Soil Testing and Septic Permits

When you go to buy a piece of land one of the most important things to consider is what can you build on it? Do you need a certain number of bedrooms? That’s where soil tests come into play. A savvy seller will have already completed a soil test and can provide that to you. The soil test gives you information on how fast the soil perks on the land, or put another way is how quickly the water is absorbed into the soil. This is critical to know since the soil has to be able to contain the waster water from whatever home you intend to build.

Septic Perking and Resale Value

For resale value on your home I always recommend that buyer seek a minimum of a 3 bedroom perk site on the property. A home with anything less than 3 bedrooms is harder to sell. You cannot market a home for more bedrooms than the perk site allows. The more bedrooms your perk site is approved for the better for your home. You may only need 3 bedrooms today but in the future you may want to add a mother in law suite or additional bedrooms to the home.

What is a Perk Test?

A perk test, also known as a percolation test or a perc test, is a soil analysis method used to determine the rate at which water can be absorbed into the ground. It is commonly used to assess the suitability of soil for septic system installation or for drainage planning.

During a perk test, a hole is dug in the ground to a certain depth and then filled with water. The water level is then measured over a period of time, typically 30 minutes to several hours, to determine how quickly the water is absorbed into the soil. The rate of absorption is then used to calculate the soil’s percolation rate, which is expressed as the time it takes for a specific volume of water to be absorbed into the ground.

Perk tests are important because they help ensure that septic systems and drainage systems are installed in soils that are capable of handling the volume of water they will be exposed to. They can also help identify potential drainage problems before construction begins, allowing for the implementation of appropriate drainage solutions.

Where do you Get a Septic Permit?

Once you have a perk test in hand it’s time to get a septic permit. The process is fairly simple in most counties. You fill out a form and provide the perk test results. You also need your property plat with a general idea of where the home will sit.  For more information on requirements and fees visit the State of Tennessee Dept of the Environment and Conservation.

Where do you Find a Soil Consultant?

To find a soil consultant near you you can download this PDF file of Soil Consultants in Tennessee (Revised as of 4/25/2018).

Land for Sale in Maury County, TN

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