Before you can install a septic system, you need to know what is happening beneath the surface —and that’s where percolation (perc) testing comes in. It is a relatively simple but essential process that determines how well your soil absorbs water, helping ensure your waste or rainwater management system is properly designed for your property.
Del Val Septic, Sewer & Storm provides accurate, professional perc testing services in Newtown Square, PA, and the Delaware Valley area, including Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, and Philadelphia counties. Whether you are building a new home with plans for a septic system, adding a stormwater drainage system, or replacing an aging septic system, our team can assist in the necessary perc testing. We’ll handle testing and reporting and guide you through the next steps in your installation process.
What Is a Perc Test? Why Do Septic Installs Need Them?
A perc test—short for percolation test—measures how quickly water moves through the soil. It’s a key step in understanding how well your property can absorb and filter water.
By testing the soil’s drainage rate, we can determine if the ground is suitable for a drain field, what type of septic system will perform best, and whether any modifications are needed to keep water flowing safely and efficiently.
During a perc test, small holes are dug in specific areas of your property where a drain field or septic system might be installed. Each hole is filled with water, and our technicians measure how long it takes for the soil to drain the water or how long it takes for water to go through the soil. The results help us determine:
- How quickly your soil drains (the percolation rate)
- How large should your drain field be
This information is crucial for designing a septic system that performs properly and meets all health department requirements.
Why Perc Testing Is So Important
Think of a perc test as the foundation for any effective drainage system. Without accurate drainage rates, you’re essentially guessing what will happen to underground water, which can lead to costly, avoidable problems down the road.
Even if you’re replacing a failing septic system, a perc test confirms whether the existing location is suitable and how large it needs to be to support the volume of water being introduced.
A properly performed perc test ensures:
Compliance With Local Regulations: Most counties require a successful perc test before issuing a septic permit.
Protection for Your Investment: Understanding your soil’s limitations helps prevent expensive design or installation mistakes.
Long‑Term Reliability: Systems designed with accurate perc test data last longer, drain more efficiently, and are far less likely to fail.
Environmental Protection: Proper site selection keeps wastewater where it belongs—out of your drain field.
In short, a perc test is the first—and most important—step toward a safe, reliable, and code‑compliant septic system.
Our Perc Testing Process
We make the perc testing process straightforward and stress-free from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect when you schedule a test with Del Val Septic, Sewer & Storm.
- Site Evaluation: Before any testing begins, our team visits your property to evaluate soil conditions, slope, drainage, and potential system locations.
- Test Hole Preparation: We dig a series of small test holes in key locations, 6 inches in diameter and typically 3 feet deep, depending on local regulations.
- Pre-Soaking and Testing: Each hole is filled with water and allowed to soak, simulating natural soil conditions. We then measure the water absorption rate at precise intervals to determine how quickly the soil percolates.
- Data Collection and Reporting: Our technicians record the results, calculate the percolation rate, and prepare detailed documentation for submission to your local health department or permitting office.
- Recommendations and Next Steps: Based on the results, we’ll explain what type of septic system is best suited for your property. If the soil drains too slowly or too quickly, we can recommend design adjustments or alternative septic system types.
We handle the paperwork, coordination, and communication with local officials, so you can move forward confidently with your project.
What If My Property Fails the Perc Test?
Don’t panic—failing a perc test doesn’t mean you can’t install a septic system. It simply means your soil may need a different approach than you originally planned. Based on your perc test results, we may recommend:
- Alternative System Designs: Options that perform well in slow‑draining or compacted soils, whether for septic drain fields or stormwater infiltration.
- Deeper Percolation Test: We simply may need to look a little deeper for the truth in your soil.
- Relocating the System: Moving the drain field to a part of your property with better natural permeability.
- Raised or Mound Systems: Elevated solutions that provide controlled filtration and reliable drainage when native soil can’t do the job alone.
Our goal is simple: to help you find the most effective, code‑compliant solution for your property—even if it means getting creative.
Perc Testing FAQs
How long does a perc test take?
Most tests can be completed in a single day, though the exact time depends on your soil type and the number of test holes required. We’ll provide a clear timeline before we start.
When do I need a perc test?
You’ll need a perc test before installing a new septic system or replacing an existing one. It’s typically required by local health departments to ensure your soil can safely handle wastewater.
Can my property fail a perc test?
Yes, it is possible to fail a perc test, but that does not mean your project is over. If your soil drains too slowly or too quickly, we can explore alternative installation designs or soil improvement options to get you approved.
Do I need to be present during the perc test?
It is not required that you be present, but you are welcome to attend if you’d like to see the process and ask questions. Our technicians are happy to walk you through the results and explain what they mean for your project.
How long are perc test results valid?
In most areas, perc test results are valid for 3 years. Local authorities may require another perc test to continue with the permitting and installation process. If your project takes longer than that to start, you may need to retest to confirm soil conditions haven’t changed.
What happens after a perc test?
Once your test is complete, we'll handle the next steps based on your project's needs. For septic systems, our team manages the design, submittal, and permitting process.
Schedule Your Perc Test Today
Del Val Septic, Sewer & Storm has earned our reputation in Newtown Square, PA, for honest advice, accurate results, and top-notch service. When you hire our team, you aren’t just getting a test; you’re getting a trusted partner who understands every part of the septic system process, from perc test to ongoing septic maintenance and care.
Call us at (610) 947-4800 or request service online to schedule your percolation test and build with confidence.