Nice! So you're thinking about getting the property tested. A percolation test, or “perc” test, is a soil test taken from your property to determine the suitability for a septic system.
A perc test, or percolation test, is used to identify the correct septic system for a new home by measuring the rate of water absorption in the soil. Whether it's already determined that you need a septic system component or you're just looking into getting one, this can be an important step in getting everything installed and working efficiently. If you're thinking of having a percolation test done, check in with your local county government.
Sometimes a vacant land comes with a perc test performed, but this is rather a rare case.
The cost of a perc test depends on a variety of factors. Factors such as site access, location, and terrain can affect the cost of a perc test. A perc test may have to be performed in several locations across a site before the septic system can be installed. Perc testing typically costs between $750 and $1,850, according to HomeAdvisor.
You can approach property owners and ask for permission to perc their land. Request a County Health Department to provide you with a form for an owner permit to perform the perc test and then ask the owner to sign it. Then you are ready to request the soil scientist to perform the perc test. Sometimes they can support you getting permits too.
Alternatively, a land soil report could give you some indications about possible percolation of the soil. According to buildingadvisor.com: “soils with high sand and gravel content drain the best and soils with a high clay content or solid rock are the worst. Most soils fall somewhere in the middle with a mix of course sand and gravel particles, small silt particles, and miniscule clay particles – the smallest.”
