Before you can be issued a permit for a septic system on your property, a percolation test (perc test) is usually required by local regulations to determine the suitability of your property for a septic system. A perc test measures the rate at which the soil absorbs water which is critical for proper operation of a traditional septic system.
If your property cannot pass a perc test, it’s not the end of the world. You have plenty of alternatives any your septic professional will be happy to help you sort them out. First of all, don’t be angry or upset with the engineer who did the test or the local building authority for requiring the test in the first place.
These tests are required as much for your protection as to protect the environment. Installing a traditional septic system on unsuitable property would be a waste of money and a cause of endless headaches. A system installed in ground that won’t perc will constantly back up which not only causes problems inside your home, but will also ruin the septic system.
Once you are over your initial disappointment, consult with your sewer septic professional or an engineer to discuss alternatives. In some cases, there are techniques for improving the perc rate of a piece of property, but these can take time to be effective. A better solution is usually offered by an alternative type of septic systems. Gravity fed systems are the most common, but there are numerous alternative septic systems including mound systems, sand filter systems, aerobic treatment systems, and others. Each system is best suited for certain soil types and one or more of them will work on your property.
