Can anyone tell me why one would need a perc test for land? What does it have to do with toxic waste? I have land for sale that a sewage line runs across so no need for a septic tank, what kind of testing do I need?

I don't know the specifics of your case, but generally, a perc test is checking home much water the ground/soil will absorb.

If the area has had toxic substances on it, a perc test may be able to give you an idea if/how much of the toxins have made there way into the water table.

I'm no expert and would suggest you talk to your broker about the specifics of the case. I am curious, though, to know why this has come up.

Soil Percolation Tests
The percolation test is designed to determine the suitability of a site for a subsurface private sewage disposal system (i.e. septic system). More specifically, a percolation test measures the ability of the soil to absorb liquid. Septic system designers use the results of percolation tests to properly construct septic systems. In DuPage County, the witnessed percolation test is the primary means by which the suitability of a lot for a septic system is determined.

The percolation tests are designed to simulate conditions in a septic system. Most septic fields consist of a series of trenches about two feet deep. Therefore, the percolation test holes are dug to a depth of two feet. In addition, since the soil in a typical septic field is wet all the time, it is necessary to duplicate that condition by prolonged soaking of the test holes. This process is called the "presoak".

"Seasonal" or "perched" water tables within 48 inches of the surface will interfere with the proper operation of a septic system. Thus a 48-inch test hole must be dug in the lowest area of the proposed septic field area. The presence of water and/or certain types of soils in the 48-inch test hole determine the seasonal high water table. Therefore, the 48-inch test hole should be wide enough (Minimum 8") to allow a complete visual inspection by the percolation test technician.

regarding the sewage line, if it is a public sewer, get a letter from the county that the hookup is available. just because there is a line there, doesn't mean that they can hook into it. they need county approval for that. at least here they do, and it can be quite pricy.

Thanks for all the info. I still am not clear though, will this test let me know if there are high concentrations of toxic waste? My mentor and several other agents have insisted this is the case. My hubby who is in the construction business keeps telling me if I tell people to get a Perc test to make sure the land is not on a toxic waste dump, I will sound like a complete dope! I don't care who is right, just want to know the correct answer. I hate sounding like a dope, especially in business.

A "perc" test is just what the name implies; a test to ensure the land is permeable enough to absorb liquids from a septic system drain field.

A perc test has absolutely nothing to do with analyzing the soil for toxic waste residue or anything else.

Generally whoever is doing the perc test bores a series of circular holes about 2 feet deep, fills them with water, and times how long it takes the water to be absorbed (or 'perc', short for percolate) into the soil.

If all the water percs out of the hole within an alloted time that ground will probably support a septic system.

Listen to your husband; whoever is telling you this test has anything to do with detecting toxic waste is very mistaken.

If there are concerns about a toxic waste dump or toxic substances on the land, an Environmental Site Assessment Report is what you need to determine that.

Be prepared to write a much larger check for one of these as compared to a perc test.

Okay how much did my husband pay you to say that? Lol

AGENT BAUER....CHANGE OFFICES QUICKLY! YOUR HUSBAND IS COMPLETELY RIGHT AS WELL AS THE OTHER ANSWERS HERE. I BELIEVE THEY CALL THE SITE ASSESSMENT A "PHASE 1" WHEN TESTING FOR TOXIC MATERIALS

There are a lot of people out there with land they cannot sell, usually flood plain land, who do nothing but look for new / inexperienced agents to list their land and hope for a buyer.

what james said.

rick, what in the world did that have to do with her question? lol

My point is that if she doesn't know what a perc test is why in the world did she take that listing.

Why didn't she go to her broker and simply say, "Mr broker, I am about to take a listing on a peice of land, can you give me a checklist of items that might be of concern to my client and any potential buyers?" One fo the first items on this would have been a perc test and/or a phase one environmental study (if there was initial concern)....

The point of the matter is that she should understand there are people out there who have purchased land in which they did not do their do diligence. They are now faced with trying to find 1. a hungry agent who won't ask a lot of questions prior to listing 2. a buyer who will not know any better to get a lot of items investigated prior to buying land.

I am not saying this is the case, but it sure looks fishy when the word(s) "toxic" "potential sewage leak" come into play!

SORRY FOR BEING SO HONEST! But this actually might save her from a potential law suit.

What she didn't specify is whether the land was hers or a listing. Because she is an agent, I just assumed it was a listing, if not, she still should have asked her broker for a land checklist!!

One thing we learned in our Ethics Update class is that if you are not sure of what you're doing, you need to either take on a more experienced partner for the listing or refer it out. It sounds like other people in your office are giving you guidance, but they aren't taking on the listing.

This customer can possibly sue later since you are working outside of your area of expertise. If you want to keep the listing, you should partner with someone in your office. Otherwise, take the referral fee. It sounds like you may be putting your broker, the customer, and yourself in jeopardy.

This listing of land is my Mother In Law. That is the only reason I took it. I do not do land.