"Perc" test. (Maryland in particular)
10-10-2009, 07:00 PM
#1
"Perc" test. (Maryland in particular)
WTF is this crap you people have up here? I'm looking at a few acres and there is something about a "perc" test that failed so I can't build a house on it until it passes "perc".
Something about a septic system and porosity of the soil/water table?
Can I put a mound septic system in instead?
Something about a septic system and porosity of the soil/water table?
Can I put a mound septic system in instead?
10-11-2009, 06:16 AM
#2
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if it dont have city water and sewer available, every place requires a perc test. there are systems available for land that doesn't perc, but it's stupid expensive, a serious pain in the *** with the health department when getting your permit, and because it has a holding tank, it has to be pumped when it's full. a typical pump is about $200-300. every bit of liquid that comes out of your home would have to go to the tank. look to be pumping it at least once a month. the tanks are not the same size as whats in a septic system, they're much bigger. my $.02, if it doesn't perc, don't buy it. i only know this because the neighbor of a friend of mine in ojai, ca bought a chunk of land with the intent of building on it. it didn't pass perc. that was about 13 years ago and the lot is still vacant, same owner.
10-11-2009, 06:47 AM
#3
I am on a well system and have a septic mound at my place since I am out in the sticks, just the way I like it. You will have to pass perc to build for sure, and that will be anywhere that you don't have common water/sewer connections.
It is ofter as important when you do the test. If you do it after a few days of rain, the ground is already saturated and it is much harder to pass the perc. Also, placement is important, you want your septic to be on the highest point on the lot (if it doesn't drain towards the house) or second highest point (if it does drain towards the house) again to maximize the amount of distance between ground level and the water level. The type of sol will play a large roll as well, clay = little absorption, sandy soil = lots of absorption.
You are a real bright guy Hraes, I'm sure I'm telling you what you already know. IMO, ask some of the neighbors who built their septic systems and call the same guy. Many times the company has an in with the local gov't and it helps move things along. Good Luck.
It is ofter as important when you do the test. If you do it after a few days of rain, the ground is already saturated and it is much harder to pass the perc. Also, placement is important, you want your septic to be on the highest point on the lot (if it doesn't drain towards the house) or second highest point (if it does drain towards the house) again to maximize the amount of distance between ground level and the water level. The type of sol will play a large roll as well, clay = little absorption, sandy soil = lots of absorption.
You are a real bright guy Hraes, I'm sure I'm telling you what you already know. IMO, ask some of the neighbors who built their septic systems and call the same guy. Many times the company has an in with the local gov't and it helps move things along. Good Luck.
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10-13-2009, 09:55 AM
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Cass007 is right about the soil. I'm stuck w/ clay, so I had little absorption. Cass also made a great point about talking to the septic companies. I know I already promised you that I'll look through my paperwork, but I'll look for the contractor that built my mound. I believe he was out of St. Mary's and was highly recommended, so he probably can spell everything out for you.
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