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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.

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.

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.

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.