PERC tests 101

This post is a refresh of our previous posts about PERC tests. This time, we are providing a more streamlined Q&A page for our customers and fans!

  • What does PERC stand for?

    • PERC stands for percolation test. Much like water percolates through coffee to create a drink many of us know and love, water percolates through soil in this test. A certain amount of soil is required to clean the septic and turn it back into water.

  • What does a PERC test do?

    • A perc test measures the rate at which a piece of ground absorbs water into the soil. This step is necessary when building any structure that will have a septic system.

    • In the test, an SEO (sewage enforcement officer) places water into pre-dug holes interspersed along a viable leach bed area, and times each hole on the property to see how long it takes for the water to completely absorb.

  • What needs to happen before a perc test?

    • A soils test needs to occur before a perc test. A soil engineer, usually the SEO, inspects the soil and excavation of multiple holes in an area to see if there is at least twenty (20) inches of permeable soil before a perc test can be attempted. If there is less than 20 inches of soil, a specialist soil engineer will need to become involved.

  • What does a septic system look like?

  • What is the difference between a dye test and a perc test?

    • A dye test is done on a property that already has an existing septic system. A perc test is done on property that does not have a septic system or a faulty septic system. It is an eligibility test for whether the land can accept a septic system.

  • Why is a perc test necessary?

    • If your soil does not absorb moisture above a minimum speed, you will have a marshy, smelly piece of land in your septic drain field, and all the problems that go with that!

  • Was a perc test always necessary in the past?

    • No! Many old properties built before 1988 in Pennsylvania simply had a septic tank and a pipe running from the tank to open water with no leach bed. Septic systems are much more highly regulated today in large part due to systems like these and the environmental issues they cause.

  • I or my family have reason to suspect our property has a leaking septic system, but we are not sure. How can we tell?

    • Potential red flags that may indicate a leaking septic system include but are not limited to:

      • marshy ground that impacts your mowing and land usage in the summer

      • consistently icy patches in the winter

      • multiple pools of water as breeding grounds for insects

      • persistent bad odor and nasty black puddles

      • foundation leakage

      • leaky and/or damp basements

      • damage to landscaping— just to name a few!

  • What problems go with failing a perc test or a dye test? Why does it matter?

    • There are several problems that usually occur when a piece of land has a septic system but does not accept moisture. Sewage has to go somewhere. It will come to the surface of land and puddle, usually producing a foul smell.

  • If I fail the dye test, what happens next?

    • It is highly illegal to have a leaking septic system. Failing a dye test will generate a perc test.

  • What happens if I flunk the perc test after flunking the dye test?

    • Once your SEO confirms this via a dye test, he or she will order that you put in a sand mound septic system, as long as your property passes a perc test. This is standard nowadays but is fairly expensive.

    • Should you flunk the perc test, you will need a specialty system. This escalates the price even higher.

  • How do I go about ordering a perc test?

    • Contact us and we will figure out what township you are in. We will put you in touch with the township sewage enforcement officer (SEO) and schedule a PERC test. Every township has a primary and a secondary SEO so this should not involve too many delays as long as the ground is not too cold or snow-covered.

  • How do I go about ordering a dye test?

    • Contact us and we will figure out what township you are in. We will put you in touch with the township SEO. We can also come out to your property and give you a consultation about the viability of your septic system plans.

  • Why do I need an excavation contractor to help me solve a septic problem? Isn’t this just a plumbing issue?

    • Septic systems exist on your property as a complete system both inside and outside your home or camp. If you have problems with your driveway, foundation, drainage or grading on your property, this can potentially affect your septic system. You need a professional who understands every aspect of how your property works, not just the interior plumbing.

    • Call us today at 814-221-7424 to tell us about your problem! We can help design your septic system so that your problems can be alleviated in the long run!

  • Should I buy a piece of property with a failed perc test or failed dye test?

    • We usually recommend against it, UNLESS you are knowledgable about the basics of septic systems. Septic systems are not cheap—you can visiting our Pricing Page to get a generalized estimate of how much this may cost you in Western Pennsylvania.

    • That being said, if you know what you are getting into and have your realtor recommend an excavation contractor to help you solve this issue, you absolutely can fix this problem!

    • We have helped other clients solve this problem in the past, and just like our name—Complete Excavation Solutions— we strive to solve your problems in the best way possible!



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Sand Mound Septic Systems in Clarion, Jefferson and Forest County PA

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Excavate your Camp or Vacation Property in Clarion County