The word perc is short for percolation.
Percolation is what happens when rain or water hits the soil and drains through the soil.
Many properties do not have access to a nearby sewer system. So if you want to build a house on the property, you will need to septic system installed.
A septic system is a large 1000+ gallon tank that which the wastewater from the house goes. This tank is installed on the property near the house and as it fills up, the effluent water disperses into the drain field from the tank and is absorbed into the ground. As the effluent water drains into the soil, it is cleaned naturally before it reaches the underground aquifer.
For these septic tanks to be allowed into the ground, the soils must pass a perc or soil suitability test. Once the water is in the soil, it must be able to drain properly.
Often, soils are not suitable for septic tank drainage in certain parts of the country, and these soils will not pass a perc test. These soils may have too much clay or be just too dense for water to pass through. So, if the water cannot pass the perc test, you can’t have a sewer system.
To get a perc test, you will need to have a county employee come perform the test or you could hire a soil scientist to do it.
How is this test done? Basically, a hole is dug in the ground where you think you want the system to go and water is poured into it to see how long it takes the water to drain. The timing of this draining helps to determine if the ground is suitable for a septic system or not.
If the perc test fails, then you won’t be able to build a house on the property, and this can affect the value of the property. However, depending on the soils, you may be able to have an engineered septic system installed but these are very expensive and must be maintained closely.
NOTE: Just because one area on the property fails the perc test does not mean that the rest of the property will fail. You will need to test other areas that just may pass the perc test.
So, if you can’t build a house on the property, there may be plenty of other uses for the property. Just think outside the box for alternative uses.
Also, keep in mind as areas grow, one day, there may be a sewer line installed near your property that you can tap into.
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For more detailed information about Perc tests, check out my books “10 Things You Need To Know About Land” and How to Buy, Sell, and Profit with Land. You can get your copy from Amazon.
Image Source: https://piersandpiles.com/percolation-test-guide/
Cheryl Sain has been in the real estate industry for over 20 years and has executed thousands of land transactions with investors, developers, national builders, and individuals.
Disclaimer:
This information is provided as-is and does not in any way make or imply any guarantees as to an outcome. You will need to evaluate the information herein and consult appropriate professionals such as surveyors, attorneys, tax accountants, or any other professional agencies or broker-in-charge to acquire the information and guidance you need to help you make the decision that is best for you.