In most cases, properties can easily pass a perc test when the soil has higher concentrations of sand because sand tends to absorb water at a much faster rate than clay or silt and when the property is situated in an area with a low water table. For all intents and purposes, a perc test and subsequently, a septic system is only necessary when a property does NOT have access to a municipal sewer system. If a vacant lot is situated within reach of an existing sewer hook up, this will usually eliminate the need for a septic system altogether.
In order to determine if a septic system is possible, most county health departments will require a perc test. When solid waste settles in a septic tank, the excess wastewater is then discharged into the septic drain field through a network of perforated pipes. The contaminants expelled from this wastewater is then trapped and eliminated in the soil. The typical size of a drain field is determined by the expected volume of wastewater to be discharged from the septic system which is usually estimated based on the size of the proposed building.
In order to understand the importance of a perc test, you also need to understand the basics of how a septic system works. This video gives a helpful explanation on how septic systems work and how a perc test fits into the overall scheme skip to to see the explanation of a perc test. As you can see, some situations call for heavy equipment, surveyors , engineers, and the like, whereas other situations can be as simple as drilling small holes in the ground by hand and taking samples of the soil.
Some are looking for a place to hunt, farm, camp, and do other outdoor activities. Do you try and sell it? Do you just leave it? Is it a lost cause? In most cases, it depends on what your local health department will allow. Here are some alternative routes you can try if your perc test failed. Check with the health department to see if other perc tests have been done Checking records of previous perc tests can sometimes make all the difference.
Have your excavator try a few different places The topography of the lot can make a big difference in the different types of soil that are present on your land. Wait it out Did you try all of the above to no avail?
It can be a long and frustrating waiting game, but it could be worth your while. The type of soil your property has plays a large role in whether or not it passes Soil will often pass a perc test when it has high concentrations of sand and gravel.
This is because sandy soil absorbs water at a much faster rate than clay, silt, or solid rock. Generally, soil will fall in the middle with any of the following… Sand and gravel particles Small silt particles Miniscule clay particles the smallest 7.
Here are a few ways you can do it. Dig below the top few inches of topsoil, also known as loam, to the lighter soil beneath.
Grab a handful. The perc test procedure varies based on the municipality Ultimately, the perc test procedure varies based on where you are. The excavator will typically dig two deep holes to test the drainage rate of the soil on-site. Thus, you usually must have an official present so they can observe the test. A perc test does not last forever Perc tests are typically good for years , although the exact amount of time depends on the local jurisdiction.
There are some common limiting factors for septic systems beyond a perc test Even if you pass a perc test, you may not be out of the woods. There is a minimum distance required for a septic tank There are minimum distances that are required from the septic tank and septic tank drain field to buildings, property lines, water pipes, wells, and open water. Use the context clues! Are there houses on their properties? Does it appear that they passed a perc test?
In this case, it may be worth your while to spend the money on a perc test. What does the topography of your property look like? Are you on a hill or in a valley? Does it have a slope? Considering these factors may help you decide whether to have one — one way or the other. Never fear! Landowners often stress when they receive a failed perc test. If this happens to you, take a step back.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe Now Disclaimer: we are not lawyers, accountants or financial advisors and the information in this article is for informational purposes only. Author Recent Posts.
She used to help New Yorkers find affordable housing, now she helps people find affordable land around the US. Erika currently lives in the New York Metropolitan area with her spouse, daughter and cat.
The correct size of the septic tank depends mostly on the square footage of the house and the number of people living there. Most residential septic tanks range in size from gallons to 1, gallons.
An average 3-bedroom home, less than square feet will probably require a gallon tank. How long is a perk test good for in PA?
Is a perk test only good for 3 years? A perk test is data used towards applying for a permit. There is no time limit on the validity of the data provided that testing procedures remain constant, the site conditions remain the same, and the test location may be verified. How do septic systems work? Septic tanks work by allowing waste to separate into three layers: solids, effluent and scum see illustration above.
The scum, composed of waste that's lighter than water, floats on top. The middle layer of effluent exits the tank and travels through underground perforated pipes into the drainage field. What does it mean when land won t perk? If the soil is too hard to let it drain, the system will not work. Is Smushed a real word? What do most countries in Latin America depend on for their economy to succeed? Very steep slopes are also unsuitable for a conventional leach field.
The specific standards vary from town to town, but any of these characteristics can prohibit the use of a standard gravity-fed septic system. In some cases, a more expensive alternative septic system may be allowed. On rural sites without municipal sewage systems, a failed perc test means that no house can be built — which is why you should make any offer to purchase land contingent on the site passing the soil and perc tests. As prime building sites become increasingly scarce or prohibitively expensive in many parts of the country, rural sites that will not pass a percolation or perc test are increasingly common.
In general, 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. Testing requirements vary greatly from state to state and often from town to town, as most states allow individual towns to establish separate rules within state guidelines.
Make sure you talk to your town health officer about what tests are needed, when they can be done, and who should perform them. Most evaluations start with a deep hole test dug by machine to well below the bottom of the proposed leach field — often 7 to 10 feet deep or greater.
Soil samples may be taken back to the lab, or visual observations of the soil layers may be sufficient.
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