How Much Does a Perc Test Cost in 2025?
Typical Range:
$750 - $1,850
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated November 23, 2024
Written by HomeAdvisor.Highlights
Most perc tests cost between $750 and $1,850, or about $1,300 on average.
You may spend as little as $150 to $300 on a basic perc test.
Large, more complex perc tests cost up to $3,000 or more.
Factors affecting the cost of perc tests include land size, land use, and local regulations.
Valid perc test results are often required before installing septic systems or leach fields.
If you’re considering buying a rural home or piece of land that needs a septic system, you’ll need a percolation test—or “perc test” for short—to determine its suitability. Hiring a professional to do a perc test costs $750 to $1,850, or an average of $1,300. On the high end, you might pay as much as $3,000, depending on local regulations and the size of the leach field or infiltration basin needed. A basic assessment costs around $150 to $300 for a hand-dug hole without specialized equipment.
A percolation test helps you determine whether you can install a drain tile, infiltration basin, or septic system and leach field. A failed perc test means you either cannot use the land for that purpose or must redig the land to create more drainage. Inadequate drainage may result in standing sewage and water.
Average Perc Test Cost
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $1,300 | $1,850 | $750 |
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Perc Test Cost Factors
Perc tests cost an average of $1,300 to determine a ground’s suitability for septic systems and leach fields. Large parcels of land might need multiple assessments in multiple areas to find a good place to install one. That price doesn’t include the septic system installation cost of $3,000 to $10,000.
Land Size
The size of land you plan to use as a drain field determines how many holes you’ll have to dig for a valid perc test. Regulations on depth, soil type, and design of septic systems vary widely by location, so check with your local building code enforcement office or hire a local professional.
| Land (Acres) | Number of Holes | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 1–4 | $150–$1,000 |
| 1/2 | 1–8 | $150–$1,750 |
| 3/4 | 2–12 | $300–$2,300 |
| 1 | 3–17 | $450–$3,000 |
Land Use
Land use affects the cost of a perc test. Basic uses result in lower prices than more complex applications.
Septic system: Check with a local pro to understand what’s needed and what it will cost, as septic system use is heavily regulated by location.
Drainage: Simply installing drainage for water runoff into an infiltration system or basin usually requires less testing. Drainage installation costs an average of $4,400.
Commercial and agricultural: Agricultural and commercial applications often have stricter regulations and codes to follow, resulting in higher fees and more complex testing.
Test Type
The type of perc test also affected the final cost.
For Septic Repairs
Perc tests for septic repairs cost the same as for new installs, or $750 to $1,300 on average. Septic tank repair costs an additional $500 to $2,500. 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.
For Infiltration Basins
Perc tests for infiltration basins cost the same as for any other purpose, between $150 and $3,000. Testing extremely large areas for agricultural or commercial purposes may cost 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.
Other Perc Test Cost Factors
Fairly standard perc test methods exist everywhere, but you may run into other cost factors that increase the price.
Labor
Labor rates for land perc tests range from $100 to $250 per hour. Some soil testing companies may charge a flat fee of $300 for a simple, shallow perc test. Before you order a perc test, you may need to hire a land surveyor. Land surveys cost an additional $370 to $770.
Local soil testing companies may utilize large equipment depending on the site being tested. Heavy equipment requires fuel, an operator, and transportation to the site, which increases the price. Expect to pay $100 to $300 per hour for an excavator and its operator. Depending on your local area or state, you may also see regional pricing differences.
Regulations
State, city, and county regulations vary widely by location. In some places, you may only need an informal test with a shovel, bucket, and timer with just one hole dug. In others, you’ll need a licensed professional to provide detailed reports on soil composition and drain results based on multiple holes. The number of holes per square foot ranges from every 50 feet to 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
Your property’s location and accessibility are important perc test cost factors. A remote property 60 miles from the nearest town with difficult accessibility costs far more than a developed subdivision of a town. If the test calls for heavy equipment, like an excavator, site access can increase the time needed to set up and do the test.
What Is a Perc Test?
A perc test measures the drain rate of the ground around a potential home site, septic tank site, or infiltration basin. It measures the ground’s ability to absorb and filter water. A simple perc test involves digging a hole two to three feet deep and filling it with water, then timing how long it takes to drain. It usually takes one to six hours.
Factor in travel time, site surveying, determining testing needs, preparing the site, executing the test, and return travel. The entire process can take half a day to a full day to complete. Official perc tests cost more because they typically use a backhoe and professional soil testing equipment to measure soil saturation and composition.
A technician may use variations depending on the area and the test's purpose, but a perc test technician follows these general steps:
Digs a hole or series of holes
Places about two inches of gravel in the bottom of the hole
Saturates the holes with water to simulate a worst-case drainage scenario
Fills the hole with a predetermined depth of water
Measures the depth of water at regular intervals to determine the drain rate
Budgeting for a Perc Test
Perc testing is a necessary expense for many property owners, but there are ways to reduce costs without cutting corners:
Schedule for off-peak testing: Time your perc test for late fall or winter when soil specialists may be less busy and more likely to offer a discounted rate.
Bundle with other services: Combine your perc test with other land evaluations or surveys.
Get multiple quotes: Obtain at least three detailed rate quotes from licensed professionals in your area.
Choose strategic test locations: Select perc testing sites that are more easily accessible and likely to pass, potentially avoiding the need for multiple tests in different locations.
Prepare your site: Clear vegetation, mark property boundaries, and ensure easy access to the testing area to reduce labor time.
Coordinate with neighbors: If your neighbors also need perc tests, arrange to have them done on the same day for possible group discounts.
Collect documentation: Gather all your relevant property documents, surveys, and permits to reduce administrative fees your contractor may charge if they have to look up this information themselves.
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.
Still Have Questions About Perc Tests?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does soil construction testing cost?
Geotechnical testing costs $1,000 to $5,000. You’ll only need this for new home builds since a perc test is only a small part of a complete survey. These reports look at a wide range of physical properties of the land. You don’t need this full report for septic, leach fields, or infiltration basins.
How much do soil contamination tests cost?
Soil testing costs an average of $600. Perc tests do not test for contamination, but you may want to check contamination levels in your soil if your leach field or septic tank is close to your groundwater source. Consider bundling in soil testing as part of a complete package deal before building a home or installing a septic system.
What if you fail a perc test?
Failing a perc test means the drain rate of the water is too slow. A failed perc test devalues the land, or it may mean the land is more costly to develop for residential purposes. The ground cannot drain the water or wastewater needed for a basin or a leach field. A failed perc test indicates undevelopable land, so a mounded, alternative, or above-ground septic system may need to be installed instead.
Can you do a perc test in the winter?
Yes, certain locations allow perc tests in the winter. The climate, soil composition, and frost line play a large role. Most locations have a guide indicating when you can or cannot perform the test. Contact local soil testing professionals for information specific to your area.
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