Search thousands of topics on CostHelper

BROWSE ALL TOPICS >> babies & children  cars  consumer electronics health & personal care home & garden personal finance  pets  schools small business sports weddings
CostHelper > Home and Garden  > Driveways, Pools & Outdoor Living > Perc Testing

Perc Testing Cost


How Much Does Perc Testing Cost?

 
low costSimple (Unofficial) Perc Test: $0-$100average costOfficial Perc Test: $100-$1,000+

Also called a percolation test or a perk test, a perc test evaluates how well soil absorbs liquid. They are typically required to get a permit to install a new septic system or a drainage system (like French drains) that is dependent on the soil absorption rate. Simple perc tests may also be used to determine what will grow well on a specific site.

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.
Related articles: French Drain, Dry Well, Septic System

What should be included:
  • 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]
Additional costs:
  • A large property with several different types of soils might require multiple perc test sites, increasing the overall cost.
Shopping for perc testing:
  • 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.
post Post   Comments (13)  
CostHelper News


7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd
As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013


7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget
End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013

‣ All CostHelper Blog Posts


What People Are Paying - Recent Comments
PERC
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: Redtide58 in Carnesville, GA.Posted: March 18th, 2022 12:03PM
Site Size: 2.25 acresType of Test: Hand auger
Perc Test found a high water table, now have to have an extensive soil test done to see where to put in a special drip system. Not good news
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Perk testing eeded
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Marsha Elixson in Concord, GA.Posted: July 5th, 2021 05:07AM
Site Size: 15 acresType of Test: Perk test
Need test done to install septic system. Then everything else can be done...cement footings, patio, water, electric.Waiting weeks for to be done.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Perc Test for land on a hill in Tennessee
Amount: $500.00
Posted by: Angela Metcalf in Erwin, TN.Posted: March 23rd, 2021 12:03AM
Site Size: 6.34 actrdType of Test: Perc
I sent 500.OO to the county of Unocoi to get a perc test done, the Lady called me and said I didn't have to dig holes. She wanted me to mark off where I wanted to build, I told her I don't have it ready yet, the spot where I wanted to build needed to be graded out because it is on a mountain
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Perc Test Needed
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: Diego Thornton in Wonder Valley, CA.Posted: November 22nd, 2019 12:11PM
Site Size: 5 acresType of Test: Perc test
Need a perc test for septic system (OWTS)
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Perc & septic
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: Andrea Butler in Winston Salem, NC.Posted: August 26th, 2019 06:08AM
Site Size: 1 1/2 acresType of Test: Perc & Septic install
I've not purchased lot yet, but it needs to be perced again. I need to find out the total cost. Lot is located in Traphill, NC.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Perk Test for building permit in Montgomery County PA
Amount: $2,000.00
Posted by: Misho in Pennsburg, PA.Posted: June 26th, 2019 12:06PM
Site Size: Type of Test: Perk Test
County Site Evaluation and Test Observation
$ 800
Professional to do all the work including applications
$1,200
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Percolation Test and Septic System Design
Amount: $2,000.00
Posted by: Pete L in Massachusetts, MA.Posted: June 7th, 2019 01:06PM
Site Size: 3 acresType of Test: Perc Test and Deep Hole
I had a local engineering company come out and dig 4 deep holes and ran 2 percolation tests on the site. They sent me all the information and filed with the town. the excavation fee was close to another $1000 and the town fee was $200.00
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Percolation Test Fee (2019)
Amount: $1,050.00
Posted by: JohnL in Western MA, MA.Posted: May 28th, 2019 08:05AM
Site Size: 1+ acresType of Test: Percolation Test and Soil Evaluation
Percolation Test and Engineering Fee - Ranges from $450.00-$600.00
This includes 2-4 deep holes and 1-2 Percolation tests with soil evaluation and soils report (NRCS) performed by licensed soil evaluator/engineer; 4 copies of report printed, PDFed and distributed
Excavation costs -
4-8 hours @ $100.00 an hour
Includes digging of 2-4 deep holes with mobilization. Excavators will typically charge a minimum of 4 hours
Town Fee - approximately $200.00 but may vary from town to town
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Perc Test in Pennsylvania
Amount: $1,450.00
Posted by: Stacylynn in Indiana, PA.Posted: March 30th, 2018 02:03AM
Site Size: 1 acreType of Test:
$800 for the application, which includes the sewerage enforcement officer who will perform the test and any needed inspection. $650 to hire an excavation company to prepare the site for the test. I was expecting to pay about half of that for a perc test and was a bit surprised at the final cost!
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
I need someone to do a perks test
Amount: $100.00
Posted by: Erica Hadaway in Dadeville, AL.Posted: September 21st, 2017 09:09AM
Site Size: 1acerType of Test: Perks test
I need someone to do a perks test so I can get a septic tank put in.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Perc test
Amount: $600.00
Posted by: AnaT in Dunkirk, MD.Posted: June 27th, 2017 11:06AM
Site Size: 5'Type of Test: 0fficial perc test
Needed a backhoe on hill. Took four hours and 2 pits about 5' deep. County inspector fee added another $250.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Perk Test
Amount: $900.00
Posted by: C Spencer in Roanoke, VA.Posted: June 10th, 2015 08:06AM
Site Size: 47 AcresType of Test: Hand auger hole with soil analysis
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Installing a curtain drain
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: JillH in Clarksville, TN.Posted: July 25th, 2013 02:07PM
Want to find out average amount of what it costs to install a curtain drain for a septic system on a piece of land we are selling.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam


 

Comment On Your Experience With Perc Testing
 
Subject:  *
Amount Spent:  *
Site Size: Type of Test: 
Comments: 
Purchased:  Year: 
City:  * State:  *
 
Information about you:
Email:  * Email addresses are not displayed.
Name:  This is the name we'll display with your post.
me on this computer
*=required field.
 



External Resources:
  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
More Home and Garden Topics
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?

Search Thousands of Topics on CostHelper.com

 
Today's Featured Cost Articles

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
UTI urgent care visit
Paid: 147.00
Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more]
-nervouschomper
Urinary Tract Infection Treatment Cost
Spanish Medical Interpreter
Paid: 150.00
I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more]
-Gregory Richardson
Interpreter Cost
Dat
Paid: 495.00
This is how much I am paying... [more]
-Calista Christian
Dental Admission Test Cost
Shingrix
Paid: 48.00
... [more]
-Not that BB
Shingles Vaccine Cost
Skin prick allergy test
Paid: 573.00
Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more]
-D’s mom
Allergy Testing Cost
Estimate for Teeth Cleaning Cat
Paid: 0.00
13 year old cat …teeth extractions, X-rays, blood work, anesthetic, cleaning estimate 2 to 3 thousand... [more]
-Terrimarie
Cat Teeth Cleaning Cost