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

The hot summer weather has started. How much does central air conditioning cost? We give our advice on where to buy Purell and hand sanitizers. Looking for an indoor pet? Usage of streaming services is skyrocketing. We list the current deals. Staying cool during the summer also means on the road. We cover the cost of car air conditioning.

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

Replace Toilet Wax Ring (DIY) Paid: 25.00 Cost could have been cheaper, but previous owners hired a plumber and contractor who didn't do the job right. So we ran into problems. The first wax ring didn't work, so we had to buy the old fashioned type... [more] -JT Holm Toilet Repair Cost Plumbing totourial Paid: 0.00 I am appalled by some of these charges myself and yes plumbers have a hard,disgusting and exhausting job and it’s not for everyone... [more] -Caleb Domec Plumber Cost Ischemic stroke Paid: 89000.00 I had a CT scan, they called helicopter to transfer to trauma hospital in Atlanta, but neurosurgeon there said the stroke is is I n a deep area, and would be too dangerously to remove the clot surgically... [more] -Marie-Jose Stroke Treatment Cost Connective tissue graft Paid: 1300.00 Had to get a connective tissue graft for three of my teeth on my lower left and likely will need a few more done down the road (genetics). The procedure took about an hour and was pain-free... [more] - Gum Tissue Graft Cost Alaska propane pricing 2020 Paid: 130.71 No contract price is $3.87 x 32.8 gallons + $3.81 fee = delivered remote Cooper Landing Alaska. New contract renewal $1.91/gallon for delivery plus propane cost which I need to check on... [more] -Keith Mantey Propane Cost Funeral Paid: 160.00 Can somebody contact me... [more] -Terrance Samuel Releasing Doves Cost