Percolation tests assess soil’s ability to absorb water and determine if a septic system can be installed. Results impact system size, location, and design. Health officials monitor the test and issue a report. Site assessments include other tests, and pre-evaluated sites may be more attractive to buyers.
A percolation test is a test that is performed during a site assessment. Percolation tests are conducted to find out whether or not a septic system can be installed on site and to gather information that will be used to design the system. People are usually required to submit the results of a percolation test to public health authorities before they can obtain a permit for a septic system, and a permit for a septic system is usually required to obtain a building permit if a lot is not can be collected in the municipal aqueduct and in the sewer. Therefore, percolation tests are essential during the appraisal phases of real estate development in many areas of the world.
Also known as a “perc test,” a percolation test is designed to see how well the soil can absorb water. This will play a direct role in determining whether or not the soil can support a septic system. The results can also indicate how big the system will be, where it can be installed and how it should be designed. For example, test results may indicate that a site is only suitable for a single family home, not a duplex or larger development, which may impact how the property will be developed.
To conduct a percolation test, a series of holes are dug and the sides of the holes roughened before the holes are pre-soaked. The pre-soaking takes place the evening before the percolation test. On the morning of the test, debris is removed from the holes and a controlled amount of water is poured. Reading the test results is based on how long it takes for the soil to absorb the water added to the hole.
This test is often monitored and administered by a health department official. The officer confirms that the test was conducted correctly, notes the readings, and issues a formal report after the test is complete.
Site assessment includes a number of tests in addition to percolation tests. In some cases, a real estate agent will sell a site that has already been evaluated, with test results indicating how the site can be used and providing important insight into the condition of the site. A pre-evaluated site may be more enticing to buy, because people won’t enter the purchase without some knowledge of how the site can be used. If the appraisal also includes permits, it can be particularly interesting for potential buyers.
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