what to do if your land fails a perc test

Less commonly, a site can fail because the soil is too permeable, allowing the effluent to reach the groundwater before it is fully treated. The test takes approximately two days to complete to check the draining rate of water that’s put into the hole. As with anything, there are both pros and cons. However, with all things perc, rules vary greatly from town to town so don’t make any assumptions. The perc test is typically paid for by either the buyer or the seller of a property that’s intended to be used for homebuilding. 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. Not nice but thats what I hear. Local health department rules and regulations control who can do a perc test. If no one builds on the land after it expires, then I would need to get another test done. Also, a wide range of alternative septic systems have been developed in recent years for use on almost any type of site. The specific standards vary from town to town, but any of these characteristics can prohibit the use of a standard gravity-fed septic system. There is a bit of a slope on the property, but that slope leads down into more wetlands. Clever 'dozer work can disguise it so it doesn't look man-made. What do the results of the perc test mean? about 40' Long and width is about 20'. Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine. Andrew Helling is the founder and editor of REthority.com. Find one you can work with and who specifically knows septic systems. By clicking "Continue" and/or continuing to browse this site, you give us and our third party tools permission to place cookies on your browser. Some of the more common approaches include: Because of the growing need for economical and effective on-site waste water treatment solutions, the list of available alternatives is growing. Make sure you talk to your town health officer about what tests are needed, when they can be done, and who should perform them. You’ll need the perc test results when you go to obtain the building permit for the dwelling. Local health department rules and regulations control who can do a perc test. NO PERC, NO HOUSE 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. So, you should keep this in mind while you’re doing your due diligence because it may eliminate the need for a perc test altogether. ImproveNet can connect you with local professionals who can take care of this soil testing for you. REthority: Real Estate Guides, News, and More. While it isn’t necessarily cheap, easy or certain, it can give you valuable peace of mind. People who are purchasing land to build a new construction may have to have specialized testing done before they can build. Learn why you may need a perc test if you're planning a new construction home. After waiting from a few minutes to a half-hour or more, measure the water level again. Health authorities have different rules about how the test has to be done. Phone: (888) 380-5298. Soil tests or observations are used to identify the drainage characteristics of the soil, the seasonal high water table, and the depth of the “limiting zone,” where the soil is unsuitable for treating sewage. Because of this, it’s imperative that any offer you make to purchase land to build a home on has a contingency clause that allows you to back out of the purchase if the soil doesn’t pass the required tests. If the perc test fails then a homeowner would need to consult with an engineer who specializes in designing septic systems and septic drain fields. Test results are usually good for two to five years, and in some cases can be renewed. You may also hear a perc test described as a “deep hole test.” People may talk about a lot “perking” when it passes the test. But we can help. Clearances vary from one town to another so always check with local codes. You can do an informal perc test by shoveling out a hole a few feet deep. Email: eric.morse@mecindustries.com To determine if a building site is suitable for a septic system, a percolation test (typically called a “perc test’ or “perk test”) is required. Without a successful perc test, there can be no septic permit. You don’t plan to build in the land or ever sell it to someone who might. You can get some idea of a lot’s chances of passing a perc test by examining the soil and any water features. Of course, there are cons to everything, and perc tests are no exception. If you’re considering the purchase of a lot to build a home, discuss the payment of the perc test with your real estate professional to determine what’s customary in the area. Depending on rules, you can sometimes put in a modified septic system with additional filters, for example. If you hide something they will nail you to the wall but if you ask first they are alway glad to help. Typically, you’ll have a perc test done when you’re considering the purchase of a site. Pour bucket of water into the test hole and see how quickly the water level drops. To conduct a perc test, first talk to the local health department official as requirements can vary significantly from town to town as far as who can conduct the test, the minimum number of holes, depth of holes, required absorption rates, and when the tests can be performed. 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. Serving Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati and The limiting zone is defined by upper layer of the water table or impermeable rock or soil. For example, in a sloping lot, a location on the higher side is more likely to pass. The reasons property can fail the perc test can be numerous but typically include unacceptable soil conditions, a high-water table, a too-small lot or a location near a lake or stream or other environmentally sensitive areas. The test results control whether or not you can build on a given piece of land. - M.K. The perc test and soil observation (deep hole test) are used not only for permitting, but to design a well-functioning system. However, many are not available in all areas, some are excessively expensive and others are too complicated for residential use. The two main tests used to determine a site’s suitability for a septic system are a perc test and visual observation of the soil in a test pit, sometimes referred to as a deep hole test. The reasons property can fail the perc test can be numerous but typically include unacceptable soil conditions, a high-water table, a too-small lot or a location near a lake or stream or other environmentally sensitive areas. If you don’t care about drainage and don’t plan to build on the land, conducting a perc test can be a waste of money. Some the cons include: Sometimes you may decide to skip the perc test when deciding on a land purchase. ImproveNet connects you to local professionals who can do a perc test on your land. * I have a beautiful 5.5 acre piece of land in Massachusetts with an area of upland large enough for a one-family home. Is it close to a body of water ? To determine if a building site is suitable for a septic system, a percolation test (typically called a “perc test’ or “perk test”) is required. You may also hear a perc test described as a “deep hole test.” People may talk about a lot “perking” when it passes the test. He graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he obtained a Finance and Banking degree. Call the public health dept and ask them "what do I do". It can be an exhausting and frustrating process if your site fails the test for a standard septic system. You can do an informal perc test by shoveling out a hole a few feet deep. With over 30 years of regional experience, we have the experience to help you through the regulatory and design challenges of your site. If your soil fails a perc test, there are a few options you can try. Call the public health dept and ask them "what do I do". The holes may be drilled, dug by hand, or dug with a backhoe or other piece of power equipment. I'm also worried that the Board of Health will be far more concerned about whatever septic proposal I and my engineer make because we are so close to wetlands. Watch remodeler Josh Oduin demonstrate how to embed premade corners and banding in thinset to waterproof a new shower before tiling.