They are also more likely to be familiar with the region's specific soil type and common risk factors. So, you should keep this in mind while you’re doing your due diligence because it may eliminate the need for a perc test altogether. If you’re able to form a ribbon of soil that is 2 inches or longer, this is called the ribbon test. Have your excavator try a few different places. For more information on buying, selling, or investing in vacant land, check out our other resources below. This test is normally performed by a licensed excavator, but has much oversight by your local health department. If it’s the perfect piece of land, just wait it out! If this happens to you, take a step back. Often the health department or DEQ is in charge of perc testing. The answer to your question depends on state and local regulations. This could cause erosion or flooding of the system. Thus, it’s important to know when the last perc test was done. Did you try all of the above to no avail? Find hiring guides, material costs, expert advice, how-to's and more. The exact distances will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but typically the most important requirement to keep in mind is the minimum distance between the proposed leach field and any private well (which is usually around 100 feet). Considering these factors may help you decide whether to have one – one way or the other. The excavator will typically dig two deep holes to test the drainage rate of the soil on-site. Also remember that, regardless of what you read online, each area has their own individual process that can vary from place to place. They might also be able to provide you with a list of names of certified testers. We’re here to help throughout the entire land buying and selling process! Your opinion matters! Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers. Your best bet is to contact the department that oversees septic permits in you area, typically the dept. What does the topography of your property look like? The health department may provide a list of local companies that perform perc tests. This test is essential to understanding whether a septic system can be installed. Use the measuring tape to make sure of the depth of the hole. Type in your zip code and HomeAdvisor will find perc test services near you. Check with local codes. If you are interested in land investing, you can check out our article on How to Get Started in Land Investing. Find out when the failed perc test was performed, and if it was when the water level would be high in your area, then you may just have a second chance on your hands. A perc test, which paves the way for a septic system on your property, is only necessary when the property does not already have access to a municipal sewer system. Sometimes you can get around this issue if you’re willing to spend more money on an engineered system or a raised sand bed to help resolve the drainage issue. Connect with the best soil percolation testers in your area who are experts at evaluating soil for septic system installation. Be sure to yield to whatever your health department says. Depending on how much you paid for your land initially, it may not make sense to spend a bunch of money to try to make it “buildable” anyway. Wetlands or flood zones: You cannot use wetlands or flood zones for a septic tank drain field. However, if you’re not testing that section, then you’ll continue to fail. Read on to understand not only how this process works, but whether it may disqualify a parcel of land you wish to buy. Don’t just assume you can go ahead and install one! Sometimes, if you wait long enough, municipal water and sewer become available in your area. The perc test process ensures that you can install a septic tank. The topography of the lot can make a big difference in the different types of soil that are present on your land. However, in most jurisdictions, a perc test will be performed by a licensed excavator. Steep slope: For a conventional system, the maximum allowable slope is between 20 to 30 percent. A county health department official will also be present during the test along with the owner. Look into the records and make sure you’re being thorough. Perc tests are typically good for 2-5 years, although the exact amount of time depends on the local jurisdiction. If you know this to be true, scheduling a perc test at an advantageous time of the year can make all the difference. Depending on the size of the property, there may be an area that actually is suitable for a proper septic drain field. You’ll need to know these distances so that you can abide by the local codes, and you may be asked to find a replacement field to use in 20-30 years when the original field is exhausted. Most county health departments will require the perc test results to determine if the property is suitable for the system. Engineered fill may be acceptable in some cases. I used to help New Yorkers find affordable housing, now I help people around the US find affordable land! © 2020 BuildingAdvisor.com®; All rights reserved. However, in most jurisdictions, a perc test will be performed by a licensed excavator. Here are some alternative routes you can try if your perc test failed. A septic system will help make a property livable if it doesn’t already have water or sewer hookups. How To Install Two-Ply Roof Underlayment? Contractor Filed a Lien – What Are Our Options? Site drainage: Your septic tank drain field should not be in the path of runoff during storms. Insulating A Cathedral Ceiling With Foam Board. For those who purchase land intending to use it for building or living, a perc test is a must. There are alternative septic systems that can be reasonably priced (depending on your property’s situation and local requirements) and environmentally friendly. While these aren’t always correlated with your property’s ability to percolate, there’s more of a chance that there could be a problem. Yet, what happens if you fail that perc test and no septic system can be installed? Ultimately, the perc test procedure varies based on where you are. Thus, you usually must have an official present so they can observe the test. In short, if land is rural and a municipal sewer system isn’t available, a septic system helps make a property “livable.”. While you may have had a perc test done in one area of the property, a previous owner may have had it done in another. determine the absorption rate of soils for subsurface disposal systems If you’re looking to skip out on a perc test altogether, look for properties with existing sewer hookups when you’re shopping for land. In most cases, it depends on what your local health department will allow. In #6, we’ll talk more about the soil criteria that gives your property the best chance of passing. Landowners often stress when they receive a failed perc test. You’ll want to give the health department a call so you are clear on the process and requirements beforehand to ensure there are no hiccups. Is a deep-hole test (to view soil profiles) also required. Shopping for perc testing: If an official perc test is being done to determine what type of septic system to install, check with the local department of health for specific perc test requirements, including whether the test must be performed by a government employee, a private soils engineer or a septic system designer. We have some solutions for all of you who won’t be able to install a septic system on the property. Depending on what type of soil your property has, it may or may not easily pass this test. Your email address will not be published. Does it appear that they passed a perc test? You can get a rough idea of your soil’s texture before you invest the time and money in a perc test. Check with the health department to see if other perc tests have been done. If you are looking to buy affordable land, you can check out our Listings page. 11 Things You Must Know In 2020. Whether you need a perc test or more extensive soil testing, find an expert who can give you guaranteed results. Hi Richard, when you order a perc test your consultant will send the results to you. When you do your due diligence before buying a property, one must-have element of that process is a perc test (also known as a percolation test). Help your neighbors make an informed decision. Just like everything in life, a perc test is going to cost you something, and that cost can be quite a range depending on who you hire and how much work is required. If that’s the case, there’s probably a pretty good chance that you’d pass it as well. A perc test determines the water absorption rate of the soil (or the percolation rate). © 2020 Gokce Capital LLC Home Privacy Policy Terms of Service Contact Subscribe. Just because your property failed a perc test doesn’t mean you can’t build anything on it.