How much does a well perc test cost?

Author: Isaac West III  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Average perc test cost A perc test costs $200 to $1,500 to hand-dig test holes and measure the soil's drainage for a septic system. The cost of a perc test is $500 to $3,000+ to dig test holes with an excavator. Hiring engineers and soil scientists to perform a deep hole percolation test costs extra.

How much does a typical perc test cost?

A perc test costs $1,300 on average, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $750 and $1,900 for the service, depending on the property size and the purpose of the test.

How much does it cost to check a well?

Well inspections run between $300 and $600 for an average cost of $450. A pro can offer a more accurate estimate for your well based on its type, depth, and other factors. The cost of a well inspection ranges from $150 to $900, with most people paying around $450.

Who pays for a perc test?

Just as a buyer would pay for a survey, an appraisal, or any other assessment on the property, this cost would typically be paid by the buyer because they need to determine whether the soil is suitable for their intended use.

How long does a septic perc test take?

On the first day, the test hole is dug and cleared of any debris. It is then saturated with water and left overnight. The following day, the percolation test should be conducted. This can take up to four hours depending upon your site conditions and the permeability of your soil.

How much do soil tests, perk tests & surveys cost?

What would make a perc test fail?

The reasons property can fail the perc test can be numerous but typically include unacceptable soil conditions, a high-water table, a too-small lot or a location near a lake or stream or other environmentally sensitive areas.

What is a good perc rate?

A perc test analyzes the rate of soil absorption in minutes per inch (MPI). Anywhere from 5 MPI to 60 MPI is ideal for a traditional septic system. You often have to get a perc test before beginning any kind of septic installation. If your soil fails a perc test, you can get a second opinion.

Why is a perc test so expensive?

A perc test requires more labor hours and so will cost more when the soil conditions are difficult to access or when the area being tested is larger. Other factors, such as the type of soil and the depth of the test, can also affect the amount of labor required for a perc test.

What are perc fees?

The Propane Education and Research Act (PERA) of 1996 established PERC, which allows the organization to collect over $40 million annually from a $. 005 cent fee on all sales of odorized propane.

Can I do my own perc test?

Supplies You Need For Soil Percolation Test

To perform a DIY soil drainage perk test, gather a shovel for digging, a ruler or tape measure for accurate measurements, a watch, smartphone, or timer to track drainage time, and a straight edge like a board or stick to help measure water levels.

Where can I get my well water tested for free?

Some counties offer free well water testing, so check with your county first. If they don't, use this EPA website to find a list of state-certified laboratories in your area that do water testing, or contact your county or state health department or your State Certification Officer for assistance.

How many years should a well last?

Does the home have a drilled well, and if so, when was it drilled? The average lifespan for a well is 30–50 years.

How much is a well check without insurance?

The cost of a primary care visit without insurance generally ranges from $150-$300 for a basic visit and averages $171 across major cities in the United States. For any additional services such as childhood and adult immunizations, lab testing, or prescriptions, there will be additional charges.

Who do I hire to do a perc test?

They're almost always an approved professional: Municipalities can have different professionals approved for perc tests, but just about all of them will accept results from a licensed soil tester. The only exception would be if your county, town, or village requires that a government official complete the test.

How deep do you dig for a perc test?

Holes should be between 4 and 12 inches in diameter, and as deep as the proposed trench. A good average depth is 24 to 30 inches. Do not conduct percolation tests on disturbed soil or frozen ground.

What does it mean if land doesn't perk?

Failing a perc test means that your land isn't suitable for a septic system, and it can prevent you from building a structure on it. You have several options if you fail, including septic system alternatives. In some cases, you can retest your land at a better time to get passing results.

What to do if your land fails a perc test?

Even if your site fails a perc or deep-hole test, all is not lost. For sites with high water tables, you may be able to “de-water” the leaching area by strategically placing gravel-filled trenches and subsurface drain pipe to conduct water away from the drain field.

Can a propane company charge to pick up a tank?

The Tank Pickup Fee will be charged on your Final Bill. If your tank is locked off by Company due to nonpayment, this charge will be assessed to remove the lock, perform a leak check, and return your propane system to service.

What time of year is best to do a perc test?

Perc tests are best completed in the driest part of the year, usually toward the end of summer or the beginning of winter.

How much should a perc test cost?

The cost of a perc test depends on several factors but generally ranges from $750 to $1,850 nationwide, with most homeowners paying around $1,300. The main factors that impact the cost include: Number of test holes: More holes mean higher costs, with fees starting at $200 per hole.

How do you know if land will perk?

Perc Test/ Perk Test

First, look to see if the property has had a septic test done. Before building, the county is required to evaluate the soil to determine the water absorption rate of the soil, and what size septic tank will be allowed.

How long does it take to get perc test results?

A perc test takes anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to perform from start to finish. The actual testing phase usually lasts no more than four hours. Prepping the soil takes longer than the test itself.

What is a perc fee?

PERC Fee. The regulated and mandatory PERC (Propane Education & Research Council) fee is levied on each gallon of propane gas odorized or imported into the United States. This is currently . 005 cents per gallon.

Who performs a perc test?

A licensed septic tank specialist or land surveyor typically performs a perc test.

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