Perc Test Costs

Perc testing normally costs $750 to $1,850 or $1,300 on average. On the high end of the spectrum, you could end up paying as much as $3,000 depending upon local regulation and the size of the leach field or infiltration basin required. A standard evaluation will cost $150 to $300 for a hand-dug hole without professional tools.

A perc test determines the ground’s capability to absorb and filter water. A standard evaluation includes digging a hole 2 to 3 feet deep then filling it with water. Then timing how long it takes for the water to drain. The procedure typically takes 1 to 6 hours. A failed perc test decreases the value of the land or indicates it’s much more expensive to develop for domestic purposes.

Typical Perc Test Costs

The cost average is $1,300
The high end is at $1,850
The low end is at $750

The expense of a Soil Test for Septic Systems

You might also like our articles about the cost of yard cleaning, house framing, or brick walkways.

Utilizing a perc test to identify a ground’s viability for septic tanks and leach fields costs $750 to $1,300 usually. Big parcels may require numerous evaluations in several locations to find an excellent location to set up one. The price does not include septic setup expenses of $3,000 to $10,000.

Many land purchases in undeveloped backwoods utilize this report. It aids to check the viability of setting up a septic system and leach field. Without access to community sewage systems, you’ll require them for property development.

Perc Tests for Septic Repair Work or Replacement

Perc tests for septic repair work cost roughly the same for brand-new installations or $750 to $1,300 usually. That does not include septic tank repair work expenses of $500 to $2,500. You’ll need an evaluation for any septic or leach field repair work or replacements. If it stops working or shows to be slow drainage, it’ll increase the rate of repair work and replacement.

Infiltration Basin Land Perc Test Expenses

Perc tests for infiltration basins cost almost the same for any other purpose or somewhere between $150 and $3,000. For exceptionally big areas, you may have to spend over $3,000.

An infiltration basin also called a recharge basin or percolation pond handles stormwater overflow. It prevents erosion and localized flooding. At its most basic, it’s a low area created for rainwater to gather. It then drains gradually into the soil before it floods landscaping, houses, or roadways.

Percolation Test Expense Elements:

State and regional regulation: In some locations, a shovel and a timer is all that’s needed, others require comprehensive reports with soil structure and drain rates.
Distance: A professional often charges more the further they need to travel to cover fuel and travel time. The real increase in fees depends upon the business.
Ease of access: You’ll pay more for difficult-to-access land with little or no industrialized roadway access.

Do It Yourself Perc Testing vs. Working with a Pro

If you know and understand the process behind it, it’s something you might wish to test by yourself. You’ll require a shovel, some water, and a stop-watch. Nevertheless, the difference between a failed and passed test may mean a difference of thousands of dollars in a land’s value.

It’s also not an official report. Some regional policies require a certified expert to do the testing. Official assessments tend to utilize a backhoe and dig deeper into the ground while utilizing technical soil testing devices. For land sales that need an official evaluation done by an expert, you’ll have to employ a pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a perc test?

A perc test determines the drain rate of the ground around a potential building site, sewage-disposal tank site, or infiltration basin. A basic one includes digging a hole and filling it with water then timing how long it takes to drain. Official tests tend to utilize backhoe and soil testing devices to determine soil saturation and structure.

Why would I need a perc test?

You will require a perc test to see if you can set up a drain tile, infiltration basin or septic tank, and leach field.

What is an infiltration basin?

An infiltration basin is a human-made low area with plant life that brings in stormwater overflow and then gradually drains it into the ground. This prevents erosion and localized flooding around houses and roadways.

Who can do a perc test?

A soil assessment business, a regional soil engineer, or a government-employed engineer normally does the perc test. Your regional health department or building regulations enforcement institution manages the procedure and any authorizations needed.

How much does it take to do a perc test?

A perc test takes anywhere from 1 to 6 hours, depending upon the size of the land and soil structure.

Just how much does soil testing cost?

Geotechnical screening costs $1,000 to $5,000. You’ll only require this for brand-new house constructions given that a perc test is just a small part of a total study. These reports will look into a vast array of physical homes of the land. You do not need this full report for septic, leach fields, or infiltration basins.

Just how much do soil contamination tests cost?

Checking for soil contamination costs $600 on average. Perc tests will not do this, however, you might wish to get it done if your leach field or septic is close to your groundwater.

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Alec Pow

CEO at ThePricer Media

Alec Pow is a thorough and methodical Financial and Business Analyst with over 15 years of experience in financial statement analysis, Foreign exchange derivative hedging instruments analysis, modeling, and risk management, with a long history of writing for big news publications like Forbes, MSN.com, Washington Post, and many more.