A perc test is not something you hear discussed when someone is purchasing a pre-existing home. However, when you are searching for land to build a home on, you will hear this term quite often. It is an important part of the process to determine if a home can be build on the property can support a septic system.
What is a perc test?
A perc test is an analysis of the soil’s moisture absorption rate on a piece of property. It determines how long it takes the soil to drain added moisture from the ground from events like rain showers. An AOSE certified technician, who completes the test, will also look at the slope of the property and the type of soil on it.
Why are perc tests done?
When building a home in a location that does not have access to a public sewer system, perc tests are completed to determine if the soil on the property can handle a septic system and where the system should be placed.
Septic systems allow the liquid and solid wastes to separate inside of the tank. The liquid wastewater is released into a drainfield. As you can imagine, if the soil on your property can’t properly absorb the liquid, then you would be left with a foul mess.
What does the perc test tell you?
A report after the perc test will tell you the water absorption rate and how large the septic system needs to be, and the type of system needed. Typically, the size of the system is referred to in relation to the number of bedrooms a home might have such as a 3 bedroom perc. The AOSE technician will map out where the tank and drainfield should be in relation to the home. The septic installation company will use these plans to install the septic system when the home is constructed.
Why do land listings share prior completed perc tests?
The owners of land will pay for perc tests because they had plans of building on the lot. When those plans change and the land is listed, the sellers may share the perc test as a benefit to the buyers. A piece of property with a perc test is an added bonus to a buyer because the buyer knows that a septic system can be installed on the property.
It is important to note that you need permits issued through your local government to install a septic system. This is a different process than a perc test. The timeline for getting approval to install the septic system will vary by location.
What if a piece of property doesn’t have a perc test?
You can still make an offer on a piece of property in Virginia even if you are not sure if the property will support the type of home you want to build on it. After you have a ratified contract between buyer and seller, a soil study period (usually thirty days) permits the buyer to complete any perc test or other testing needed to see if the land can support the buyer’s intended use. If the property cannot be used as the buyer intended, then the buyer can exit the contract.
If you are searching for some land to build your home on, I can help! Contact me to talk more about what you are searching for, get any questions answered, and to learn more about the land buying process.
