What is Perc

A percolation test is so vital that it can actually be done for the potential development of a piece of land. More commonly referred to as a Perc Test, this test determines the capability of soil absorption and filtration of water for the reliability of a septic system. The perc test results reveal what one is capable of developing for a house, a commercial building, a barn, or whatever. This paper will articulate and expound in detail on what a perc test is, why it is so vital, how one goes about it, and what should be done in the eventuality that your property fails the test.

Table of content

Why Is a Perc Test Necessary and How Important Is It?

1. What is my plan for the property?
2. How much am I paying for the property?
3. How big of a problem would it be if the property wasn't buildable due to a failed Perc test?

How to Do a Perc Test

How Much Does a Perc Test Cost?

How to Order a Perc Test

Who Pays for a Perc Test?

What If Your Land Fails the Perc Test? Try These Alternatives

{{form-banner}}

Why Is a Perc Test Necessary and How Important Is It?

What is a Perc test? The short or, more correctly, colloquial term for what is referred to as a percolation test is, of course, a perc test. This is a testing process that shows how a certain kind of soil interacts with a septic system. One of the most essential pieces of knowledge in the design and installation of a septic system is the speed with which soil is able to take in water. A failed perc test indicates that the soil has the potential for a rate of absorption of the water that is too slow, with pooling or puddling on the surface; this increases the potential for septic system failure, pollution of local environments, and health risks.

What is my plan for the property?

Investing in property, more so for development needs, should have a Perc test within your plans in life. This applies to the development of housing or the erection of any development for either residential or commercial use, the results of which indicate if a parcel of land is suitable for a septic system. For instance, if one desires to build a house, then a negative Perc test implies that the premise would not be acceptable for standard septic treatment and, hence, other substitutes would have to be set in place, such as an advanced wastewater treatment system or be linked to a municipal sewer line. This can significantly impact your building plans and budget.

Moreover, understanding the broader implications of a failed Perc test is crucial. Beyond the initial inconvenience, it may necessitate substantial changes to your property development strategy. You should consult with environmental engineers or soil experts to explore viable alternatives, which can be both time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, certain advanced treatment systems or connections to municipal sewer lines may require special permits or approvals, adding another layer of complexity to your project. Considering all these factors in your property plan ensures you are well-prepared for potential challenges and can make informed decisions that align with your long-term goals and financial constraints.

How much am I paying for the property?

The cost of property is one of those things that would allow you to have a Perc Test carried out. If you are paying a premium for a piece of land, you would really want to know that it would pass a Perc test. A failed test really hampers the value a property holds and its uses, so make sure you give this great importance, as certain things do not always come with a price tag. Just think of a property that has failed a Perc test that you have bought to develop into a residential neighborhood. In all considerations, this is more of a hidden cost issue, so budgeting for it will save you from potential costly surprises and give you a value-driven decision.

The financial stakes are not just limited to the initial purchase price of the property. You must also account for potential remediation costs, alternative waste management solutions, and possible legal fees associated with meeting local environmental regulations. There may be a need for soil modification, additional engineering studies, or so-called advanced septic systems to treat and reduce the effluent, all of which do not come cheaply. Planning for these types of potential expenses will afford you an effective way to evaluate property value accurately and to be able to calculate your return on investment accurately. The integration of this financial concern into your planning will undoubtedly alert you to any surprises yet to occur and allow you to continue with confidence in the development of the property.

How big of a problem would it be if the property wasn't buildable due to a failed Perc test?

A failed Perc test can present a substantial obstacle, primarily if the property was intended for building purposes. Legal and regulatory issues may arise, complicating your plans and potentially resulting in significant financial loss. It's essential to assess how critical it is for the property to be buildable and to explore alternative solutions or uses for the land if the test fails. 

For instance, if you planned to develop a commercial complex but the soil failed the Perc test, you might need to consider alternative locations or additional investments in advanced waste management systems. Understanding these implications helps in making strategic decisions about property development and risk management.

How to Do a Perc Test

Conducting a Perc test involves several steps, beginning with obtaining the necessary permits and selecting the test site. Here is a step-by-step guide to performing a Perc test:

• Apply for Permit: Before proceeding with any Perc test, ensure to check health departments or local regulatory bodies that one gets the necessary permit.

• Select the Test Site: Choose a location on the property where the septic system is planned. Clear any vegetation and mark the area.

• Test Pits: Test pits shall be excavated by hand using a shovel or posthole diggers. Pits should be as deep as possible, ideally twelve inches to twenty-four inches, and six inches to twelve inches wide. The quantity and placement of test pits vary by jurisdiction.

• Presoaking the soil: Fill each hole and let it soak for a couple of hours or even overnight. This should drench the surrounding soil up to the maximum pre-drenched uniform level prior to conducting percolation tests.

• Time the velocity: Fill each fill to a depth of six inches with water. Measure and record the time it takes for the water in the fill to fall from the surface of the soil to one inch below the surface of the soil. Use that measurement to record the time at which one inch of water would infiltrate into the soil.

• Average Percolation Rate: Repeatedly and precisely perform the measuring process to determine the average percolation rate with certainty. This would determine whether the soil percolation in this system is good enough for a septic system.

• Interpret Results: Compare the average percolation rate with the local requirements for minimum standards. If the rate is too slow or too fast, the soil is not suitable for a conventional septic system.

{{form-banner}}

How Much Does a Perc Test Cost?

Perc test costs usually vary due to location, soil conditions, and the complexity of the Perc test. Typically, Perc tests cost between $300 and $1,000. Here is what you might be looking at for typical costs:

• Permit and fees: Permits are a permissive requirement in some jurisdictions, and the cost can be between fifty and two hundred bucks.

• Labor and Equipment: The cost incurred to acquire a professional labor force to conduct the test varies somewhere between two hundred and eight hundred. The cost includes labor for testing, purchase of equipment, and analysis costs.

• More Testing: In some cases, further soil testing may be required, or time spent on-site assessment may be needed, which again increases the overall cost of services.

Factors influencing cost variability include the size of the property, the number of test sites required, and any additional services needed, such as soil analysis or engineering consultations. Comparing DIY vs. professional services can also impact costs. While DIY testing can be cheaper, it may provide a different reliability or compliance with local regulations than a professional test.

How to Order a Perc Test

Look for a duly qualified local health department or professional and proceed to call in the Perc test order. How to Order:

• Research Local Requirements: Start by researching local health department or environmental agency requirements for Perc tests. Regulations can vary significantly by location.

• Find Qualified Professionals: Look for licensed soil scientists, engineers, or septic system professionals who offer Perc testing services. Online directories, local business listings, and recommendations from real estate agents can be helpful.

• Request Quotes: Contact several professionals to request quotes and compare services. Ensure that the quotes include all necessary steps, from site preparation to final analysis.

• Test Booking: After selecting the professional, the test should be booked when the weather is expected to be favorable. Avoid booking during periods of heavy rainfall or drought, which may affect the test outcome.

• Prepare the Site: Clear the test site of vegetation and debris. Mark the area where the test will be conducted and ensure easy access for the professionals and their equipment.

• Conduct the Test: During the test, the professional will dig the required holes, perform pre-soaking, and measure the percolation rates. They will then analyze the results and provide a detailed report.

• Review the Results: Discuss the results with the professional and understand any recommendations or next steps. If the test fails, explore alternative solutions or request a retest under different conditions.

Who Pays for a Perc Test?

Many property deals also debate the payment for the Perc test. However, by and large, it becomes a burden on the buyer unless something else is decided. Usually, since the land has to be fit for use by the buyer, the cost of the test might be required to be borne by the buyer. The same applies to ordering the test. Other situations where the expense is paid for by the seller, at least to some extent, or partly by the buyer and the seller. Here's how the costs are typically handled:

• Buyer Responsibility: Normally, buyers are supposed to pay for a Perc test as a due diligence item before purchasing a property. This is so that the buyer would be enlightened about the liabilities already existing on the land; hence, investment by an informed buyer.

• Seller's Responsibility: In some instances, particularly in a more competitive market, the sellers may even pay for the Perc test to make the property more attractive to the buyer. That way, the interested buyer is guaranteed land suitability.

• Negotiated Agreements: The cost of the Perc test can also be negotiated as part of the purchase agreement. Both parties might agree to split the cost or include it in the overall sale price of the property.

Understanding the legal and contractual aspects of who pays for the Perc test is vital for both parties to avoid misunderstandings and ensure a fair transaction.

{{form-banner}}

What If Your Land Fails the Perc Test? Try These Alternatives

There are plenty of other options to consider if your land performs miserably on the Perc test. While a failed test might be a disappointment, failure isn't necessarily the end of your development plans. Here are a few:

• Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems: These are systems that are designed to work in situations where traditional septic systems do not seem feasible or where, otherwise, there is an opening for added treatment. These units are usually made up of technologies such as aerobic treatment units, sand filters, or mound systems. They generally treat the wastewater better down to the point that they can be designed to work under such kinds of challenging soil conditions.

• Redesigning the Property Layout: Sometimes, simply relocating the planned septic system to another part of the property with better soil conditions can solve the problem. Conducting additional Perc tests in different locations might reveal a suitable site.

• Alternative land use: If a standard septic system cannot be installed in the ground, both the property owner and the professional should strive to identify alternative uses for the vacant land. These could be agricultural, recreational, or conservation.

• Municipal Sewer Connection: If available, connecting to a municipal sewer system can bypass the need for a septic system altogether. This option can be more expensive but provides a reliable solution for wastewater management.

• Agitating the Test Results: Sometimes, the test can be re-appealed and redone. Even the weather on the day the test was done affected the results, or, more so, an error in the procedures could have been made. Ideas like these should be talked over with a professional. In that way, a simplified way forward is given.

Understanding what a Perc is and why Perc tests are so paramount gives valuable insight to many involved in property development or purchase. A Perc test, during the process of the site assessment for septic system suitability, is a safeguard for investment and possibly compliance with environmental regulations. Understanding cost, process, steps taken, and alternatives related to Perc tests will help you make better, more fiscally responsible business decisions when executing a property development plan. Awareness of what a Perc is and what it means for a buyer, seller, or developer can come in very handy when working with land use complexities to ensure a successful project outcome.