Buying Land: What is a PERC test?
Hi there, welcome to my blog! Today I'm going to talk about a very important topic for anyone who wants to build a house in a rural area: what is a perc test for land?
A perc test, short for percolation test, is a soil test that measures how well the soil can absorb water. This is crucial for determining if you can install a septic system on your property, which is a common way of disposing wastewater in areas without municipal sewage systems.
A septic system consists of a tank that collects the waste from your house and a drainfield that disperses the liquid effluent into the soil. The soil acts as a natural filter that removes harmful bacteria and contaminants from the water before it reaches the groundwater.
But not all soils are suitable for a septic system. Some soils are too dense, like clay, and do not allow water to drain fast enough. This can cause the septic tank to overflow or the effluent to pool on the surface, creating health and environmental hazards. Other soils are too porous, like sand, and allow water to drain too quickly. This can result in insufficient treatment of the effluent and contamination of the groundwater.
That's why you need a perc test to find out if your soil has the right balance of drainage and treatment capacity. A perc test is usually done by digging one or more holes in the proposed drainfield area, filling them with water, and measuring how long it takes for the water level to drop. The time it takes for the water to drop one inch is called the percolation rate, and it is expressed in minutes per inch (mpi).
Different jurisdictions have different standards for acceptable percolation rates, but generally they range from 5 to 60 mpi. If your soil falls within this range, you can install a conventional septic system. If your soil is too slow or too fast, you may need to look for alternative septic systems or other options.
A perc test is usually required by the local health department before you can get a permit to build a house with a septic system. It is also advisable to do a perc test before you buy a piece of land, as it can affect its value and usability. A failed perc test can mean that you cannot build your dream home on that land, or that you have to spend more money on a special septic system.
A perc test should be done by a qualified professional who knows the local regulations and procedures. The cost of a perc test can vary depending on the location, size, and complexity of the site, but it typically ranges from $500 to $1,500.
I hope this blog post has helped you understand what a perc test is and why it is important for rural landowners. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading!
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