Percolation test

A percolation test (colloquially called a perc test) is a test to determine the water absorption rate of soil (that is, its capacity for percolation) in preparation for the building of a septic drain field (leach field) or infiltration basin. The results of a percolation test are required to design a septic system properly. In its broadest terms, percolation testing observes how quickly a known volume of water dissipates into the subsoil of a drilled hole of known surface area. While every jurisdiction will have laws regarding the exact calculations for the length of line, depth of pit, etc., the testing procedures are the same.

In general, sandy soil will absorb more water than soil with a high concentration of clay or where the water table is close to the surface.

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