How Much Does a Perc Test Cost in 2025?
A perc test costs $1,300 on average
Most perc tests cost between $750 and $1,900, or $1,300 on average.
You may spend as little as $300 on a basic perc test, whereas large, more complex perc tests cost up to $3,000 or more.
Factors that affect the cost of your perc test include land size, land use, and local regulations.
You can do preliminary testing yourself, but you'll need formal perc test results from a professional before installing a septic system or leach field.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Planning to buy a rural home or a piece of land that needs a septic system? You'll need a percolation test—commonly called a "perc test"—to determine if the soil can absorb and filter water properly. Hiring a professional for a perc test costs between $750 and $1,900, with an average of $1,300. For a basic, single-hole test, you might pay as little as $300, while larger or more complex tests can cost up to $3,000 or more, depending on local regulations and the size of the leach field or infiltration basin you need.
Perc Test Cost Factors
Perc test costs can vary widely. Several key factors can influence how much you'll pay for a perc test.
Land Size
The size of your property affects how many test holes are needed for a valid perc test. Larger properties often require multiple tests in different areas to find the best spot for a septic system or leach field. Since regulations on depth, soil type, and septic system design vary by location, it's a good idea to check with your local building department or consult a local pro.
| Land (Acres) | Number of Holes | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 1–4 | $150–$600 |
| 1/2 | 1–8 | $150–$1,200 |
| 3/4 | 2–12 | $300–$1,800 |
| 1 | 3–20 | $450–$3,000 |
Land Use
How you plan to use your land affects perc test costs. Basic residential uses result in lower prices than more complex applications like commercial or agricultural projects.
Septic system: Since septic system use is heavily regulated by location, check with a local pro to understand what's needed and how much it will cost.
Drainage: Installing drainage for water runoff into an infiltration system or basin requires less testing. Drainage installation costs range from $2,100 to $7,200.
Commercial and agricultural: If you're planning commercial or agricultural use, be aware that these applications have stricter regulations and codes, resulting in higher fees and more complex perc testing.
Test Type
The type of perc test affects the final cost.
For Septic Repairs
Perc tests for septic repairs cost the same as for new installs, or $750 to $1,900 on average. Septic tank repair costs an additional $600 to $3,100. You'll need a professional assessment for septic or leach field repairs or replacements. If your land fails the perc test or shows slow drainage, you'll likely need to replace all or portions of the field. A full septic system replacement costs $3,610 to $12,420.
For Infiltration Basins
Perc tests for infiltration basins cost the same as for any other purpose, between $300 and $3,000. Testing extremely large areas for agricultural or commercial purposes costs more.
An infiltration basin—also known as a recharge basin or percolation pond—manages stormwater runoff. As a low spot where rainwater collects, it prevents erosion and localized flooding. Stormwater drains slowly into the soil before it can flood landscaping, homes, or roads.
Labor
You might need to hire several professionals for your perc test, each contributing to the overall cost. Labor rates can vary widely based on where you live, the complexity of your project, and current market demand.
Soil Testing Professionals: Soil engineers or certified soil scientists perform the perc test and interpret the results. Local soil testing companies charge between $100 and $250 per hour. Some may offer a flat fee ranging from $300 for simple tests to $1,900 or more for comprehensive assessments.
Excavation Contractors: If your test requires digging deeper or multiple holes, you'll need excavation contractors. They operate heavy equipment like backhoes or excavators, charging $100 to $300 per hour, including the operator's fee. Costs may increase if your site is difficult to access or requires additional preparation.
Land Surveyors: Before conducting a perc test, you might need to hire a land surveyor to map your property accurately. Land surveys cost an additional $370 to $770 on average.
Labor costs vary depending on where you live. In areas with a high demand for construction services or in remote locations where professionals are scarce, rates are higher.
Regulations
Regulations for perc tests vary widely depending on where you live, including city, county, and state regulations. In some areas, you might only need a simple test using a shovel, bucket, and timer with just one hole. In other places, you'll need a licensed professional to provide detailed reports on soil composition and drainage based on multiple test holes. The required number of holes can range from one every 50 feet to just one per lot.
While you typically do not need a permit to do a perc test, most land purchases in undeveloped rural areas require a professional perc test report before being approved for a permit to install a septic system and leach field. About 25% of all U.S. homes use septic systems. Due to the wide local variations in regulation, hire a professional for a comprehensive perc test.
Accessibility
The location and accessibility of your property play a big role in perc test costs. If your land is remote—say, 60 miles from the nearest town—or difficult to access, it will cost more than testing in a developed subdivision. If heavy equipment like an excavator is needed, limited site access can increase the time and expense of the test.
What Is a Perc Test?
A perc test measures how quickly water drains through the soil on your property. It's crucial for determining if your land is suitable for a septic system, leach field, or infiltration basin. For a simple perc test, a pro digs a hole about two to three feet deep, fills it with water, and times how long it takes to drain. The test itself takes one to six hours.
When you include travel time, site surveying, determining testing needs, preparing the site, conducting the test, and return travel, the entire process takes half a day to a full day to complete. Official perc tests cost more because they use a backhoe and professional soil testing equipment to measure soil saturation and composition.
A perc test technician follows these steps:
Dig a hole or series of holes
Place about two inches of gravel in the bottom of the hole
Saturate the holes with water to simulate a worst-case drainage scenario
Fill the hole with a predetermined depth of water
Measure the depth of water at regular intervals to determine the drain rate
Budgeting for a Perc Test
Perc testing is a necessary expense, but you can reduce costs without cutting corners. Here are some tips:
Schedule during off-peak times: Plan your perc test for late fall or winter when soil specialists might be less busy and offer discounted rates.
Bundle services: Combine your perc test with other land evaluations or surveys to save money.
Get multiple quotes: Reach out to at least three licensed professionals in your area to compare rates.
Choose accessible test locations: Select sites that are easy to access and likely to pass to avoid additional tests.
Prepare your site: Clear vegetation, mark property boundaries, and ensure easy access to reduce labor time.
Coordinate with neighbors: If your neighbors also need perc tests, consider scheduling them on the same day for possible group discounts.
Gather documentation: Collect all your property documents, surveys, and permits ahead of time to save on administrative fees.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Geotechnical testing costs $1,000 to $5,000. You’ll only need this for new home builds since a perc test is just a small part of a comprehensive survey. These reports examine a wide range of physical properties of your land. For installing a septic system, leach field, or infiltration basin, you usually won't need this full report.
Soil testing costs between $670 and $2,200, on average. Perc tests do not check for contamination, but you'll want to test contamination levels in your soil if your leach field or septic tank is close to your groundwater source. Consider bundling soil testing as part of a complete package deal before building a home or installing a septic system.
If you fail a perc test, it means your soil doesn't meet the required drainage standards. You can request a second opinion from a qualified soil testing professional. If the second evaluation also confirms failure, you'll need to modify the site by regrading the land or installing an alternative drainage system so that your property meets local regulatory requirements.
Yes, you can do a perc test in the winter when conditions meet strict regulatory criteria and the soil remains unfrozen. Winter testing is acceptable if the frost depth doesn't impede drainage and local guidelines allow it. Local soil testing experts must verify that temperature and weather conditions support accurate readings. Make sure that certified professionals follow approved procedures so the results accurately reflect your soil’s percolation capacity.
You should hire certified soil testers and licensed excavators to perform a perc test. These professionals have the expertise to evaluate soil drainage accurately. In some municipalities, a representative from your local building or health department may also attend to verify compliance. Hiring qualified experts ensures that your test adheres to strict regulatory standards and yields valid results.
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