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What To Do If Your Land Fails A Perc Test

What To Do If Your Land Fails A Perc Test? (Your Options)

Written by Soils Inc. on . Posted in soil testing.

So, your land failed a perc test. Ugh, right?

You probably imagined building your dream home, setting up that cabin, or finally starting that off-grid lifestyle, and now you’re staring at a failed test and wondering what’s next.

The good news is that it’s not game over. There are still ways to make the land work for you.

In this post, we’ll show you what to do if your land fails a perc test.

What Does It Mean If Your Land Fails A Perc Test?

A perc test (short for percolation test) is basically a soil drainage test. It tells the county or health department how well your soil can absorb water. 

This is super important for installing a septic system. 

If water just sits in the ground and doesn’t soak in fast enough, it can back up into your yard or pollute nearby water sources.

So, if your land fails, it usually means the soil is too dense (think clay-heavy), too rocky, or just holds too much water. And unfortunately, that means a traditional septic system won’t work there without some extra planning.

What Does It Mean If Your Land Fails A Perc Test

Also Read: How Much Does Stormwater Management Cost?

What To Do If Your Land Fails A Perc Test?

A failed test sounds like a huge roadblock, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your plans. 

In many cases, there’s still a way forward and you just might need to get creative, do a little extra legwork, or consider a different type of setup.

Let’s go through some practical steps you can take next:

#1 Double-Check The Results

Before making any big decisions, it’s smart to make sure the failed perc test was accurate. 

Soil conditions can change depending on the location, time of year, or even recent weather. If the test was only done in one spot, there’s a chance another area on your land could pass. 

You might want to try testing in a different location or wait until a drier season if the ground was especially wet the first time around. 

It’s also totally fair to bring in a second opinion, like hiring a private soil expert or engineer to retest and double-check things. 

Sometimes what looks like a failure at first can be worked around with just a little more information.

Also Read: How Much Does A Perc Test Cost?

#2 Talk To The Local Health Department Or A Septic Designer

This is your next best move. Your local health department knows all the rules and might have already seen land like yours before. 

They can walk you through your options, point you to qualified septic system designers, and explain what kinds of systems are allowed in your area.

You can also go straight to a licensed septic designer or soil engineer. 

These people know how to work around tricky soil and failed perc tests. They’ve probably seen it all and can usually suggest a custom plan.

Do This If Your Land Fails A Perc Test

This isn’t something you need to figure out alone so lean on the people who do this every day.

#3 Explore Alternative Septic Systems

Just because your land can’t handle a standard septic system doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. There are modern systems made specifically for tough soils and low drainage.

Here are a few that might work:

For example, mound systems raise the drain field above ground level using sand or gravel to help with absorption. Aerobic treatment units use oxygen to break down waste and are great for properties where the soil just won’t cooperate. 

There are also sand filter systems and drip distribution systems that release water slowly or clean it more thoroughly before it even hits the soil. 

These systems usually cost more and need regular maintenance though.

#4 Consider Land Modifications

Sometimes the land just needs a little help. You might be able to improve the drainage enough to pass a future perc test or make a septic system possible with a few changes.

This might include:

  • Bringing in sand or gravel to loosen up compact soil
  • Digging out poor soil and replacing it with more suitable layers
  • Re-grading parts of the property to direct water runoff away
  • Installing drainage systems like French drains or dry wells

These types of fixes aren’t cheap, but in some cases, they’re worth it – especially if you’re set on building in that specific spot.

#5 Look Into Off-Site Solutions

This one’s not always an option, but sometimes it works. 

If you own neighboring land, or know someone who does, you might be able to install your septic system on a nearby lot instead. You’d need an easement agreement and health department approval, but it’s been done.

Also Read: How Much Does A Septic System Cost?

Another long shot: if there’s a public sewer line somewhere nearby, you might be able to pay to tap into it. It’s not cheap, but if it’s possible, it could save you the trouble of dealing with septic altogether.

Again, the health department can tell you if any of these are even on the table.

#6 Change How You Use The Land

If none of the above options pan out (or they’re just too expensive) you might decide to shift your plans for the land. And that’s okay, too. It doesn’t mean the land’s useless. It just might not be ideal for a full-time home with plumbing.

Here are a few other ideas:

  • Use the land for recreational purposes (like hunting, camping, or hiking)
  • Set up a small off-grid structure without plumbing
  • Build a garage, workshop, or storage barn
  • Lease or sell the land to someone with different plans

Some people even hang onto failed-perc land just to wait it out. If the area grows and sewer lines extend nearby, your land could become much more valuable in the future.

Bottom Line

If your land fails a perc test, you still have plenty of options. You can try a second test, look into alternative septic systems or modify the land.

Plus, even if a traditional septic system isn’t possible, there’s often a way to make the property usable. 

The key is staying flexible, doing your research, and asking the right people for help.

Man Digging Soil, Land With Shovel, Making Garden Beds For Spring Planting Of Potatoes. Good Harvest. Family Farming, Self Cultivation Of Healthy, Natural Eco Friendly Bio Food,vegetables.countryside

How Much Does A Soil Test Cost In Virginia?

Written by Soils Inc. on . Posted in perc testing, soil testing. No Comments on How Much Does A Soil Test Cost In Virginia?

Looking to get your soil tested in Virginia but not sure about the costs?

The price can depend on a few things, like the type of test you need, where you’re located in Virginia, and whether you’re testing for basic nutrients or something more specific.

In this post, we’ll go over the most common soil tests available in Virginia, what each one costs, and what factors might affect the final price.

Plus, we’ll also break down how much our soil tests cost.

Our Soil Testing Prices

Female Hand Of Expert Farmer Collect Soil And Checking Soil Health Before Growth A Seed Of Vegetable

We offer many different soil testing options here at our facility in Richmond Virginia.

We know price matters, so we keep our prices competitive and make sure they’re clear upfront. Let’s look at all the different tests we offer and what they cost:

Standard SIS CP (Soils Investigation With Construction Permit)

This is the full package: a complete soil investigation for your construction permit, plus help with determining the location for your drain field and preparing your conventional septic permit.

  • In Hatfield: $2,500
  • In Fairfax (FFX): $3,500

SIS CL (Soils Investigation With Certification Letter)

If you don’t need a full septic design but just need a soil investigation and certification letter, this is the option for you. It’s a simpler process but still ensures you get the necessary documentation for your permit.

  • In Hatfield: $1,750 – $2,000
  • In Fairfax (FFX): $2,000+

Keep in mind that costs can vary depending on the specifics of your site.

Check out our 5-Star Rated Soil Testing in Virginia

Average Soil Test Cost In Virginia

The average cost of a soil test in Virginia is around $10 – $5000. There are different types of soil tests, so the final cost really depends on what you need to know about your soil.

If you just want to check the pH or basic nutrients, you’ll pay less. 

But if you need a detailed analysis or want to test multiple samples, or do specialized tests, expect to pay more.

Let us go over the averages of each soil test:

Basic Soil Test

The basic soil test is the most budget-friendly option. 

It tells you the important stuff about your soil’s health – things like whether it’s acidic or alkaline (that’s the pH), and what nutrients it has. It checks for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are the main nutrients your plants need to grow well.

A basic soil test costs around $10 – $50 in Virginia.

It’s perfect if you’re just starting a garden or want to check different areas of your yard.

Comprehensive Soil Test

When you want to know more about your soil, a comprehensive test is the way to go. 

Besides checking the basic nutrients, it also looks at other minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. It can tell you about organic matter in your soil and how well it holds onto nutrients.

Comprehensive soil tests usually cost between $100 – $500 in Virginia. 

Farmers and landscapers often choose this test, but it’s great for anyone who wants to really understand their soil.

Geotechnical / Pre-Construction Soil Testing Cost

If you’re planning to build something or do major landscaping work, you’ll need geotechnical or pre-construction soil testing. 

These tests tell you if your soil is strong enough to support construction. They check things like how much weight the soil can hold, how wet it is, and how compact it is.

The average cost of a geotechnical soil test in Virginia is usually between $1000 – $5000. 

Sure, it’s expensive, but it’s a MUST if you’re building something to make sure the foundation will be stable.

Check Out Our Richmond Geotechnical Soil Testing Service.

Contamination Testing

If you’re worried about pollution in your soil or your property used to have industrial activity, you’ll want to get contamination testing done. 

This test looks for harmful substances like lead, petroleum, pesticides and other pollutants and solvents. It’s really important if you plan to grow food in the soil.

Specific contaminant soil testing in Virginia usually cost around $5 – $50. 

The price changes based on what specific contaminants you want to test for.  

Heavy Metal Testing

Testing for heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium is important because these substances can harm both plants and people. This kind of test is especially important if you live in or near a city, close to old industrial areas, or anywhere that might have pollution problems.

Heavy metal tests typically cost around $70 – $200 in Virginia. The price depends on how many different metals you want to test for. 

It’s one of the more expensive tests, but it’s necessary if you want to make sure your soil is safe for growing food.

Soil Fertility Testing

Soil fertility testing gives you a detailed look at your soil’s nutrients and how well it can support plants. This test is really helpful for farming because it tells you exactly what your soil needs. 

It looks at major nutrients, minor nutrients, and organic content to give you a complete picture of your soil’s health.

The average cost for soil fertility testing in Virginia is between $20 and $100. 

Farmers often use these tests to figure out exactly what fertilizers they need to use.

Factors That Can Affect Soil Test Costs

While the prices listed above give you a general idea of what to expect, there are a number of factors that can affect the cost of soil testing.

Some of these factors include:

Location

Hand Of Expert Farmer Collect Soil And Checking Soil Health Before Growth A Seed Of Vegetable.

Your location in Virginia has a big effect on soil testing costs. 

If you’re in bustling areas like Northern Virginia or Richmond, you’ll usually pay more because everything from labor to rent costs more in these areas. Labs in these regions often have more sophisticated equipment and can offer faster turnaround times.

Rural areas generally offer more competitive pricing, but don’t forget to factor in shipping costs if you need to mail your samples. 

Some labs even offer mobile testing services in certain areas, though this usually comes with an additional fee.

Also Read: Does A Septic Tank Need A Vent?

Type Of Soil Test

As we’ve seen, different soil tests have different prices. 

Simple tests don’t cost much, but specialized tests like contamination testing cost more. 

This is because the equipment needed for advanced testing is more sophisticated and expensive, and these tests often require more time and expertise to perform. 

Some tests also need special handling or preparation of samples, which adds to the cost. 

If you need multiple types of tests, many labs offer package deals that can save you money compared to ordering each test separately.

Number Of Samples

Testing multiple samples will increase your total cost. 

Most labs charge per sample, but some offer discounts if you test multiple samples at once. It’s worth asking about this when you get your price quote. The number of samples you need often depends on the size of your property and how the soil varies across different areas.

 For example, if you have both a vegetable garden and a flower bed, you might want separate tests because these areas could have different soil conditions. 

Some labs offer volume pricing tiers – the more samples you test, the less you pay per sample.

Turnaround Time

If you need your results quickly, you might have to pay more. 

Regular testing usually takes 7 to 14 days which works fine for most people, but you can get faster results if you’re willing to pay extra. 

Rush services can get you results in 1-3 days, but you’ll pay a premium, usually 50-100% more than the standard rate. Some labs even offer same-day or next-day results for urgent situations.

Remember that busy seasons (like early spring when everyone’s preparing their gardens) might mean longer wait times unless you pay for expedited service.

Additional Services

Sometimes you need more than just the basic test results, and that’s where additional services come in. 

Services like getting recommendations from scientists, having someone come out to collect your samples properly, or getting consultations about your results can add $50-200 to your bill. 

Many labs offer package deals that include multiple services at a discount. 

Some even provide ongoing monitoring services or seasonal testing programs, which can be valuable for farms or large properties. 

Bottom Line

A basic soil test costs around $10 – $50 in Virginia, but most people end up spending between $100 and $500 for a good, thorough analysis that tells them exactly what they need to know.

If you need geotechnical soil testing, be prepared to spend up to $5,000.

But remember – spending money on soil testing now can save you from costly mistakes with fertilizers and help you get the most out of your soil in the long run.