Get A Perc

Do you need a "Perc?"

A percolation test is a specific procedure for typically "unsuitable" soils. In the old days, "Perc tests" were completed by TDEC staff on all sites to determine suitability for septic systems. For the past 30 years to now, our science and understanding of soils have evolved beyond percolation rates. When someone asks for a "perc test," it is an abbreviated phrase for "TDEC has deemed my soils to be confusing and I need a soil scientist to map them in order to have a better understanding whether a septic system will work in my soils."

There are times where a percolation test is still conducted. However, your soils will already be mapped by a soil scientist. Soils will be noted on the map as unsuitable for conventional systems but suitable for a percolation test. It is up to the soil scientist to run a percolation test. I will only run percolation tests on soils that I have mapped.

Ask for a soil map, not a perc!