What the Heck is a "Perc Test" (and How Much Does it Really Matter)?

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.ค. 2024
  • Full Blog Post: retipster.com/perc-test/?utm_...
    Join Our Community: retipster.com/follow/?...
    00:00 - Intro
    00:15 - What exactly is a Perc Test?
    01:56 - How does the Perc Test work in most jurisdictions around the country?
    03:01 - How to determine if a Perc Test is important to your specific situation
    05:07 - What if the property fails the Perc Test?
    05:51 - When to consider a modified septic system on the property?
    06:16 - Should you hold your property even though it doesn’t have a septic system?
    07:08 - Final thoughts
    If you're dropping some serious cash on a parcel of vacant land, there is one issue that may seem insignificant at first glance, but it has the potential to make or break a land deal.
    The “Perc Test”
    A Perc Test (also known as “Perk Test,” more formally known as a Percolation Test) is a soil evaluation that tests the rate at which water drains through soil.
    Perc tests are required in just about every civilized municipality in the world - because the results of this test provide crucial information required to design and install a septic system.
    A perc test is conducted by drilling or digging a hole in the ground, pouring water into the hole, and then observing the rate at which the water is absorbed into the soil. In most cases, properties can easily pass a perc test when the soil has higher concentrations of sand (because sand tends to absorb water at a much faster rate than clay or silt) and when the property is situated in an area with a low water table.
    Why is a Perc Test Necessary?
    For all intents and purposes, a perc test (and subsequently, a septic system) is only necessary when a property does NOT have access to a municipal sewer system.
    If a vacant lot is situated within reach of an existing sewer hook-up, this will usually eliminate the need for a septic system altogether. For this reason, the availability of an existing sewer system can be big "perk" (no pun intended) when evaluating a property's suitability for building a dwelling of any kind.
    When there isn't an existing sewer system nearby, that's when you'll need to explore the feasibility of a septic system. Most county health departments will require a perc test to determine if a septic system is possible.
    Most of the world's septic systems require a septic drain field or "leach field" to drain away any excess water. When solid waste settles in a septic tank, the excess wastewater is discharged into the septic drain field through a network of perforated pipes.
    The contaminants expelled from this wastewater are then trapped and eliminated in the soil. This happens primarily through the process of percolation - and also through evaporation, transpiration, consumption by plant roots, and eventually, the remaining water re-enters the groundwater and/or surface water.
    The typical drain field size is determined by the expected volume of wastewater to be discharged from the septic system (usually estimated based on the size of the proposed building).

ความคิดเห็น • 99

  • @TheSepticGuy
    @TheSepticGuy 5 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    I do perc tests in Arkansas. We don’t put water in a hole, we do soil morphology.
    And usually the county doesn’t conduct the test, they just signed off on it.
    NEVER go based on neighbors. Soil changes extremely quick.
    If it doesn’t Perc and depending on the states rules and regulations you can use a residential wastewater treatment plant.

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Those are great tips Tate - thanks for sharing!

    • @thale1819
      @thale1819 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I need a perc test Hot Springs Arkansas

    • @tamaku2903
      @tamaku2903 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      I need a perc test in Combs AR

    • @Anthony-cb9yv
      @Anthony-cb9yv 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I need a perc test in bonnerdale!! If you fail is there anything you can do to the soil to pass?

  • @susanmcgowan9968
    @susanmcgowan9968 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great explanation, thank you! Will definitely be consulting your other video tutorials! Thanks!

  • @latoyabrower936
    @latoyabrower936 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much for this information! It was a great help.

  • @Queenalso
    @Queenalso 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Best explanation of a PERC test yet! Thank you!

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks so much!

  • @sieunlee9797
    @sieunlee9797 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Really helpful thank you!!

  • @solvingchronicpaintogether4959
    @solvingchronicpaintogether4959 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very well explained thank you

  • @JohnRayRN
    @JohnRayRN ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for that clear simple and yet very thorough explanation.

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks so much, John!

  • @s.mathew3063
    @s.mathew3063 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Great explanation really a good teacher. Thank you...

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks so much! Appreciate that.

  • @wstafco
    @wstafco 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great information and very concise delivery. Thanks!

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

  • @kataysmith9581
    @kataysmith9581 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Informative.....thanks

  • @Robert-lo6uf
    @Robert-lo6uf 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent information thank you!

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching!

  • @laknarasim
    @laknarasim 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    how about alternative septic system though it is expensive?

  • @kpbarbee
    @kpbarbee ปีที่แล้ว

    Just the real estate perspective that I was looking for - thank you!

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  ปีที่แล้ว

      You're welcome!

  • @keithcook4537
    @keithcook4537 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Perc failed but I was able to use special septic tank and special pipes to get it working.

  • @mattius459
    @mattius459 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks!

  • @JP-lb5bm
    @JP-lb5bm 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    We live in the Pocono Mountains in Pa. Our property perked however some of our neighbors didn’t. They have humps added on their properties as their leach fields so the liquids can perc or filter.

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds like a modified septic system. These can work but are usually a bit more expensive.

  • @cici-mama
    @cici-mama 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gosh I had to start over. I was staring at you 😍 rather than listening to the info, but I got now. Great explanation and info I needed to know.....thanks.

  • @achyutakrishna
    @achyutakrishna 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks 🙏🏽

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for watching!

  • @elroyblackbean
    @elroyblackbean 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great, easy explanation -- thank you. Is it safe to say there would be no perc test necessary if the property has sewer access?

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That would be my understanding, yes. Best of luck!

  • @Unplugged704
    @Unplugged704 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So.. if the land ad says sewer/water available.. then perc tests are irrelevant I take it?

  • @treejohnson89
    @treejohnson89 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    thanks, rookie on the scene))) i see that some ads say perc for 3-4 br, would it be possible to have it perc for more, or does that mean that perc is for one house

  • @teresaborowy5796
    @teresaborowy5796 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great information. Thank you!

  • @Etudekilla
    @Etudekilla 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    There really isn't a pass or fail of the perc test, its just a indirect measurement of the soils saturated hydraulic conductivity (if the test is done right). In cases where soil percolation is slow, a mounded septic system or wastewater treatment unit should be installed.

  • @Positive-pat
    @Positive-pat 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    If a perc test fails, how likely is it you can get the county inspector to test several areas before the seam the property as a total fail for the test?
    Just curious. Wanting to starting getting into some local farming on a few acres!

    • @BrianKrahmer
      @BrianKrahmer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      he's kinda misrepresenting the perc test, actually. the perc test isn't a pass/fail. it's more like, how many gallons per hour can a square foot of land drain. that number will dictate if a conventional system can be used (and how big the leach field should be), or if one of the alternate sewage systems would need to be installed. you may not be able to get a county inspector to do a bunch of holes, but an excavation company would be happy to do that for you. in the two counties i've built where septic systems were in play, the perc test was done by an excavation company along with a septic engineer, not the county.

    • @gottabsleeved
      @gottabsleeved 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Brian,so does it matter or go by bedrooms or how many people would be living there?meaning me and my girl wouldnt be use gallons of a family of 3-4

  • @lorduvaltv274
    @lorduvaltv274 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    youve complety explained perc test, thank you.

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hooray! Glad to hear it helped you. Thanks for letting me know.

    • @Blu-Man
      @Blu-Man 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Retipster greetings new here could u do a beginner presentation on showing beginners how to buy acres of land want to know how to get best price in covid 19 pandemic

  • @davidschloeder5344
    @davidschloeder5344 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    So am I right in thinking a hand operated post digger
    would be a good idea for checking out land before buying it. Dig down 3 ft.
    and pray for sand , not clay?

    • @stevensmith3359
      @stevensmith3359 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thats what i was thinking, until they get you for trespassing lol

  • @fatjaysgarage
    @fatjaysgarage 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Did you say you bought property for less than 1,000$... I neeed to live there

    • @finscreenname
      @finscreenname 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's just what I was thinking.

    • @bcsbcs1340
      @bcsbcs1340 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Share that location man! ❤️

    • @Sparc343
      @Sparc343 ปีที่แล้ว

      Properties that cheap usually have some kind of fairly major downfall. One of the biggest, that it could be land locked!
      You may not think it's possible but I've seen it a lot of parcels of land that literally have NO "legal" access. That is, the ONLY way to 'traverse' to them would be to 'trespass' on a parcel owned by someone else!

    • @Sparc343
      @Sparc343 ปีที่แล้ว

      To me, those types of lots are completely worthless because it could mean years upon years of legal battles to get 'legal access', especially if/since it's not already established!

  • @mosbysmen
    @mosbysmen 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    composting toilets would be a work around

  • @adrianchan1931
    @adrianchan1931 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    How about using composite sewer system? U take out the tank and use it as fertilizer in a few yrs. then no need to pass septic test

  • @escapefromny2012
    @escapefromny2012 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Good information, but I was distracted. Did anyone else want to reach into the screen and fix his sleeve?

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      HAHA! I did... I always wondered if anyone else noticed that.

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Rick-S-6063 Lol - note to self, never put background music in videos again. :)

    • @jasonmorgan4448
      @jasonmorgan4448 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Retipster I didn't notice the sleeve or the music until reading comments. :)

  • @williamgibb5557
    @williamgibb5557 ปีที่แล้ว

    My property passed a perc test but when the septic contractor dug down 8' , he found clay. The inspector okayed digging to remove the clay which was down to
    10' . I have standing water on property which does affect it but my system works even after 40 years.

  • @bryanbergen874
    @bryanbergen874 ปีที่แล้ว

    If you have very low perc rates and a large enough property this could be a place for a lagoon system.

  • @keithcook4537
    @keithcook4537 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Perc failed but was able to use special tank, pipes and fresh soil to get it going…

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That's great! I'm glad to hear you found another way.

  • @allencolvin4320
    @allencolvin4320 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Where I am, it is all clay! Everyone around me has a mound system!

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah, we've got a lot of clay where I am too. It's a huge pain... but at least there's _some_ way to work around it (even if it is a lot more expensive).

  • @murphmurph2124
    @murphmurph2124 ปีที่แล้ว

    No perc get an incinerator toilet and a pump out tank to be pumped out for grey water

  • @brennenbartlettphotography1576
    @brennenbartlettphotography1576 4 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Where are you buying land to build a home for only $1000??

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Properties like that are all over the place if you know where to look. Here are a couple of blog posts that explain more details: retipster.com/findingmotivatedsellers1 and retipster.com/delinquent-tax-list

  • @tulw2728
    @tulw2728 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Aerobic systems?

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Huh?

    • @tulw2728
      @tulw2728 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Retipster
      An aerobic treatment system or ATS, often called (incorrectly) an aerobic septic system, is a small scale sewage treatment systemsimilar to a septic tank system, but which uses an aerobic process for digestion rather than just the anaerobic process used inseptic systems.
      [Wiki]

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@tulw2728 Cool, that's good to know! I'll have to do some research on those.

  • @defygravityXD
    @defygravityXD 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Could you build a home with composting toilets on land that doesn’t pass a perc test?

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah, probably.

    • @jamesw7072
      @jamesw7072 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Depends on the state and county but in most jurisdictions that isn't allowed.

    • @tomlampros7122
      @tomlampros7122 ปีที่แล้ว

      That was our plan, and use graywater from the sinks and tub, but the county insisted we have some method of treatment for the kitchen sink. Ultimately, we've decided to design an install a full size septic system, in the event we sell the house later.

  • @josephatnip2398
    @josephatnip2398 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    All of Missouri is nothing but clay and Rock and Clay does not exorb water and everybody in rural Missouri has a septic

  • @2wwwilly
    @2wwwilly 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Doesn't the law firm you hire does the checks etc etc..

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Do you mean the closing agent? Nope, this isn't something they check. You have to do this testing on your own.

  • @mhepdavidvanREI1
    @mhepdavidvanREI1 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I got burned once on not doing a perc test in California.

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Oh yeah? How so?

    • @mhepdavidvanREI1
      @mhepdavidvanREI1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      REtipster not doing enough due dil. There were nice houses sprinkled in the sub d. The prop was cheap, $2500, so I made the assumption it should be ok. I sold it for 15k on terms. 3 months later the buyer checked county recorder. There was a recorded failed perc test. All we needed to do was ask the recorder, but simply missed it. That was an easy one and we flubbed it.
      So I had to refund the money. Luckily we were able to fully disclose and sell it as a camping lot for 3k and get our $ back out.
      Lesson: #1 check for recorded docs related to perc. #2. Do what Seth teaches in this segment.

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@mhepdavidvanREI1 yeah man, it's a tough lesson to learn, but it usually just takes one experience like that to change up the due diligence on all future deals. Glad you found a way to work it out!

  • @jfresh2054
    @jfresh2054 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    So you didn't even show us a perc test

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Sorry to let you down, Josh. If you want to see one, dig a hole in the dirt and pour some water in it. ;)

  • @Guerrero1187
    @Guerrero1187 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    how much property are you getting for $1000 ?🧐

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Depends on the market and the uses of the property. Usually, this would be a smaller lot, maybe 0.25 acres or so.

  • @tooshay7396
    @tooshay7396 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Or go with composting toilets

    • @Retipster
      @Retipster  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not a bad idea! I gotta look into how those work.

  • @GeoRover
    @GeoRover 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am the 420th LIKE, just saying...

  • @winterfar2814
    @winterfar2814 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Where the hell are you buying property for $1k?

  • @justicebruno5249
    @justicebruno5249 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Be like a bear....

  • @argus7662
    @argus7662 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Anyone else just click on this bc y’all though he was talking about Percocets?