Perc Test Cost: What Decides the Price and Whether You Need One to Build

There is no published price, so ask your local agency first

Under Pennsylvania's Sewage Facilities Act, the sewage enforcement officer (SEO) is the local agency official who issues and reviews permit applications and carries out the investigations and inspections the Act requires. DEP's SEO page lists a Site Investigation and Percolation Test Report form for on-lot sewage disposal and links to a search of active SEOs by county. To learn what a perc test will cost for your property, contact your township or county local agency or its SEO.

• DEP uses a form called the Site Investigation and Percolation Test Report for on-lot sewage, so expect both a site investigation and a perc test.
• Ask your local agency what it charges for the SEO's review and testing on your lot.
• The Act defines qualified soil scientists, engineers and geologists with on-lot soils experience. Ask your SEO whether your lot needs their work too.

You need a perc test when the house will use an on-lot septic system

The deciding question is how the house will handle sewage. The Sewage Facilities Act requires a permit to install an individual sewage system, and the SEO investigates the site before issuing it. If a public or community sewer will serve the lot, check with your municipality about which permit path applies.

• On-lot septic for a new house: plan on the permit process and its site testing.
• Lot on a public or community sewer: ask your municipality which sewage permit rules apply.
• Buying land: the Act requires sewage disclosure statements in certain land sale contracts, so read the disclosure before you commit.

A do-it-yourself perc test won't count for the permit

The Act gives investigations for on-lot permits to the SEO. DEP certifies SEOs through a soils course, a training academy and an exam, and certification is renewed on a two-year cycle.

• Your own test can't replace the SEO's investigation for the permit.
• SEOs must pass a DEP-approved soils exam, attend the academy in full and pass the certification exam.

Find the Sewage Enforcement Officer for your county

DEP links a searchable list of active SEOs by county through the PA Clean Water Academy.

• Search DEP's Active SEOs by County list to find who covers your municipality.
• Ask what the fee is, what the site investigation involves and what you need to prepare.

What getting an estimate from B&K has looked like

B&K is licensed or registered and insured. This section comes from B&K's Google reviews and is not a promise. One reviewer, Ralph Smith, got a fair estimate for a trailer pad by phone within 15 minutes because Bob knew the area. Nancy Saxton-Mattie had her estimate the same evening as the visit.

• Reviewers say the person who calls back often comes out, looks at the area and writes the estimate.
• Ralph Smith's final bill came in slightly under the estimate, with no hidden costs.
• Susanna Hummer says they will work with you on what you can afford.

Common questions