systems and heavy-duty drainage applications. Its fast percolation rate makes it a preferred material for mound systems, sand filters, and high-flow drainage projects.
Why Choose K-4 Sand
K-4 sand is valued for its rapid drawdown capability and consistent grading. With a percolation rate of 6 to 20 inches per hour (roughly 3 to 10 minutes per inch), it handles high-volume peak water flows effortlessly, preventing surface pooling and water backup.
This drainage sand is heavily screened to remove fine silts and clays, allowing it to maintain its structural pore space even under mild, long-term soil pressures. It’s a standard, preferred material frequently specified by engineers and local health departments for mound systems, sand filters, and fast-draining leachate lines.
Material Type: Heavily screened drainage sand.
Percolation Rate: Approximately 6 to 20 inches per hour (3 to 10 minutes per inch).
Fines Content: Very low silt and clay content for maximum, long-lasting permeability.
Drainage Characteristics: Rapid drawdown with excellent structural pore retention.
Compaction: Resists compaction under mild, long-term soil pressure, preserving infiltration capacity.
K-4 sand is commonly used across a range of high-flow drainage and septic projects.
Septic Systems: Mound systems, sand filters, and fast-draining leachate lines.
Drainage: High-flow French drains and heavy-duty drainage trenches.
Construction: Backfill around perforated pipes in high-runoff areas.
Groundwater Protection: Filtration medium for wastewater before it reaches shallow native groundwater tables.
Utility Projects: Drainage layers for infrastructure dealing with persistent spring water or surface runoff.
Common Uses
• Mound and sand-filter septic systems
• High-flow French drains
• Backfill around perforated pipes
• Drainage trenches in high-runoff or spring water areas
• Groundwater filtration layers
• Infrastructure and utility drainage work
What is K-4 sand used for?
K-4 sand is commonly used for mound septic systems, sand filters, high-flow French drains, and drainage backfill in areas with heavy runoff or spring water.
Does asphalt sand compact well?
What is the percolation rate of K-4 sand? K-4 sand typically has a percolation rate of 6 to 20 inches per hour, equating to roughly 3 to 10 minutes per inch.
How is K-4 sand different from K-3 sand?
K-4 sand drains faster than K-3 sand, making it better suited for high-volume flow applications. However, its faster drainage means less retention time for pathogen treatment, so total sand depth should comply with local code requirements.
Is asphalt sand suitable for paver bases?
Does K-4 sand compact well? K-4 sand resists compaction due to its low fines content, helping it maintain structural pore space and drainage performance over time.
Is K-4 sand approved for septic systems?
K-4 sand is a standard material frequently specified by engineers and local health departments for mound systems and sand filters, but requirements vary by jurisdiction. Check with your local health department for specific approval requirements.
Is K-4 sand suitable for high-runoff drainage projects?
Yes. Its rapid percolation rate makes it ideal for high-flow French drains and drainage trenches in areas dealing with heavy surface runoff or persistent spring water.
