how is a perk test done

What would cause perc test to fail?

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.

How do you run a perc test?

Soil Percolation TestStep 1: Dig Hole. Dig a hole at least 12” in diameter by 12” deep, with straight sides. ... Step 2: Fill Hole with Water. Fill the hole with water, and let it sit overnight. ... Step 3: Refill Hole with Water. ... Step 4: Measure Water Level. ... Step 5: Measure Drainage Every Hour.

What do they look for in a perk test?

A percolation test (colloquially called a perc test) is a test to determine the water absorption rate of soil (that is, its capacity for percolation) in preparation for the building of a septic drain field (leach field) or infiltration basin.

How deep do you dig a hole for a perk test?

A typical perc test consists of three or more holes dug about 30 to 40 feet apart in the proposed drain field area (see illustration). The holes are typically 6 to 12 inches in diameter and two feet deep, the typical depth of the trenches in a leach field.

Can I do a percolation test myself?

The test itself is fairly simple; dig a hole of a certain size where you're drainage field is going to be, fill it with water, and see how long it takes for the water to disappear.

What does it mean if land doesn't perk?

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.

What is a good perc test result?

A perc test determines where the leach field should go based on the drainability of the soil. A good perc rate for a septic system is between 1 and 30 minutes per inch. Between 30 and 60 minutes per inch might require hydraulic analysis for installing a septic system.

Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?

Having a leach field is essential because it helps to treat and clean the wastewater from the tank. Without a leach field, you would essentially have raw sewage spilling out into the area and polluting the soil and potentially the groundwater.

Is a perc test the same as a soil test?

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.

How do you do a dry well perc test?

To calculate this rate, you'll conduct a percolation (perc) test in your yard—a process that involves digging a hole (or numerous holes), filling them with water, and then recording the rate at which the water seeps into the ground.

Who performs a perc test in Tennessee?

(7) Only percolation rates generated as the result of the complete four (4) hour measurement period will be considered valid for plat approval or permit issuance. (8) Tests shall be conducted by an engineer or surveyor licensed in the State of Tennessee.

Who does perc test in Alabama?

In Alabama there are 4 types of professionally licensed persons that are legally allowed to conduct a percolation test: engineers, land surveyors, professional soil classifiers, and professional geologists.

What is a good perc rate?

A perc test determines where the leach field should go based on the drainability of the soil. A good perc rate for a septic system is between 1 and 30 minutes per inch. Between 30 and 60 minutes per inch might require hydraulic analysis for installing a septic system.

How long is a perk test good for in SC?

How long is a perc test good for? An Improvement Permit/Construction Authorization issued by a Local Health Department is valid for 5 years. An evaluation by a Licensed Soil Scientist does not expire; the results will generally stay the same so long as the area evaluated does not physically change.