Perc Testing Cost

In a traditional perc test, holes are dug to a specific depth and filled with water, then the sinking water levels are measured for a certain length of time. However, the term "perc test" is also used to refer to a soil or site evaluation, when a backhoe digs two to six pits 5'-10' deep and an inspector or engineer enters each pit and evaluates the exposed soils.

Typical costs:

• An official perc test that meets all local requirements for a septic or drainage system permit can cost $100-$1,000 or more depending on site size and conditions. Some areas mandate a traditional perc test while others specify soil/site evaluation/testing with deep pits, but call it a perc test. Local laws will dictate whether the test must be performed by a government employee or a private engineer; and typically there's a separate cost for having a backhoe operator prepare the site. County/engineer fees for a typical perc test might cost $150-$500 while use of a backhoe can add $300-$450 or more, for an average total of $450-$950 for a complete perc test. For example, Guthrie County^[1] in Iowa charges $175-$225 in perc test fees, and Caroline County Health Department^[2] in Maryland charges $270-$300.
• For gardening or landscaping purposes, a simple (and unofficial) perc test can be performed with a shovel and tape measure at no cost as a do-it-yourself project, or a landscaper or gardener might charge $25-$100 depending on how many holes are dug and how long it takes. StartALawnCareBusiness.com provides a video^[3] demonstrating a simple perc test.

• Perc tests are typically performed during the wet season, although some areas allow them to be done anytime. Depending on how many holes or pits are needed and local soil conditions, a perc test might take a few hours or all day.
• The Caroline County Health Department in Maryland explains required site preparation procedures^[4] and answers frequently asked questions^[5] for perc tests using test pits, while a septic designer provides an overview of perc test pits^[6]

• A large property with several different types of soils might require multiple perc test sites, increasing the overall cost.

• If an official perc test is being done to determine what type of septic system to install, check with the local department of health^[7] 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. The health department may provide a list of local companies that perform perc tests.

1.  www.guthriecounty.org/envhealth/docs/Percolation%20Test%20Request-Procedure.pdf
2.  www.carolinehd.org/html/EHS/EHS-FS.html
3.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5ZPqF8ggFw
4.  www.carolinehd.org/html/EHS/PA-SITEP.htm
5.  www.carolinehd.org/html/EHS/QA-PERC.htm#PWHAT
6.  www.eco-nomic.com/indexsdd.htm#Site Evaluation
7.  www.cdc.gov/mmwr/international/relres.html

Check Out All Costs for Home and Garden		How Much Does a Fence Cost?		How Much Does a Furnace Cost?		How Much Does Garden Service Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

Need help uncovering your driveway? You may need a snow removal service. A space heater can keep you warm on chilly December nights. Need someone to take care of the kids while you hit the mall for all those sales? It's a good idea to have the furnace checked in the fall, before you need it. Don't forget to fight off sniffles, fever and colds with a flu shot.

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Insulation and labor of sump pump Paid: 11000.00 My 87 year old mother was just told by Roto Rooter it would cost her 11,000 for a submersible sump pump to be instaled and connected to her city sewer... [more] -Maryizene Sump Pump Cost Disposals Paid: 265.00 $265.00 is about the going rate for a badger 5 disposal in the Cincinnati area.... [more] -Mark45236 Garbage Disposal Cost timing belt, water pump and thermostat Paid: 800.00 My car over heated and the thermostat needle was fully up. They replaced the water pump, thermostat, timing belt and other old hoses once they were inside the engine...plus an oil change. in my 1998 Pathfinder. All is well after that... [more] -CBG Replacing a Timing Belt Cost Dentures Paid: 6000.00 This will be my second set of dentures. I've learned there are different types for different budgets. My first pair were premium and lasted over 25 years... [more] -MaggieMae 368 Dentures Cost Gift of love Paid: 300.00 I just made my son's wedding cake. It was 4 tiers, with a rough frosting exterior. The frosting was made with real butter and whipping cream. The cake layers were baked from scratch. It cost $300 for the ingredients and supplies... [more] -Debobo Wedding Cake Cost Home visit, euthanasia & communal cremation Paid: 300.00 Our experience was very similar to Sharlene's in Anaheim. Our lab (70 lbs.) was almost 15. He was given a sedative (shot) first. We had the convertible couch bed open in the living room... [more] -Mary K Swift Pet Euthanasia Cost